Victory for Everyday Living

Today's Scripture

"Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever."
(Psalm 145:2)

Today's Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

Christians experience daily obstacles and struggles just as anyone else does, sometimes even more. But even though you aren't immune to life's day-to-day challenges, you have the power of Jesus Christ to overcome them, and that's no joke! Do you know that His power is available every single day to help you win not only the big battles you encounter, but the little battles that go on as well? God has an abundant life in store for you that is filled with His promise of victory even over the little things in your life that may seem so big to you at the moment. There is nothing under the sun that can ever prevent you from being all that God wants you to be... NOTHING! — So, surrender any doubt or fear and resolve to believe Gods Word in every area and concern in your life, and remember to choose victory and not claim defeat, especially in the words you speak, then live your new life with the walk of victory and the attitude of a Champion over every obstacle that comes your way and celebrate the New Year with all that God has in store for you. Don't doubt it, shout it... I have the victory over the enemy!!!

A Prayer for Today

God, I praise You for the daily victory you give to Your children. It's a blessing to know that I can bring every problem I have to you, no matter how small. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Prosper and Increase

Today's Scripture

"I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.." (3 John 1:2)

Today's Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

Do you know that God is interested in even the smallest details of your life? He wants you to prosper and "increase" in your emotions, your work and your relationships. Look at all of these areas, and others in your life, and see just how prosperous you really are. If there is any area of your life where you are not prospering and enjoying God's best, then perhaps there is something you may need to hand over to God. Some things in your life may need to be "weeded out". Do yourself a favor prior to the New Year and take an inventory today, and see how God wants you to grow in every area of your life, then watch what happens!

A Prayer for Today

God, give me strength to clean out any area of life in which I'm not prospering. If there is a critical area in me that needs to grow, give me Your favor and help me to grow in that and every area of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

It's in God's Timing

Today's Scripture

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."
(Proverbs 16:9)

Today's Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

This world is a fast paced place where people want things "my way, in my time and for my life, the way I want it." Many people think that the world will give them what they are trying to get . . . and that it's up to them to take what they want whenever they want it. But that's simply not true. Yes, you are called to action and you must go out there and live life, but God has blessings for you that He wants you to be patient and wait on. You can plan your whole life, all the way to the end, but the Bible says that the Lord determines your steps, not you. Give yourself over to Him and be patient and wait upon the Lord and His blessings and watch what happens!

A Prayer for Today

God, help me not to be impatient, but to wait upon You and what You want to bless me with. Give me the strength not to give in to the way the world runs life, because I know that You have all of my steps designed. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

The Invasion

Today's Scripture

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:14)

Today's Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

This is the greatest season of the year because it allows wonderful opportunities, that you might not otherwise have during the rest of the year, to share the good news of the real Christmas story with friends, family and acquaintances: Two thousand years ago an incredible event took place, God invaded the earth! Recalling history, we have experienced the invasion at Normandy and it stopped people in their tracks all over the world. Imagine? Then, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon and the whole earth stood in astonishment. Wow! But when God stepped on earth as humbly as could be, Angels sang from Heaven that all would hear the 'Good-News' wherever they were. Who could ever imagine this happening, God coming to earth?

God is with us still today. He invaded the earth to save us from the enemy... Sin. Not fibbing, chewing tobacco or making the occasional mistakes of life that eventually teach us maturity, character and wisdom. He allows us to go through our daily challenges with the promise of a positive outcome, if we will trust in Him completely. But there is something so much greater that God has saved us from, and that is the sin of rejecting Him, forgetting Him and denying Him. God came for the Jew, the Gentile, Muslim, Hindu, the Atheist, Agnostic, the rich, poor, educated, the old and the young. He came for the black, the white, the red, the brown and the yellow. God came to earth in the form of a child, a human being, that we might identify with Him, people across the board from all walks of life. If only we would humble ourselves and come before Him, wise men, becoming at one with our Creator. God allowed us to know that He understands what we go through each and every day of our lives, for He Himself went through it as well, and was born to suffer for each one of us. He [Jesus Christ], identifies with our individual traditions, our daily hurts, needs, pain and our suffering. Remember, if God wanted to speak with the birds, He would have come as a bird, if He wanted to speak to the trees He would have come as a tree, but God wanted to speak to mankind, therefore, He came as a human being understanding, leading, teaching and showing us "The Way" that we might have the life He alone has given to each and every one of us, more abundantly and eternally. God gave His life for each one of us, those He loves, and He did it for His purpose, the purpose that we might have life more abundantly forever with Him our Eternal Father.

