Three Simple Things

Today's Scripture

"Shout with joy to God, all the earth!" (Psalms 66:1)

Today's Word

I want to share with you three simple things you can do each day that will breathe new life into everything you do.

First, declare your faith and begin learning to use "The Word" to change your situation. Learn to speak the positive over the negative. Try declaring God's promise for your life with a greater determination: "God is turning things around for my good and His glory!" When you begin to speak "I know I can" friend you will. Remember, God has given you everything that you need to succeed on this mission. It's the mission of life.

Next, write down the good things that God does for you each day. Begin to focus on the victories and blessings in your life and not the "gloomy and doomy" stuff. When you make an account of His goodness, you will quickly begin to discover that God is working in you, as the Word of God says, "to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." (Ephesians 3:20).

Finally, be thankful. Take a moment every day to thank the Lord for all He has done for you. When you develop a thankful heart and grateful spirit, you are changing your focus from how big your problems are to how big your God is. And let me assure you, our God is a mighty God, bigger than pain, suffering, sickness, poverty, anger, addiction, confusion, depression, separation and ignorance and He is on your side, all because He made you to love you.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, I praise You for your life-changing power and unconditional love. I want to give new life to my relationship with You by keeping a record of blessings and answered prayers and giving thanks for Your work in my life. In Jesus' Name - Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
1 Chronicles 16:4-36, Psalm 92:1-15, Romans 1:18-23, Ephesians 2:1-10.

Every New Day

Today's Scripture

"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24


Today's Word

One of the most difficult things for many people is getting started in the morning. Blood sugar, serotonin levels, unrestful nights and depression certainly can challenge any one of us, not to forget stress, unhappiness and worry. Researchers over the years have found that one of the greatest aids to emotional healing is light and attitude.

Before you retire each night, take a moment and spend some quiet time with your creator God. Let Him help you understand His plan for your day and then usher it in with great expectancy. Be sure to record your plans in a daily journal, in the future you'll be able to see just how far God has taken you. Make your plans with Him to live life to its fullest taking one day at a time, dispelling any negative thoughts of work, finances, relationships or health related issues. Let God take care of that part of your day as you plan on getting up and living your day as a day of opportunity, discovery and purpose remembering that if God wakes you in the morning, He has a plan for your day, and so does your enemy, the outcome is all going to depend on which one you choose to allow to influence your day.

As soon as your feet touch the floorboards open all of the curtains and shades in your room and let the light shine in, rain or shine, find the purpose and joy in Gods plan for that day and your life and then go out a live your life not allowing anyone or anything to rob you of your blessing, which is living your purpose.

Remember: your attitude and actions are going to make all the difference in the world. It doesn't matter what comes at you, it matters what you do with it, and God has given you the power and ability to overcome any adversity, if only you will let His Word re-energize your new life. Have a great day, you were made for it!

A Prayer for Today

Lord, thank You for this day, help me to live my purpose and dispel any thing that is not part of Your plan for my life. Show me the way to go that I may continue to grow closer and closer to You, that I might mature in every way bringing joy to You over and over again. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 6:1-14, Colossians 2:6-23.

A New Attitude

Today's Scripture

"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Today's Word

If you're like most of us you have had some pretty unfair things happen to you during the course of your life? Every one of us has experienced disappointments, setbacks, heartache, and some sort of hurt at one time or another. The unfortunate thing is that far too many of us have chosen to continue living negative, bitter and resentful lives all because we continue to hold on to the pain of yesterday. Counseling, anger, pity, resentment, medication, inebriation, depression and blaming others is not going to change anything, but your decision of what you're going to do with the pain of your past can be the key to changing everything, and unlock the door to your unlimited future.

The "Good News" today is God wants to heal you completely from the pain of your past and get you far beyond yesterday. He wants you to begin living your life to its full potential, just as He designed and created you to. Although the past may have been a horrible experience and may have even left some battle scares, it doesn't mean that your future has to be limited, ruined or robbed anymore. What matters most, is what you do with the pain of your past.

