Just Be You

Today's Scripture

Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. [Galatians 6:4-5]

Today's Word

Dare to be happy with who you are right now. Many social, physical, and emotional problems stem from the fact that people don't like themselves. They are uncomfortable with how they look, how they speak, or how they act. They don't like their personality. They are always comparing themselves with other people, wishing they were something different from what they really are.

You were not created nor designed to mimic somebody else friend. You were created to be you. You can be happy with who God made you to be, and quit wishing you were something different. If God had wanted you to look like anyone else, He would have made you look like them. If God had wanted you to have a different personality, He would have given you that personality. When you go around trying to be like somebody else, not only does it demean you, it steals your uniqueness.

God doesn't want a bunch of clones. He likes variety, and you should not let people pressure you or make you feel badly about yourself because you don't fit their image of who you should be. Be an original, not a copycat. Dare to be different; be secure in who God made you to be and then go out and be the best that you can be. You don't need anybody else's approval. God has given us all different gifts, talents, and personalities on purpose. Learn to be happy with who God made you to be then you will begin living a full life of victory.
A Prayer for Today
Lord, thank You for making me who I am. It is in me that I am beginning to see Your workmanship, it is in me that I am beginning to see Your purpose, love and commitment to Your people, how blessed I am that You designed me to just be me. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Genesis 1:1-31, Genesis 9:1-7, Mark 12:13-17.

The Mind of A Winner

Today's Scripture

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" [Romans 8:31]

Today's Word

Ten of the twelve Hebrew spies sent by Moses into Canaan to check out the opposition came back to Moses and said, "It is a land that is flowing with milk and honey, but there are some giants in the land and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers. They're too strong. We'll never be able to defeat them" [Numbers 13]. Compared to the giants, the mental image they had of themselves was as small, helpless little grasshoppers. The battle was lost before it ever began, they had already been defeated.

On the other hand there was Joshua and a guy named Caleb who had a totally different report for Moses. "We saw the land also, and we are well able to posses the land. Yes, there are some giants there, but our God is much bigger then they are. Because of Him, we are well able. Let's go in at once and posses the land." Faced with the same giants, these two believed God and refused to see themselves as little old grasshoppers. Instead, they saw themselves as God's men, led and empowered by God Himself, they knew they couldn't fail if they maintained their purpose and was about God's business in living their life as it was intended. They just lived; and left the rest to God.

What an incredible truth! You and I are "more then able" people, but sometimes we forget our potential. Not because we are so powerful, wealthy, smart, educated or "connected", but because our God is so powerful. Friend, God already has enough "grasshoppers." He wants you to be an "I can" person, someone who is willing, ready, and "well able" to do what He commands. You must learn how to cast down those negative thoughts that we all have had and begin to see yourself as God sees you and created you. You must reprogram your mind with God's Word [get into it]; and change that negative, defeated self-image, and start seeing yourself as a winner.

Remember: You were created to possess the land; not be possessed by the land.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, with You on my side I know I can do all things, You have given me all that I need to posses the land and conquer the enemy help me never to forget that as I bring You glory in the way I think and live my purpose. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Exodus 1:15-22, Luke 23:50-56, Acts 4:23-31, Deuteronomy 33:26-29, John 16:17-33.

Change Your Focus

Today's Scripture

"But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day." [Proverbs 4:18]

Today's Word

God loves to use ordinary people just like you and me, faults and all, to do extraordinary things. My question to you today is: Are you allowing your weaknesses and insecurities to keep you from being your best? Are you letting feelings of inadequacy keep you from believing God for bigger things? God wants to use you in spite of your weaknesses. Don't focus on your weaknesses; focus on your God.

You may not feel capable in your own strength, but that's okay. The apostle Paul said, "When I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10). God's Word states that He always causes us to triumph. He expects us to live victoriously. He is not pleased when we mope around with a "poor me" attitude. When you do that, you're allowing your self-image to be shaped by non-biblical concepts that are contrary to God's opinions of you. This sort of poor self-image will keep you from exercising your God-given gifts and authority, and it will rob you from experiencing the abundant life your heavenly Father wants you to have.

You can change the image you have of yourself. Start by agreeing with God. Remember, God sees you as strong and courageous, as a man or woman of great honor and valor. He sees you as being more than a conqueror. Start seeing yourself as God sees you. Quit making excuses and start stepping out in faith, doing what God has called you to do.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, help me to begin seeing myself the way You see me, strong and courageous and of honor and valor. Guide me, as today I take the first steps to doing what You designed and created me to do and be. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Psalm 8:1-9, Luke 12:4-12, Romans 12:1-8.