So, this Christmas season, remember the invasion that changed mankind forever, an invasion that we celebrate because God is with us. Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere, that Jesus Christ is Born on earth and is with all who has come to Him!


A Prayer for Today

God, it's easy for the true meaning of Christmas to get lost in the busyness of the season. Help me to experience Christmas with the wonder of a child. Just as the wise men did so long ago, I will fall down on my knees and worship the Christ child. Thank you for the gift of Your son.

Filtered for the Father

Today's Scripture

"I will set no evil before my eyes." (Psalm 101:3)

Today's Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

Did you know that what you think in your mind is going to determine the direction and quality of your entire life? The Bible encourages you to think about things that are pure, wholesome, and of a good report (Phil. 4:8). In order to think about the right things, it is important to filter what you watch, read, and listen to. One trick of the enemy is to slowly deceive you into lowering your standards. Don't let the enemy have a single opportunity to pull you down by watching or partaking in things that are questionable, especially be watchful of "conversations that are meant to malign". When you get to the point where your spirit is grieved inside, know you are being set-up by the enemy and seek refuge in Gods Word, you'll be refreshed to continue in your purpose.

Remember, you are a temple of the Holy Spirit. As you fill your thoughts with God's Word, you'll reflect it in every area of life. As you discover His promises, you'll discover the champion in you and begin to live the life you were designed to live. You have a lot to look forward to.

A Prayer for Today

God, I confess that there are inappropriate TV shows, movies, books and conversations that need to be removed from my life so that I may bring honor to you. Help me to replace these with things that are uplifting and wholesome. When I focus on Your promises of peace, joy, safety, deliverance, and provision, I become whole in Your love. Thank you for a future and a hope that is only found through Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name - Amen.

Speak God's Blessing

Today's Scripture

"Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, 'Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!' And God granted him what he requested." (1 Chronicles 4:10)

Today's Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

God wants every area of your life to be successful and wonderful as it pertains to your family, friends, profession, health, fiances, plans and your new year which promises to be filled with Gods blessings. He wants you to be productive, prosperous and fulfilled in every possible way. God has so many wonderful blessings in store for you that if you could know them all right now, you would be so overwhelmed with His goodness that you could not comprehend it all at one time. In 1 Chronicles, a man named Jabez called upon the Lord and asked for the blessings that he knew God had for him – as he prayed claiming Gods promise over his life, God answered Jabez's prayer! If Jabez could realize God's favor in his life, then so can you today. The answer is very simple, and it's amazing: you can ask the same favor that Jabez did from the Lord and expect the same outcome. Seek those blessings today and discover all that God has in store for your new life.

A Prayer for Today

God, give me the strength to call upon Your name and seek what You have for me! Thank You for promising me a blessed life in Your Word. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

What Matters Most

Today's Scripture

"If God is for us, who is against us?" (Romans 8:31)

Today's Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

The Bible says that we are more than conquerors through Christ. Rise up and see yourself as an overwhelming champion in Him! You can be and you will be victorious through Him. The problems that so often intimidate and defeat many people can't have a firm hold on you if you're sold out completely to Christ. Someone who belongs completely to Christ knows the strength and victory that comes through Him. Here's something to remember today: if Christ is on your side, it doesn't really matter who is against you! The opponents you face don't really matter, and don't amount to much, when Christ is standing next to you, you're covered.

A Prayer for Today

God, I know that You are on my side and that the other side doesn't matter. Please give me the strength to stand against the giants that intimidate others. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Think Bigger

Today's Scripture

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Today's Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

When you think about it, the people of this world have always seen much less than God intended to show them. Do you ever have trouble thinking big and trusting God for something big? If you do, you're not alone, because everyone has. But in order to experience all the blessings God has in store for you, you must step out of your small box and dive into the large box of God's love. Sometimes it's difficult to have a God-sized life view and expectations, or to see things the way God does, but when you learn to really trust God in the big and little things going on in your life, you'll see Him do great things for you.