Remember, God is faithful. He is able and He is willing to take whatever it is that has burdened you all this time and turn that negative into a positive. God can turn everything in your life around, no matter what it is, and He can use it for good in the world. He can right all the wrongs that have happened to you and pay you back in great abundance for all of the hurt, pain and suffering that you have experienced. Your future can begin right now, but it's all going to depend on what you do with your past. Are you going to continue to carry it or let it go? Do yourself a favor and take whatever it is that has been weighing you down for so long and give it to God. Simply say, "God, take this hurt, this pain and this anger and show me how to live my life in peace", then get out of God's way and watch your life begin to change one day and one step at a time. Learn to expect healing, refuse to listen to "gloom and doom" and stop badgering God and let hope fill your heart as you receive His favor. Release all of your anger, guilt, and condemnation and forgive those who have wronged you. Stop carrying around the baggage of yesterday and make a fresh start today. When you do that, God will give you a new beginning.

So begin each new day declaring, "With God all things are possible, and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and everything I put my hand to today is going prosper." These are not just idle words or motivational sayings; they are God Words, they are His promises for your new life.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, with You I know that all things are possible. Today, I am ready to forget the past and start believing Your promises for my future. I am going to release any bitterness, hurt or resentment that I may have to You and I am going to let go of the past and start fresh today and begin living the life you created me to live. In Jesus' name, Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Genesis 50:22-26, Exodus 2:11-25, Mark 1:1-8, Philippians 4:10-20, Genesis 47:28-31, 1 Samuel 1:21-23, John 13:31-38.

When Life Just Doesn't Make Sense

Today's Scripture

After Job prayed for his friends, the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before. . . . The Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first. Job 42:10, 12

Today's Word

In the Bible, there is a story about a man named Job, he was truly a good man who loved God and had a heart to do what was right. Yet in a few weeks' time, he lost his business, his flocks and herds, his entire family, and his health. Things could not get any worse for Job, and I'm sure if Job was anything like most of us, he was tempted to be bitter. He could have said, "God, it's just not fair anymore. I don't understand why all this stuff is happening to me." His own wife even told him, "Job, just curse God and die."

But no, Job knew that God is a God of restoration. He knew God could turn any situation around no matter how bad it seemed. And his attitude was, Even if I have to die, I'm going to die trusting God. I'm going to die believing for the best. And, when it was all said and done, God not only turned Job's calamity around, He brought Job out with twice that which he had before.

Over the years I've discovered two kinds of faith - a delivering faith and a sustaining faith. Delivering faith is when God instantly turns your situation around. When that happens, it's great. But it takes a greater faith and a deeper walk with God to have sustaining faith. Sustaining faith is what gets you through those dark nights of the soul when, like Job, you don't know where to go or what to do. . . but because of your faith in God, you do. Faith tells you the best it yet to come.

If you want to find strength through adversity remember, God has a divine purpose for every challenge that comes into our lives. Trials test our character and help shape our faith.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, thank You for always being there to see me through my trials, for loving me and sustaining me even when life just doesn't seem fair. In Jesus name. Amen.



ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
2 Corinthians 4:18, Job 42, Job 23:10, 1 Peter 4:12, Galatians 6:9, Isaiah 55:8-9, Philippians 4:11, Psalm 31:14-15.

Just Be Yourself

Today's Scripture

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Psalm 16:8

Today's Word

Dare to be happy with who you are right now friend. 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 talk, or how they act. They don’t like their personality. They are always comparing themselves with other people, wishing they were something different.

You were not created to mimic somebody else. You were created to be you. You can be happy with who God make you to be, and quit wishing you were something different. 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 you 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.

A Prayer For Today

Lord, thank You for making me; me. I am only now discovering just how beautiful I really am, because Your hand carved out each part of my being. How blessed I am knowing that each day of my life was uniquely planned by You even before the world was formed. Wow! In Jesus name. Amen.

Additional Scripture:
Galatians 6:4-5, Ephesians 1:3, Matthew 25:21, Psalm 16:8, Luke 18:27, Genesis 12:2.

Be What You Were Made To Be

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 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 nonbiblical 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, Your gift of a new life has empowered me to live victoriously. Your Word refreshes and anoints me like cold water on a blistering day, and Your promise to uphold me is as birth given to a nation. I have all that I need because of You and I can be all that You say I can be because You made me. With the hope of Your Word I know and believe in my heart that I can conquer anything that comes my way. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
2 Corinthians 2:14, Judges 6:12, 2 Corinthians 12:9

A Portrait of The Masters Hand

Today's Scripture

What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower that the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8:4-5


Today's Word

Your self-image is much like a self-portrait; it is who and what you picture yourself to be, which may or may not be an accurate reflection of who you really are. How you feel about yourself will have a tremendous impact on how far you go in life, because you will probably speak, act, and react as the person you think you are. The truth is, you will never rise about the image you have of yourself in your mind.