Letting Go

Today's Scripture

"You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of our past. You'll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again." [Isaiah 58:12 - The Message]

Today's Word

We live in a society that loves to make excuses, and one of our favorite phrases is: "It's not my fault." But the truth is, if we are bitter and resentful, it's because we are allowing ourselves to remain that way. We've all had negative things happen to us. If you look hard enough, anyone can make excuses and blame the past for his bad attitude, poor choices, or hot temper.

You may have valid reason. You may have gone through things that nobody deserves to experience in life-physical, verbal, sexual, or emotional abuse. Maybe you've struggled with a chronic illness or an irreparable physical problem. Maybe your dreams didn't work out. I don't mean to minimize those difficult experiences, but if you want to live in victory, you can't let your past poison your future.

It's time to allow emotional wounds to heal, to let go of your excuses and stop feeling sorry for yourself. It's time to get rid of your victim mentality. Nobody-not even God-ever promised that life would be fair. Quit comparing your life to someone else's, and quit dwelling on what could or should have been. Quit asking questions such as, "Why this?" or "Why that?" or "Why me?" Let go of those hurts and pains. Forgive the people who did you wrong. Forgive yourself for the mistakes you've made. Today can be a new beginning if you will let go of your past and embrace today.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, Every once in a while I need to be reminded just how far You have brought me, protected me and sustained me, I give You thanks by living my life each day the way You designed me to live, Victoriously and with purpose. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.


ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
1 Samuel 7:12, Matthew 15:33, 1 Kings 12:30,, 16:1-7, 1 Corinthians 10:11.

Shake Off the Baggage

Today's Scripture

"You'll use the old rubble of the past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You'll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again." [Isaiah 58:12 - The Message]

Today's Word

Friend, don't be a prisoner of the past. Some people are always dwelling on their disappointments. They can't understand why their prayers aren't being answered, why their loved one wasn't healed, why they were mistreated. Some people have lived so long in self-pity that it has become part of their identity. They don't realize that God wants to restore what's been stolen.

If you're not willing to let go of the old, don't expect God to do the new. If you've had some unfair things happen to you, make a decision that you're going to quit reliving those things in your memory. Instead, think of good things, things that will build you up and not tear you down, things that will encourage you and give you the hope that there's a brighter tomorrow.

Why? Because your life is going to follow your thoughts. If you're constantly dwelling on all the negative things that have happened to you, focused on the mistakes you've made and what you've done wrong, then you're perpetuating that problem. You will never be truly happy as long as you harbor bitterness in your heart.

You may even need to forgive God. Perhaps you've been blaming Him for taking one of you loved ones or because your situations didn't work out after you prayed about it. If you don't deal with it, you will wallow in self-pity. You must let go of those negative attitudes and the accompanying anger if you're going to ever live the life that God intended for you. Get rid of all the excess baggage you've been carrying and begin living a life of purpose. Make today a new beginning by letting go.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, help me to surrender all my issues, both small and large to You. Help me to stop worrying and learning to trust You more, show me how to live today so that I will bring all of the glory to You and You alone. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
John 8:32, Matthew 11:28.

God's On Your Side

Today's Scripture

"Everything is possible for him who believes." [Mark 9:23]

Today's Word

Do you know that God is constantly trying to plant new seeds in your heart? He's constantly trying to get you to conceive, to give up antiquated ideas and small-minded thinking, and spawn new bursts of creativity within. He's trying to fill you with so much hope and expectancy that the seed will grow and burst forth a tremendous harvest in your life and the life of those around you.

Like no other time in your life before, this is your time for increase. You may have been sick for a long time, but this is your time to get well. You may be bound by addictions and bad habits, but this is the time to be set free once and for all, no more fooling around. You may be struggling financially, but this is the time for promotion and increase. The key is to believe, to let the seed take root so it can grow.

Like the young Virgin Mary some 2000 years ago, God wants to overshadow you and bring forth His blessing to earth through you and that's only going to happen through His Spirit and not by your power, knowledge or might. The power of God will come upon you when you surrender to it and will cause immeasurable miracles that go beyond human understanding.

Will you allow that seed to take root? It can happen without a bank loan or having the right education. It can happen in spite of your past, what the critics are telling you or popular opinion. Will you believe?

With God, all things are possible.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, as I surrender myself completely to You, let Your will be done unto me. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
2 Kings 4:6, 2 Kings 13:4-6, 2 Kings 19:31, Luke 5:18-20, Luke 2, Matthew 17:17-20, Mark 9:23, John 6:18-19.

