All The Attention You Need

Remember, no back seat drivers when God is driving!

Today's Scripture

"When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well.” Matthew 6:16-18 Msg.

Today's Word

It’s incredible to imagine that God constantly seeks fellowship with us. We don’t have to go through rituals and long-winded prayers to simply share our day with God. Do you know God loves ball games, vacations, swimming, camping, dining and dancing? His Word is so clear when it says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him.” That means, include God in your day and He’ll give you all the attention you need.

A Prayer For Today

Heavenly Father, Wow! To think I can hang with you today and every day without going through some misguided and ritualistic mumbo jumbo that I’m sure makes You raise a brow saying, “Come to me and I’ll give you rest, you don’t need to do all the rituals, just come!” Thank you Father! In Jesus Name – Amen.

Time To Get Off Your But

Your own wrong thinking can keep you from God's best.

Today's Scripture

Moses answered God, "But why me? What makes you think that I could ever go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11 The Message)

Today's Word

Do you know that one of the tricks of the enemy is to try and convince you that God’s Word has no power or truth over your life today? He will use every tactic he can to provoke you into speaking curses over your blessings. For example, a person is diagnosed with a certain illness and miraculously God heals them. Instead of acknowledging God you may hear something like, “But, what if it comes back again?” Or a marriage is restored only to hear the words, “But, I don’t know how long it will last this time.” Or maybe you have heard this one, “He got a job, but let’s see how long he can keep it!” Words like these are poisonous; they contaminate the air God has given us to breath and they actually rob you of God’s joy. Learn to leave the “buts” behind you and stand in agreement with God by speaking His Word over every area of your life. I encourage you to get into God’s Word [The Bible] and learn to be what it says you can be, learn to do what it says you can do, and learn to live the life you were designed to live, you’ll notice a difference almost immediately and the rewards are great, you’ll leave the “buts” behind.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, Your Word refreshes me every day. It shows me I have so much more than I ever dreamed of when I spend time meditating on Your promises and truths. Teach me today that which You would have me learn that I may be all You created me to be. In Jesus Name – Amen.

Looking Back Can Mess You Up!

Don't let anyone take your joy today - It was given as a gift from God.

Today’s Scripture

But Lot's wife looked back as she was following along behind him and became a pillar of salt.
Genesis 19:26 - TLB

Today’s Word

Ever notice the difference in the size of your vehicle’s rearview mirror verses the size of your windshield? In moving forward the emphasis is on where you’re going; not where you’ve been. Keep focused on all that God has in store for you, there’s so much to look forward to. People who continuously look back can’t appreciate where God is taking them, their focus is wrong and eventually they run into problems. God has created you to go so much further, to see and do so much more, and to travel far beyond your expectations or dreams, regardless, of where you have come from, or what you have left behind. So, stay focused on where you’re going and enjoy the journey, there is so much more ahead.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, my eyes are focused not on what I see, but in what You have promised, and I believe with all of my heart that my best is yet to come. Thank you for each new day and for each new opportunity that comes my way, I’m looking forward to all there is to come. In Jesus Name – Amen.

Remain Teachable

God doesn't want 99% of you - He wants ALL of you!

Today’s Scripture

“And it is he who will supply all your needs from his riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us. Now unto God our Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:19-20 – TLB)

Today’s Word

Maturity is seen at many different levels in our lives, we are not all at the same place at the same time, we are where we want or desire to be. Try and always remain teachable having a desire to spiritually mature more and more each day, and as you do, you will prosper far beyond your expectations or what others may care to understand .
When you do something, do it for the Lord and the Lord Himself will repay you over and over again, His Word promises He will supply ALL of your needs according to His riches in glory. A Christian’s goal should be that of A Servant of the Lord. So in everything you do, do it for Him and you can be sure He will do everything for you.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, in everything I do, I do it for You. In Jesus Name – Amen.