God wants us to see ourselves the way He sees us, having healthy, positive self-images and seeing ourselves as priceless treasures. He wants us to feel good about ourselves. Despite our faults and weaknesses, God loves us anyway. He created us in His image, and He is continually shaping us, conforming us to His character, helping us to become even more like the person He is. Consequently, we must learn to love ourselves, faults and all, not because we are egotists, but because that's how our heavenly Father loves us. You can walk with confidence knowing that God loves you unconditionally. His love for you is based on what you are, not what you do. He created you as a unique individual - there has never been, nor will there ever be, another person exactly like you, and He sees you as His special masterpiece!

A Prayer for Today

Lord, You have made me so wonderfully complex that its amazing to think about. There is more to me than even I know and I am excited to discover all that You made me to be, a chip off the 'Old Block'. Thank You for giving me this opportunity to live and be all that You created me to be. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Genesis 1:26-27, Judges 6:12, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Proverbs 4:18, Numbers 14:8-9, Romans 8:31.

Be Favor Minded

Today's Scripture

"Set your hope wholly and unchangeable on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you."
1 Peter 1:13 AMP

Today's Word

The bible clearly states that God has crowned us with "glory and honor" (Psalm8:5). The word honor could also be translated as "favor," and favor means "to assist, to provide with special advantages and to receive preferential treatment." In other words, God wants to assist you, to promote you, to give you advantages. But to experience more of God's favor, we must live more "favor-minded." We must expect God's special help and release our faith, knowing that God wants to assist us.

We can expect preferential treatment, not because of who we are, but because of whose we are. It is not because we are better than anybody else or that we deserve it. It is because our Father is the King of kings, and His glory and honor spill over onto us. As God's children we can live with confidence and boldness, expecting good things. If we love God, He's working life to our advantage, and it will all work out for our good, although it may not always be the way we hope. No matter what does or doesn't happen, keep believing for the favor of God.

Live favor-minded. Get up each day and expect and declare it. Say, "I have the favor of God." Don't sit back passively. You do your part, and God will do His part.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, I admit that there are times that I unconsciously take your favor for granted. Help me to overcome my negative thoughts and focus on all that You have done for me from the time You spoke me into existence. Help me to always remember that I am the Kings kid and that I can expect good things to happen in my life, in spite of my mistakes. Thank you Lord for loving me so very much. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Romans 8:28, Isaiah 54:2-3, Deuteronomy 1:6-8, Philippians 3:13-14, Zechariah 4:6, Hebrews 11:1, Colossians 3:2.

Don't Limit God

Today's Scripture

"No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us." Philippians 3:13-14 TLB

Today's Word

Do you know that God has incredible plans for your life? Throughout the Bible we can see God's passion to fulfill His vision through His creations, and you are one of those creations my friend. If God ever showed you His plan for your entire life right now it would boggle your mind, you'd not be able to take it all in, because it's just too great for you to comprehend all at once. And that's exactly why it's unfolding little-by-little.

So, it's time to quit limiting God. Remember: God is your source for everything, and His creativity and resources are virtually unlimited! God may give you an idea or a vision for a new business venture, an invention, a book, song, or even a ministry which will help others live their dreams and fulfill their purpose. One idea from God can change the course of your entire life forever. God is not limited by what you have or don't have. God can do anything, if you will simply stop limiting Him by the way that you think.

Maybe your family background includes a long line of challenges such as divorce, betrayal, poverty, abandonment, physical or mental illness, depression, addiction, or an array of other problems. You need to say, "Enough is enough. I'm going to break out of this cycle and change my expectations for my life. I'm going to start believing God for bigger and better things right now."

When God puts a dream in your heart, when He brings opportunities across your path, learn to step out boldly in faith, expect the best, trust God's timing and begin to move forward with confidence, knowing that you are well able to do what God wants you to do. God wants to do a new thing in your life. But you've got to do your part and get outside that little box you've grown accustomed to. Start thinking big today and expect opportunities to come your way!

A Prayer for Today

Lord, help me to change my thoughts and to prepare myself to receive blessings that are going to bring glory to Your Kingdom. I know, without a doubt that my life is about to change forever and I am trusting my everyday to You and You alone. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Proverbs 15:1-33, Mark 7:14-23, Romans 12:1-8, Philippians 4:2-9.

It All Starts In Your Mind

Today's Scripture

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

Today's Word

Someone once told me if you want to discover your full potential then discover the power of your thoughts and your words.