A Prayer for Today

God, Your Word says that You are bigger than I could ever imagine, and I thank You for Your bigger plans for me. Give me the strength to trust You and expect You to do great things in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Words can pollute or purify

Today's Scripture

"Let no foul or polluting language come out of your mouth." (Ephesians 4:29)

Today's Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

Your words have the power to pollute or purify. If you constantly complain or speak to others with a foul tongue, you release poison into your own life. Complaining, cursing, mocking, putdowns and vulgarity is not based on your circumstances, it's based on the attitude of your heart. If you will keep the right attitude during your time of adversity, God will honor you. When you truly trust God there are times you will have unanswered questions, frustrations and disappointments in your circumstances, with others and even at times with yourself –don't let that keep you from fulfilling your destiny.

When you have a heart full of gratitude, it leaves no room for a misdirected tongue. You can always find something to thank God for, no matter what kind of adversity you may face in life. So decide today to live a life of thanksgiving, praise and joy! Learn to see the good in others and in yourself, not with your eyes, but "through" your eyes. See everything with the eye of God and watch what happens almost immediately. The view changes, the attitude changes, the circumstance changes and your life inevitably changes. So remember: Don't allow the poison that sometimes comes from your mouth prevent you from receiving all God has for you!

A Prayer for Today

God, I confess that I don't always keep a positive attitude; I let negative words poison me and those around me. Please forgive me and help me to be joyful and thankful in every situation. I want to look on the bright side of the victorious life you so generously planned for me. In Jesus' name – Amen.

You Simply Can't Lose

Today's Scripture

"Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Today's Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

You must remember that God is not only with you, He is also for you and He is in you! His goodness and mercy follow you everywhere you go, no matter where you go. He has also promised that no matter what path life takes you on, He'll go ahead of you and make the crooked paths straight for you. As long as you're following His path, you simply can't lose! Once you begin to see the future through the eyes of faith and not with eyes of doubt, disbelief and gloom and doom, you'll discover that victory is within your grasp. Begin to see yourself the way God sees you, and it will change your perspective on everything in your life. Remember, there is a Champion in you.

A Prayer for Today

God, thank You for putting every good and perfect thing within my grasp. I know that when I see things the way You see them, I can revolutionize my life! In Jesus' Name. Amen.

The Secret

Today's Scripture

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant." (Philippians 2:5-7)

Today's Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

The Bible says that because Jesus lowered Himself, He is given the name above every other name. Jesus is exalted because He chose to lay down His life instead of turning away, and because He chose to put the good of others ahead of His own good. That is the example that he wants you to follow. Jesus laid down His own life. What are you willing to lay down so that others may experience His life-transforming power? Choose today to live to give, because giving to others is the secret to a life of joy, fruitfulness, and abundance.

A Prayer for Today

God, thank You for sending Your Son as the ultimate example of how to live life. Give me the strength and willingness to lay down anything that I need to so that others can see You through me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Prepare for Growth

Today's Scripture

"The godly shall be firmly planted in the land." (Psalm 37:29)

Today's Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

According to the Bible, you can't just sit on a seed and expect it to grow at the perfect moment. You have to crack the outer shell and plant the seed in order to gain a harvest. Just like a grain or other seed that is planted in the ground, you have to have your outer layer cracked to prepare for growth. This means you have to break down your previous ways of thinking and living and allow Christ to change you and your thoughts. When you allow that change to take place, you will experience true joy and fulfillment of a new life. The best part is that when God's timing comes to pass, you'll be ready to grow up and be productive for Him and discover all that He had planned for you even before you stepped foot on earth.

A Prayer for Today

God, give me the strength to stand and allow myself to be changed by Your hand. I know that when I allow You to plant me in fertile soil, I can bear wonderful fruit. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Relationships That Honor God

Today's Scripture

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Today's Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

Surround yourself with the right people and you can fulfill any dream God gives you. Put yourself in relationships with people who are not only like-minded, but are also seeking to honor God in their own lives. Here is a thought to consider today: if your friends don't point you toward God's goal for you, then they're not very good friends. You want to be around dream-builders, not dream-crashers! Encouragers, not discouragers! When you prune the relationships around you, you're not cutting things out of your life; you're making room for growth so that you can reach your God-given potential! When you make room for God's best, you can walk away from the lesser things that the world has to offer, and that's not very much.