The Hearts Cry

Live Your Dreams

Today’s Scripture

“Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 – Amplified Bible)

Today’s Word

Do you know that you were not designed for stress, anger, worry or fear? That’s why we have such a difficult time coping with it. You were created and designed for joy, peace and love. Within the human heart lies a very special component (a spiritual homing device which can’t be seen, but it’s there) which longs for relationship with our Heavenly Father, much like a homing pigeon longs to return to its home when released. The human heart craves joy, peace and love but sometimes the flesh gets in the way in our attempt to achieve our quest. Often misguided stimulants such as liquor, drugs, tobacco, sex, and any host of mind and spirit altering agents are mistakenly used to try and achieve that gratification which the human heart so longs for, peace. In the final analysis, misguided mechanisms used to attempt and achieve peace and comfort ultimately end up bringing extreme opposition to your hearts cry. What does all that mean? Only a personal relationship with God (your Creator) can give you the joy, peace and love He designed you for. One of the reasons people cannot take stress, anger, worry or fear is very evident. You weren’t designed for it! If you really want to achieve your life’s purpose, seek your Heavenly Father more than you seek anything else, and His joy, His peace and His love will become yours in every area of your life. Learn to follow your heart, and not your flesh, and your heart’s desire will be fulfilled.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, show me the way, that I may walk with You! Help me to open my heart more and more as You fill it full of Your joy, Your peace and Your love. In Jesus’ Name – Amen.

The Stone

There Are No Justified Resentments

Today’s Scripture

Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail). (Psalm 55:22 - The Amplified)

Today’s Word

Doctors say that excess weight is dangerous to your health and wellbeing, and it's been proven over and over again that carrying burdens can actually weigh you down, like carrying a large stone around your neck day in and day out. As you labor, carrying nonsensical burdens (those you cannot change), just like any other overload, it begins to affect your physical health and eventually your psychological and spiritual wellbeing. It has been proven scientifically; time and time again, that stress and worry are linked directly to certain cancers, pulmonary and cardiac diseases, stroke, High Blood Pressure, diabetes and the weakening of the body's immune system. You were not designed to carry excess weight or burdens, and that's why the psalmist writes, "Give your problems to God and He will take care of everything." Just say, "Lord I'm having a very difficult time carrying this load, therefore, I'm giving it all to You, You'll know what to do with it!" Then, begin to live as God intended, free from anything that holds you back from being all He created you to be. So friend, today make it your business to cooperate with God trusting that He knows His business. It's time to get rid of the stone!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, today I'm giving you any burden I have, which I alone cannot change, for I know You love me and will take care of all of my needs just as You always have. Thank You Father for Your patience as I continue to grow and mature more and more each day. In Jesus' Name - Amen.

New Beginnings

Start Believing for More

Today’s Scripture

“For I'm going to do a brand new thing. See, I have already begun! Don't you see it? I will make a road through the wilderness of the world for my people to go home, and create rivers for them in the desert!” (Isaiah 43:19:20 – TLB)

Today’s Word

It’s already the first full week of the New Year. New goals, new resolutions, new relationships and new opportunities are surely on the horizon, it’s an exciting time in your life and God wants you to experience the fullness of all He has in store for you. This is the first week out of the starting gate, so be sure to include God in everything you do. Seek His counsel through spending time each day in His Word and in prayer. Let Him know that you care and are grateful that He cares about all that’s going on in your life. Learn to just say, “Thank you Father!” and then expect blessings, unexplained in the natural, to come your way as He responds to your willingness to trust and obey Him.

Remember as you begin this new week, “If God is for you, then who can ever be against you?” (Romans 8:31)

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, here we are ready to continue the journey You have called me to. I’m ready and willing to do whatever I must to accomplish Your will in my life this week. Use me, teach me, help me to grow and mature, and allow others to experience Your unfailing love through me. In Jesus’ Name I pray – Amen.