You may not be aware of it, but a war is raging all around you right now, and the battle is for your mind. Did you know that your enemy's number one target is the arena of your thoughts? If he can control the way you think, he'll be able to control every other area of your life. It's true; thoughts can determine your actions, attitude, and your self-image. Thoughts determine your destiny, which is why the Bible warns us over and over again to guard our minds at all times.

Just like a magnet, we are drawn to what we constantly think about. If we dwell on depressing, negative thoughts, chances are we will be depressed and negative. If we think positive, happy, joyful thoughts, our life is going to reflect that and attract other upbeat, positive people into our life. In short, your life follows your thoughts.

Thoughts can also affect your emotions. We will feel exactly the way we think. You cannot expect to feel happy unless you think happy thoughts. Conversely, it's impossible to remain discouraged unless you first think discouraging thoughts. So much of our success and failure in life begins in our minds.

Do yourself a favor today, and set your mind on the right course. Start out by agreeing with the psalmist who wrote, "This is the day the Lord has made, and I'm going to be happy. I'm going to go out and be productive. This is going to be a great day no matter what may come my way." Live your purpose every day expecting good things to happen, no matter what. And remember: What the devil means for bad; God means for good!

A Prayer for Today

Lord, I know that you have my whole life under Your control, today I surrender my thoughts to You and expect blessing heaped upon blessing. Thank you for loving me so very much, You are my comfort, my shield and my strong tower in the midst of any storm that may come my way. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
2 Chronicles 20:15, Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:8-9, Philippians 2:5, Psalm 16:8, Genesis 12:2.

What Are You Thinking?

Today's Scripture

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5 NKJV

Today's Word

Most of us have learned that life is not always going to be fare or easy. From time to time we all get knocked down from one circumstance or another and as a result we can occasionally end up discouraged, but we do not have to remain there. We can choose our thoughts. There is no one that can make us think a certain way. If you're not happy, no one can force you to be unhappy. If you're negative and have a bad attitude, no one can coerce you into being sarcastic or sullen. You're the one that decides what you're going to entertain in your mind, not anybody else.

Just because the enemy plants a negative, discouraging thought in your mind doesn't mean that you have to nurture and help it grow. But if you do, remember, that thought is probably going to affect your emotions, your attitudes, and eventually most of your actions. You'll be much more prone to discouragement and depression, and if you continue pondering that negative thought, it will sap the energy and strength right out of you and leave you weakened in areas of your life that you never even dreamed possible.

We must begin the process of learning to take responsibility for our minds and our actions. As long as we continue making excuses and blaming our family, our environment, past relationships, our circumstances, finances, blaming God, Satan, anyone, or anything, we will never be truly free and emotionally healthy to grow and live the life God designed us to live. Most of us have never been taught that we have been blessed with the ability to control our own destinies by the way we think.

Chances are it's not your circumstances that get you down; your thoughts about your circumstances get you down. Do you know that it's possible to be in one of the biggest battles of your life and still be filled with joy and peace and victory? If you will take the first step and simply learn how to choose the right thoughts your life is going to take an incredible change for the better.

Choose to believe that God is greater than any of your problems, trust Him to sort it all out, learn to be patient, get around positive people, feed yourself with God's Word every day, exercise your faith and watch what happens. You're going to be amazed at just how powerful your thoughts can be in transforming the outcome of your circumstances.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, help me to meditate on pleasing thoughts, to fill my mind with Your promises and help me recall all of the victories I have had because of Your plan for my journey. I place my life in Your hands and trust the outcome to You and You alone. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
2 Chronicles 20:15, Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:8-9.

Choices

Today's Scripture

"As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him." [Matthew 9:9, NIV]

Today's Word

Because we are human, it is easy for us to let our choices be ruled by our emotions or to become impatient with God's timing. Many times we are even tempted to compromise what we believe in just because it feels good. It takes tremendous courage to choose what is right. But that's the great thing about it-God can give us all the courage we need for those important choices! Because we are new creations in Christ, those old ways of thinking don't have a hold on us anymore. We are free to choose for Him! You can choose the people you're going to associate with, the things you feed into your mind-and how you see yourself. The choices you're making right now will determine the kind of person you'll be, so ask God today to help you make the right choices, especially those that take courage to make.

A Prayer for Today

God, You give me the wisdom and courage to make good choices, even when I may be tempted to take the easy way out. Through You I have the ability to shape my future for good by the decisions I make today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
John 5:16-30, Proverbs 1:1-19, Proverbs 13:1-6, Matthew 9:9-13.