A Prayer for Today

God, I know You have my best interest in mind and in Your plans. Thank You for placing a dream in my heart and for giving me people to help lead me towards that dream. I pray that my relationships will honor You always. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Live to Give

Today's Scripture

"It is possible to give away and become richer!" (Proverbs 11:24)

Today's Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

Start giving your life away, and before you know it the blessings of God will chase you down and overtake you. You may think that there is very little, if anything, that you can give, but that's just not true. You've got plenty to give because many times giving has nothing to do with money or possessions. You can give a smile, you can give a word of encouragement, or you can give your time. Begin each day with a determination to be a blessing to as many other people as possible. That's a great goal to begin each day chasing!

A Prayer for Today

God, thank You for thinking of me first. Give me the strength and insight to see the needs of others and help fulfill them. I know when I do this I will begin experiencing Your blessing! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Happiness that Transcends

Today's Scripture

"My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." (John 10:10)

Today's Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

God doesn't just want you to be happy, He wants you to be full of joy that's what He created you for...... His joy! You don't have to give yourself a pep talk, and you don't have to pretend every day just to play it off. Something happens that no one can explain when a person turns their life over to God. That supernatural something flows out of you every day when you live your life to the fullest for the glory of God. When you live life to the fullest, you'll seek to bless others and God will make your dreams come true in His name Remember, it's not about you, it's about what God has done in, and will do through you.

A Prayer for Today

God, I know that You have something great for me and I'm excited to know that I can start discovering that right now, today! Thank You for real happiness that isn't forced or faked, it's all because of Your great love poured into me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Fruitful Living

Today's Scripture

"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit." (Matthew 12:33)

Today's Word

God wants you to spend time doing meaningful things with your life. But how can you tell if what you're doing is really the best way to spend your time? One way to find out is to take an inventory of your life to see where your time is being spent. The next step is called "pruning" and it may cause some discomfort at first, but it will be well worth the exercise, because your entire life will take on a new meaning and direction. The old will fade and the new will produce a wonderful new vineyard that is filled with promise, meaning and hope. Pruning is necessary to not only keep healthy growth, but also to make sure that the growth is in the right areas and directions. Your thought process should start with, "How can I make more room for God's purpose in my life?" God's purpose is so much greater than anything else that you could ever put your time into. Go through the pruning process to produce and discover all that God has promised and purposed for you and then you will discover a whole new direction, purpose and plan that is going to produce so much fruit that you will actually become healthier physically, psychologically and spiritually.

A Prayer for Today

God, thank You that You have the very best in mind for me. I know that I must go through some uncomfortable pruning, but when I finish, I'll be ready to spend my time with you! In Jesus' name. Amen.

What You See Is What You Get

Today's Scripture

"I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power." (Philippians 4:13)

Today's Word

The things that you believe about yourself will probably come to pass. If you see yourself happy, then you will probably be happy. If you see yourself well, you may have good health. The Bible says that you can do all things through the strength of Christ. All you have to do is believe it. God is going before you, making your paths straight and surrounding you with His favor. The Bible also says that His blessings will chase you and overtake you! The key is to make God the center of your focus. Problems shrink when you put your focus on the Him!

A Prayer for Today

God, thank you for the strength and victory that comes only from You. May I have the boldness and strength to see things the way You do and to have a victorious vision. In Jesus' name. Amen

You're No Accident!

Today's Scripture

"So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step." (1 Corinthians 9:26)

Today's Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

When you're living according to your purpose, there's nothing in this world that can stop you. You can develop a vision of victory in your life knowing that God can handle anything that comes your way. The Bible says that "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world." Simply shake off anything that the enemy throws at you and don't let it hinder or bother you. Lift your eyes to God - when you magnify him, the obstacles in your life will become so much smaller.

A Prayer for Today

God, thank you for my purpose and my placement. I know that You intended me to live right where I am today. May I live boldly and step out to grasp those things that You have called me to do. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Are We There Yet?