You're Called

With God you cannot fail

Today’s Scripture

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isa 55:8-9 NIV

Today’s Word

There are times when others may not understand God’s call on your life (that is when He calls you to do something for Him). When God calls, He calls you to surrender your agenda and follow His. God knows what we are capable of and He knows that you can succeed in your calling if you will follow Him in all of your ways. You may not understand or know exactly what it is that God has called you to do yet, but when you are obedient to Him, everything just falls into place and in God’s time He will see your mission through to completion. So, don’t worry about what others may or may not think, but allow God to work in you and through you and you will succeed in your calling far beyond the understanding or expectations of others. Remember, His opinion is the only one that counts.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I know that You are with me, guarding and guiding me every step of this my journey as I draw closer and closer to You. Help me not to focus on what others may or may not think, but to focus on Your thoughts, knowing that You see far beyond all human understanding. I want to please you in all of my ways following Your plans for my life and succeeding in everything I put my hand to, bringing all of the glory to You. For Your love draws me closer and closer to my calling. In Jesus’ Name I pray – Amen.

New Beginnings

Take every step in faith and you'll go far

Today’s Scripture

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 – KJV

Today’s Word

Begin this New Year right, with the Leadership of the One that made you. He designed you for success, and for so much more that you can’t even imagine it right now. He made your mind to expand, your joy to be boundless and your accomplishments to be expressive bearing His signature.

Fear is a trick of the enemy, he who is the opposite of your Creators promise, even to your ancestors. He will lie to hold you back from so many advancements along your journey. He will tell you that you’re stuck in the rut of sickness, poverty, loneliness, depression and so much more. Don’t buy the lie! God is on your side, He is for you in all He made you to be, and you’re a Champion, even if you’re not showing signs of it right now. Deep down within you lies the true you, and even you don’t know your full potential, but God does, and His word says that He is your strength when you’re down or weak, He is your light when you feel in darkness and He is your salvation when you feel lost. So, be afraid of nothing this New Year and in everything you do give God first place, in the way you think, act, treat others, spend your time, money and energy and you will see His promise unfold in your own life. Have a blessed New Year filled with expectations as you follow God’s will for your incredible life.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, just when I think I’ve reached my potential in life You show me there is more, so much more. It is so wonderful knowing that You are for me and not against me, that You actually care, even about the little things I face every day. Truly, I have nothing to fear as I follow close to You, for You lead me along paths of goodness for Your own namesake. This is how I will praise You, living my life as You created and intended it to be. Thank You for being so patient with me as I continue to learn, grow and mature in Your eyes. In Jesus Name I pray – Amen.

You ain't seen nothing yet!

Today's Scripture

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. Philippians 1:6 AMP

You've got a lot to look forward to

Today's Word

Do you know if you're an artist, you haven't created your best painting yet? If you're a builder, you haven't built your best house yet. If you're a musician you haven't played your greatest song yet and if you're a business person, you haven't closed your biggest deal yet. No matter who you are, what you have, or what you have accomplished you have yet to achieve all that God intended you to achieve when He created you. Think bigger, think better and think more because God wants to demonstrate His blessing for others through you. You've got what it takes, you just need to learn how to tap into God's economy and reap one blessing after another. Begin today, by asking God to reveal His plan for you. Focus on your purpose, trust God no matter what anyone else says and reach for your dreams and watch God anoint your plan to bring Him all the glory in your advancement. I'm excited for you as you begin to mature and reach your intended potential.

Do you know if you're a painter, God may have you one day painting rainbows in heaven? An accountant? You may be keeping score in the heavenlies. If you're an athlete you may be scoring goals from one end of heaven to the other and if your a haircutter, you just might give the Lord a trim. Your best days are still ahead of you.

Tap into your dreams and start living them, there's a blessing waiting to unfold in and through you.

A Prayer for Today

Dear God, help me to open up to You and allow Your Spirit to flow in and through me, that I may increase others through the gifts, talents and promises you created and designed me for. How blessed I am Lord that You created me, Your instrument, Your touch to the world. In Jesus name I pray. Amen


ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 43:19; Ephesians 1:18-19; Matthew 9:17.