The Love Walk

Today's Scripture

See that none of you repays another with evil for evil, but always aim to show kindness and seek to do good to one another and to everybody. [1 Thessalonians 5:15]


Today's Word

Do you know that the way you treat other people can have a tremendous impact on the degree of blessings and favor that you will experience in your own life? Stop for a moment and ask yourself, Am I good to people? Am I kind and considerate to people even when they treat me ugly? Do I speak and act with love in my heart and regard other people as valuable and special? Friend, you can't treat people poorly and expect God to bless you. Sometimes we forget, for every action - there is a re-action.

The Bible says we are to "aim to show kindness and seek to do good." As a believer, we must be proactive all the time, not just when others are looking. We should always be vigilant to share the mercy, kindness, and goodness of Christ with everybody we meet, regardless, of who they are or what they have done. Remember, we've not been called to be judges but expressions of God's love.

When somebody doesn't treat you right, you have a golden opportunity to help heal a wounded heart where no one else will. Keep in mind that hurting people often hurt other people as a result of their own pain and past. If somebody is rude or inconsiderate, you can almost be certain that they have some unresolved "issues" going on in their life. The last thing they need is for you to respond angrily. It's amazing how a dose of understanding, patience or encouragement can heal a rude person’s heart. Just look at what God has done for us.

Always choose to take the high road and be kind and courteous no matter what anyone else says or does. Walk in love as Saint Paul said, and have a good attitude, even when conditions indicate otherwise. God sees what you're doing, and He knows your heart. He will make sure your good actions and attitude will overcome any evil that comes your way. If you'll keep doing the right thing, you will come out far ahead of where you would have been had you fought fire with fire.

Remember: Blessed people bless other people.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, help me to strive and be more like Jesus in my actions, thoughts, deeds and response to others. Help me to mature to where You want me to be at this point in my walk of faith, and help me never to forget, by developing "The Christ Character" I am bringing all of the glory to Your name which is above retaliation, vengeance, anger, hate and revenge. 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.

It's Your Choice

Today's Scripture

This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. [Psalm 118:24]

Today's Word

It is a simple yet profound truth: Happiness is a choice. You don't have to wait for everything to be perfect in our family or with your business. You don't have to forgo happiness until you lose weight, break an unhealthy habit, or accomplish all your goals. The first thing you can do to enjoy your life right now is choose to be happy today.

You might as well choose to be happy and enjoy life! When you do that, not only will you begin to feel better, but your faith will cause God to show up and begin to work wonders in your life. To do so, you must learn to live in today, one day at a time; better yet, make the most of this moment. It's good to set goals and to make plans, but if you're always living in the future, you're never really enjoying the present in the way God wants us to.

We need to understand that God gives us the grace to live today. He has not yet given us tomorrow's grace, and we should not worry about it. Learn to live one day at a time. By an act of your will, choose to start enjoying your life right now. Learn to enjoy and appreciate your family, friends, health, and work; enjoy everything in your life and avoid all the gloom and doom you can, make it unacceptable to your today. Happiness is a decision you make friend, not an emotion you feel. God gives us His peace on the inside, but it's up to us to tap into God's supernatural peace. Happiness is your choice.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, today I choose happiness, no matter what may come my way, because You have gifted me with Your love, Your promise and Your Hope. Today is our day and I thank You for it. In Jesus name. Amen.

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

Dreams

Today's Scripture

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" [Philippians 4:11]


Today's Word

In the Old Testament [1 Samuel 17] there is a story of a young man named David who had a very big dream for his life. David had a desire to make a difference, but as a young man he spent many years as a shepherd, caring for his father's sheep. I can only imagine the times, like you and I, that David was tempted to think that God had forgotten all about him. He must have thought, God, what in the heck am I doing here? There's no future in this place. When are You going to change this situation? But David, unlike most of us, understood God's timing. He knew that if he would be faithful in obscurity that God would promote him at the right time. He knew that God would bring his dreams to pass in due season.

As the story goes on, God brought David out of those fields one day; he defeated the giant Goliath, and eventually God made him the king of Israel.

If you are like most people, you may have a big dream in your heart also - a dream to have a better marriage, to own your own business or meet the right person. Maybe your dream is to help hurting people or to reconcile an old relationship - but like David, you may not see any human way that your dream can happen.