Start Believing For More

Today's Scripture

"Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." [Matthew 9:17]

Today's Word


We serve the God who created the entire universe. Do yourself a favor and don't ever settle for a small view of Him. He wants to do big things and new things in your life, not some day, but right now, today! God wants you to be constantly increasing, to be rising to new heights. He wants to increase you in wisdom and help you make better decisions and choices. He wants to increase you financially, by giving you promotions, fresh ideas, and creativity. He wants to pour out "His far and beyond favor" [Ephesians 2:7]

When you begin to broaden your thoughts and expand your vision you can expect God's provision and favor. Remember, negative thoughts yield negative results; positive thoughts, based on God's promise, yields vineyards.

Friend, it's time to enlarge your vision. In order to begin to live the prosperous life God created you to live; you must start looking at life through eyes of faith, seeing yourself rising to new levels. See your business taking off. See your marriage restored. See your family prospering. You must conceive it and believe it is possible if you ever hope to experience it. If you will get in agreement with God, this can be the greatest time of your life. The Word of God says, with God on your side, you cannot possibly lose. He can make a way when it looks as though there just isn't any way. He can open doors that no man can shut. He can supernaturally turn your life around. So do yourself a favor and get rid of the small-minded thinking and start thinking as God created you to think, like He does! Think big. Think increase. Think abundance. Think more than enough!

A Prayer for Today

Lord, help me to see all that You have provided me with, then help me to learn how to use all of those gifts and blessings to bring all of the glory and honor to You. Teach me how to think as You created me to. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Genesis 15:6, Psalm 18:30, Luke 9:18-20, John 7:3-5. 1 Kings 17:10, 1 Kings 36-38.

Give it up!

Today's Scripture

"Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us." [Hebrews 12:1 - TLB]

Today's Word

While on a mission some years ago I witnessed a malnourished 4 year old child that was wearing the shirt of a 2 year old. The smelly undersized shirt was so dirty, ripped and tight that it dug deep into the little arms of this child and it broke my heart to see her in this condition. After feeding the little girl we presented her young mother with a new shirt. As she tried to remove the old one the child began to cry and scream out begging to leave the old shirt alone, she just would not give it up and for some reason she was horrified, the shirt had become a part of her. While on the plane returning home I thought about that little girl and as I prayed for her I realized there are some dirty things that bind our own lives that we too refuse to give up, things that have become a part of our life and each time we are presented with a way out, like the little girl, we too are so afraid and horrified that we might not be able to live or go on, never realizing that some "issues" no longer fit and are restricting our growth and maturity, holding us back from being all that God created us to be.

Friend, if you are afraid to give up something that is holding you back from being all that God created and designed you to be, be encouraged, because God has a plan for your life and He wants to see it come to pass. Like the little girl, until you give up the dirty old stuff, He can't dress you in the new garment of your future. Within you lies God's incredible plan which He created you to carry out. Sometimes those plans are hindered or blocked from coming to pass because of "issues" that need to be addressed. So, if you are struggling in certain areas of your life, trust and believe God and strip off anything that is slowing you down and holding you back from fulfilling your purpose, and begin today to live freely and lightly, as you become all that God your Father intended you to be.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, I've been holding on to some things that I need to give up so that I can go on and live the life you created me to live, and frankly, I need Your help to overcome. I believe in my heart that today, being at one with You, I will walk out of those "things" that have been holding me down for so long and begin to walk freely as Your child and project Your image wherever I go. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Exodus 9:27-34, Nehemiah 9:28-31, Psalm 80:3,7,19, Matthew 3:6, 2 Corinthians 7:10, John 3:3, John 12:10-11, Acts 3:19,20.

How, When and Where

Today's Scripture

"Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater." [Luke 12:48 - TLB]

Today's Word

The most important thing about giving is not what you give, but giving where God wants you to give.

Begin each day by asking God through prayer, meditation and the reading of His Word where He wants you to dispense His time, talent and money. You have been entrusted as God's Steward, so remember to ask "The Giver of Life" where He wants you to deposit His gift in the world around you today, then go and live your purpose by doing it.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, show me where to go and to whom You would have me dispense your message of Hope through the gifts you have entrusted me with today. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Matthew 13:12, Luke 19:20-27, Acts 9:36-42, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22.

Each Morning

Today's Scripture

"Then Jacob woke up."God lives here!" he exclaimed in terror. "I've stumbled into his home! This is the awesome entrance to heaven!" [Genesis 28:16]

Today's Word

Your time has come. This is the day God has given you to make a difference in you and around you. When God created you He poured all of Himself into you and He intended for you to pour His goodness out on all of the world - and today is the day.