Today’s Scripture

So stop evaluating Christians by what the world thinks about them or by what they seem to be like on the outside. Once I mistakenly thought of Christ that way, merely as a human being like myself. How differently I feel now! When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:16-17 - TLB)

Today’s Word from Pastor Marty McGrail

Not long ago we had the privilege of taking my granddaughter Lucia to Disney World. As the departure date neared each of us excitingly packed our bags, did last minute shopping for sun-screen, toothpaste and all of the essentials for the journey. Finally, the day came and we all got up before sunrise, put our bags in the car and began driving to the airport. As we got just about 15 miles from home Lucia innocently asked the same question I badgered my parents with over 50 years ago, “Are we there yet?” Every so often my baby-girls eagerness to arrive would ring out, “Are we there yet Pop-pop?” Lucia, in her youth (immaturity) never realized we had to drive up Route 36 then to the Parkway, the Turnpike, Route 9, the airport spur, park the car, go through the baggage check, “Are we there yet Pop-pop?” through security, to the gate, board the plan, “Are we there yet Pop-pop?” Pick-up the baggage, find Avis, find the rental car in the parking lot, drive down US 1, find the hotel, etc., etc., “Are we there yet Pop-pop?” Remember those days when your mother would say, “One day you're going to have kids just like you….?”

When you became a “Christian” the Bible says that God just began a good-work in you and , you’re not there yet, and He is not finished you with you. You may continue to feel, I’m never going to change, I can’t live this “Christian” life. I still smoke, drink, curse, lust and doubt. I’m still impatient with the children, my spouse and others around me, Then comes the discouragement, the lie from your enemy, I’ll never get better, I’ll always be broke, I’ll never meet Mr. or Mrs. Right, my marriage will never be restored, or my kids will never stop their bad behavior. Sound familiar? “Are we there yet?!?!” People today want immediate results, instant gratification, because of spiritual immaturity, and when they don't get it, mistakenly, they seek to give up. Don't! Life is a journey; it has road blocks, challenges and disappointments that sometimes re-route us, you're not there yet, thank God. Remember, God is on this journey with you, guarding and guiding you all the way. Every new day He gives you brings you closer to your destination, and you are not ready to arrive there just yet. Don’t look back, don’t keep looking at your watch or the calendar, stay focused and do not abort the journey God has prepared you for just because you’re not arriving on your own time-frame. Friend, you are going to arrive when He gets you exactly where He wants you to be, when He wants you to be there. “Are we there yet?” Enjoy the journey because your new life and the destination is going to be wonderful.

A Prayer for Today

God, thank you for your patience with me, sometimes I forget that You are God and I’m your child. Help me to grow closer and closer to You each and every day and not to focus on my own agenda, but rather on how much You love me and want the very best for me. Thank you Father for always showing me the right way to go and for understanding my immaturity at times. Amen.

Focused on Your Purpose

Today’s Scripture

“Let’s keep focused on the goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision-you’ll see it yet!" (Philippians 3:15 – The Message)

Today’s Word

Nothing is more powerful than a focused life; it removes all doubt, fear, anxiety and inferiority. Focus can change a nation, it can change a life. Two thousand years ago a king named Herod was told of the birth of a little child, named Immanuel (God is with us), and immediately focused his attention on destroying Gods gift to all mankind, Hope. Herod lived a life filled with the fear of losing all he thought he had, he portrayed superiority thou he was filled with inferiority, Herod lost control and ultimately his life because of his lack of focus on what was to come, Joy to the world.

Today, begins the Christmas season, it should be a season of giving, a season of hope and a season of compassion. Jesus spoke, “I was hungry and you wouldn't feed me; thirsty, and you wouldn't give me anything to drink; a stranger, and you refused me hospitality; naked, and you wouldn't clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn't visit me.’” Then they will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?' "And I will answer, 'When you refused to help the least of these my brothers, you were refusing help to me.' (Matthew 25: 42 -TLB). Real joy will fill your heart, home, your workplace and life when you focus on Gods purpose. Reach, give someone hope, just a smile, an encouraging word, a breath of peace, a wink or an invitation, it’ll cost you nothing, but will give you everything. This season, get out of yourself, no matter what anyone else says, no matter how hard someone tries to steel or destroy your joy, worship Immanuel by bringing His Good-News of Hope and true Love to your surroundings. Make this day count.

A Prayer for Today

God, help me today to take my sight off of the things that really do not matter and help me to focus on what matters most, Your love. Use my hands, my eyes, my voice, my ears, my feet, my money and all that You have given me to bless all You would have me bless. My life is Yours and I want to focus on Your purpose in putting me where I am today. Amen.