I have good new for you today! God isn't limited by your understanding or by natural, human ways of doing things. If you will learn to trust God and keep a good attitude, staying faithful right where you are and not getting in a hurry and trying to force things to happen, God will promote you at the right time, in your due season. He will bring your dreams to pass. Friend, learn to Rest in Him and then watch your dreams come true!

A Prayer for Today

Lord, as each day passes I am learning to trust You more and more. I've really never known before that I have someone to remind me of Your great love and plans for me, thank You for Your Holy Spirit, for He is teaching me each and every day just how much You love me and think of me even when I'm sleeping. Today, I put my trust in You in every area of my life. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Psalm 31:14-15, Exodus 2:11-25, Psalm 74:1-23, Luke 3:21-23, Romans 5:1-11, 2 Peter 3:1-8.

The Heart of the Matter

Today's Scripture

"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." [Hebrews 12:46]

Today's Word

A lot of people are trying to improve their lives by dealing with the external aspects. They are attempting to rectify their bad habits, bad attitudes, bad tempers, or negative and sour personalities. Trying to change the fruit of their lives is noble, but unless they get to the root, they will never change the fruit. As long as a bitter internal root is growing, the problems will continue. You may be able to control your behavior or keep a good attitude for a while, but you can't be totally free until you begin to address some issues found not on the outside, but on the inside.

Many times people will try and attempt to bury the hurt and pain of the past in their hearts or their subconscious minds. They don't realize it, but much of their inner turmoil is because their own heart has been poisoned along life's journey. The Bible says, "Above all else, guard your affections [heart]. For they influence everything else in your life" [Proverbs 4:23/TLB]. In other words, if we have bitterness on the inside, it's going to end up contaminating everything that comes out of us. It will contaminate our personalities and our attitudes, as well as how we treat others around us.

If you are harboring anger or pain, take a moment today and ask yourself why. If you have trouble getting along with other people, if you're always negative ~ finding fault with others, dislike life in general ~ dare to ask yourself why this is. As you journey to the root, you'll be begin to discover certain things you didn't even know were there. By trusting God and taking action the process of dealing with the problem will begin and in time you will overcome it. Only then will you be on your way to live a new life of promise and purpose. Take the first step today friend and ask the Lord as David did, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life" [Psalm 139:23/TLB]. Then let God be God and watch what happens.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, draw close to me as I draw closer and closer to You each day. Breathe new life into my heart that I may live a life of absolute purpose and bring honor to Your name. Thank You for giving me the second, third, forth, fifth and all the chances I need to walk my life in victory. When I was down, You picked me up, when I was asleep, You woke me up, and when I was afraid, You gave me strength and I will forever meditate on Your Words that encourage, motivate and give me life. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Hebrews 12:46, 1 Samuel 5:1-12, Matthew 16:21-28, Hebrews 12:1-13, Matthew 8:14-17.

Become What You Believe

Today's Scripture

But He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." [Luke 18:27 NKJV]

Today's Word

In the New Testament, there is a fascinating account of two blind men who heard that Jesus was passing by, and faith began to rise in their hearts. They must have thought, We don't have to stay like this. There's hope for a better future. So they began to cry out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" [Matthew 9:27].

When Jesus heard their cries, He posed an intriguing question, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" Jesus wanted to know whether they had genuine faith. The blind men answered, "Yes, Lord; we believe." The Bible says, "Then He touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith and trust and reliance [on the power invested in Me] be it done to you; and their eyes were opened".

Notice, it was their faith that brought them the healing. The Message says, "[Jesus] touched their eyes and said, 'Become what you believe.'" What a power statement! Become what you believe! What are you believing? Are you believing to go higher in life, to rise above your obstacles, to lighten up by giving God your heavy burdens, to live in health, abundance, healing, and victory? You will become what you believe.

You don't have to figure out how God is going to solve your problems or bring it to pass. That's His responsibility. Your job is to believe. What you believe has a much greater impact on your life than what anybody else believes.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, Your Word is like a lamplight to my feet, a breath of fresh air for my soul, refreshing water on a hot day that quenches my thirst. Forever, shall I dwell in Your House surrounded by Your glory and rejoicing in Your mercy for You alone are the One that I place my trust, hope and faith. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Genesis 16:1-16, Exodus 14:1-31, Matthew 3:1-17, 1 Corinthians 4:1-21, Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 9:14-29, Romans 14:1-23, Luke 17:1-10, Romans 5:1-11, Hebrews 10:19-39, Hebrews 11:1-40, Genesis 12:2.