If you woke up today, it's not by accident, nor did you have anything to do with it. You were awakened for a reason, God's reason. You are on earth to make a difference, to shock the earth, you're part of the generation for change and through you many will experience the power of God's love. You have been gifted with the power of healing. Do you know that your smile can actually bring someone hope? Your compassion and forgiveness can restore a broken spirit and your changed thoughts can actually inspire someone to seek God with all of their heart and experience a miracle. This is the day, rejoice and be glad in it for God has chosen you to bring His hope to all the world. Wake up!

A Prayer for Today

Lord, help me today to get up and dress myself in Your glory. Help me to understand and accept my purpose to be a world-changer and help me to follow You closer and closer each day of my life. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Psalm 90:12, Psalm 144:3-4, Matthew 10:39, Mark 8:36-37, John 1:12-13.

Discover the Champion in you

Today's Scripture

"So God made man like his Maker. Like God did God make man; Man and maid did he make them. And God blessed them and told them, "Multiply and fill the earth and subdue it; you are masters of the fish and birds and all the animals. And look! I have given you the seed-bearing plants throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. And I've given all the grass and plants to the animals and birds for their food." Then God looked over all that he had made, and it was excellent in every way. This ended the sixth day." [Genesis 1:27-31]


Today's Word

You weren't created "religious" but you were created with love and to love. You weren't created to "live on your own" but you were created for relationship. You were created out of "abundance" and given abundance. You were created with "purpose" and have been given purpose; you were created "out-of-nothing" and made into something.

Never let the enemy tell you that there is no God, Creator or Designer, just look into a mirror. You are the workmanship of "The Great I AM", the Author and Finisher of all of life, you are more intelligent than any other creation and have unlimited possibilities. As you begin, through relationship with your Father (God) to discover exactly what He had in mind when He created you, you will begin to walk in His ways, His purpose and His likeness. You have been given unimaginable responsibility and creativity and when you begin to operate as intended you'll become a "world-changer" operating with "God-given" authority [power] to overcome "ritual", "lies from the enemy" and "limits", you are who you are because you are your Fathers child.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, help me to discover all You created me to be. Help me to grow, mature and become the child of your dreams. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Genesis 1~2, Psalm 8:6, Psalm 19:1-6, Psalm 139, Romans 9:21.

Wherever you go

Today's Scripture

"I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people." Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ's power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities." [2 Corinthians 12:9 - TLB]


Today's Word

You have an unmistakable characteristic of your Father. You may walk like him, speak or reason like him, smile like him, sing or shout like him or even behave like him. And so it is with God. If people are being draw to you, in spite of you, they may be seeking the One that is in you, not on you. When you have a relationship with God it shows. You don't have to shout "Hallelujah", proclaim an "Amen", or say "Praise the Lord" after every other word, frankly it repels people. But the spirit of God that lives in you is a drawing force so strong that people will seek you out, you don't have to advertise. When they do, they are not looking for you; they are looking for the One that lives within you. It's not your cloths, title, position, affiliation or knowledge; they are seeking the One that touches them through you with genuine, non-judgmental love, compassion and reassuring motivation. They are looking for a blessing, and you are the vessel of God's blessing sent to earth to reach His people; you are the Temple of the living God. So let your light shine from within by keeping plugged-in to your Father ~ when you do it shows.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, fill me with all of Your likeness for I was created to be your touch to the weary, lost and hopeful of this world. Help me to be all you created me to be. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Matthew 5:14-16, Mark 4:21, Mark 4:24-25, John 1:4-5, John 1:8, 1 John 1:5-6.

Enjoy your life

Today's Scripture

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)

Today's Word

If you want to live a joyful and fulfilling life, learn to celebrate each moment of each day. All it really takes is a decision on your part to relish the events, people, and tasks that make up everyday life. Of course, you should have goals. God has put dreams and desires in each person's heart. And there will always be another dream, another challenge just over the horizon. Slow down and enjoy each stage of what He is doing in your life. You don't have to make everything happen today. Pursue the goals that God has planted in you, but don't forget to enjoy each stage of the journey!

A Prayer for Today

Lord, I know that You have planted dreams and goals in me. Help me to pursue them with the awareness that they will happen in Your time, and give me the ability to enjoy where You have me today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Ecclesiastes 1:1-18, Matthew 5:1-12, 1 Timothy 6:3-10.

Learn to enjoy life

Today's Scripture

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalm 23:6)

Today's Word

Far to many people never really manage to enjoy their lives. They spend day after day just going through the motions, hoping things will get better. Maybe you're one of them. If so, listen to this: Your life can be better. You can be the happy, healthy, victorious, and overcoming champion God made you to be! Everything you need to start enjoying life is already inside you. You just need a little help to bring it to the surface. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and help bring out the best in you—because it's already there!

A Prayer for Today

Lord, I know that You have promised to give me everything I need to live a joy-filled life. Thank You for Your blessings, and help me to live a life of joy beginning today. 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

Not long ago, our family was blessed to celebrate my son's wedding. At the reception one of the many desserts being 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 that which was lost or stolen. He'll restore double what was lost!

A Prayer for Today

Lord, 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.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Numbers 6:22-27, Ephesians 3:14-21, Genesis 12:1-7, Ephesians 1:3-14, Psalm 103, Genesis 49:1-28, Luke 2:21-35, Luke 6:27-36.

The Frog

Today's Scripture

"May God who gives patience, steadiness, and encouragement help you to live in complete harmony with each other-- each with the attitude of Christ toward the other." [Romans 15:5 - TLB]


Today's Word

It is said that once there was a little frog who had slipped and fallen into a very deep well. This little frog screamed and yelled at the top of his lungs for someone to come help him out. Eventually, some friends heard his cries and ran to gather around the top of the well. The more the little frog cried out and fearfully screamed, "Help! Help! Someone please help me!" The more his friends would yell back at him. What they were yelling was, "We don't know what to do friend, we can't help you, we have no rope and the well is far too deep for any of us to climb down!" All of a sudden the little frog crying and sobbing began to dramatically inch his way up the sidewall of the well. Amazingly, the more his friends yelled down the shaft, the more determined the little frog became until eventually he reached the top of the well. Once the frog reached the top of the well he and his friends began to celebrate this incredible victory. The little frog thanked his friends over and over again until one of them said, "How did you ever manage to climb up the sides of that well, how did you do it?" The little frog responded, "It was your encouragement that helped me to forget my circumstance and focus on reaching the top." The friend responded, "We weren't encouraging you, we were telling you we didn't know what to do!" The little frog responded back, "I couldn't hear a word you were saying because I'm hard of hearing; I thought you were yelling encouraging words to me and that's why I climbed and climbed and climbed!"

Remember, when someone tells you that you can't, just listen to that that little voice inside of you that says, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" [Philippines 4:13] then climb up out of the hole you find yourself in and celebrate your victory. Train yourself to ignore all negativity and respond only to the encouragement and motivation which is found in God's promise for your life.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, You are my joy, always encouraging me when I begin to slip or fall. I thank You for Your Words of Promise and Hope for they are my Salvation. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Joshua 24:1-15, 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28, 1 Peter 1:1-13, Acts 14:1-28, Romans 1:8-17, Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Timothy 1:1-18.

Nothing beats love

Today's Scripture

"And now these things remain-faith, hope, and love-but the greatest of these is love. Therefore, let love be your greatest aim..." (I Corinthians 13:13-14:1a)


Today's Word

Is love your greatest aim? When you wake up in the morning, do you seek opportunities to show love to others throughout your day, or do you look for ways that you can get ahead and gain status or position?

When you make love your greatest aim, and seek to serve other people regardless of tangible benefit, you close the door to the enemy's plan for your life and open the door for God's abundant blessings to pour out on you!

Disarm the enemy by choosing to walk in love and peace. Refuse to be jealous or selfish, and at all costs, avoid strife. Meditate on I Corinthians 13, and allow God's Word to sink deep into your heart. As you allow God's Word to shape your actions and develop your lifestyle of love, you will discover all that God has created you for and your love life will take on a whole new direction.

Remember: Love is not a feeling; it's an action.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, I will put aside selfish things and focus on love today. Only when I meditate on Your Word do I truly begin to walk in the light and live the life You intended for me. I will aim to love my neighbors and avoid strife...the way Your son taught me to do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Luke 15:1-7, Romans 8:28-39, John 3:1-21, Psalm 136:1-26, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, 1 John 2:1-11, Matthew 5:38-48, Mark 12:28-34, John 21:15-25, Revelation 2:1-7.

Balance is the Key

Today's Scripture

"Be well-balanced, for your enemy goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour." (I Peter 5:8 AMP)

Today's Word

God wants you to experience victory in every area of your life-physically, spiritually, emotionally, financially, and relationally. Living a well-balanced life is the key!

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 and 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

Lord, reveal to me the areas in my life that are out of balance. I may be spending too much time and energy on my job, a relationship, a leisure activity, or everyday distractions. Whatever it is that is preventing me from experiencing victory, help me to prioritize and live a more balanced life. In Jesus' name - Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Luke 2:41-52, John 2:1-11, 1 Timothy 4:6-16.