Dare To Live Your Dreams

Are You Pregnant?

Today's Scripture

God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:5

There's something different about you.

Today's Word

I remember as a young man when my wife became pregnant, we didn't actually know she was carrying the seed of life. But we did notice that something was different about her. She didn't look the same, she didn't act the same and she began to crave certain foods. When something didn't agree with her she would regurgitate it and her metabolism even began to change ever so slowly. One day she notice her monthly routine was absent so she went to her physician, had an examination and some lab work and came home very excited with news that she was carrying a child within her. As each day came, she would show signs of the life she was carrying. She could feel moments of movement and after-a-while bonding. As the baby grew inside of her, my wife took on an incredible glow that enhanced her beauty. I'd never seen her so full of life. When the time was right, through painful hours, moments and seconds a new life entered our time and space and brought us the joy of a real miracle, God's blessing and gift to the world.

When you asked God to bring Jesus Christ into your life you allowed Him to have His way with you. He entered you and without you knowing it at that moment He actually poured Himself into you. He impregnated you with His Son, Jesus Christ. Within you is a living being [His Spirit] which is growing and you may not even know it yet, but you're changing. You're not the same, your routine is off and everything about you is different. You don't even look the same, you don't act the same and you're beginning to crave spiritual food rather than "junk" food. You may even have a problem digesting certain things that no longer appeal to you, like foul talk, old habits, certain people, the type of television you once liked and more. Each day as you ingest the Word, turn to prayer and increase the necessary essentials for spiritual growth you are showing, glowing and growing. As you mature, coming to full-term, you can expect to give birth to the new life that's within you. Remember, God planted Himself in you so that you would bring His gift to the world. Congratulations, you're about to give birth!

A Prayer for Today

Dear God, Wow!!! You choose me, how incredible is that??? Knowing that You, whom created everything, love me so much that you would co-create the blessing of new life through me, I will do everything guided by Your hand to nurture this life in me, take care of my body, soul and spirit so that Christ may be delivered through me at the anointed hour. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.


ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
2 Cor 5:17;

Dare To Live Your Dreams

Sing Your Song

Today's Scripture

Wake up, O harp and lyre! We will meet the dawn with song. Psalm 108:2

Today's Word

Each of us has a song inside of us just waiting to be sung. It was placed there by God Himself, and that song was not meant to be kept silent. Within you lay a melody that will bring joy to all who hear it; it will bring joy to the Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit. That's right, there's a song inside of you.

Each morning God awakes you because He longs to hear His favorite tune. He is the One who has written the lyrics. He has written the most beautiful words known to mankind, words like, "God loves you!", "You can do it!", "Don't worry about it!", "You're forgiven", "Let's try again", "I don't remember", "You didn't do anything wrong", "You're great!" and "I love you". You see, within you lay a song just waiting to be sung, and when you sing it, the whole world will listen. Go ahead, start singing your song and bring someone joy today.

A Prayer for Today

Dear God, I never knew I had a voice, but with You, I'm just beginning to realize that all things are possible. Thank you for the gift You have placed inside of me, I'll practice using it every day until I master my instrument. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

View archived messages from Pastor Marty

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Psalm 40:3; Psalm 96:1-4; Psalm 18:14; Isaiah 42:10.

Don't Be A Quitter

Today's Scripture

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." (Psalm 34:17)

Today's Word

God is looking for a few good people who are determined to take a stand no matter what may come and I believe you have what it takes to be a champion for Jesus Christ!

Anyone can be obedient, keep a good attitude, and stay full of joy when things are going well, that’s easy. But what kind of attitude do you have when times get a bit tough and things don't go exactly the way you planned? During those times of challenge do you remain faithful and keep pressing on with your testimony even though it seems you're making no progress?

Sometimes God allows trials to come into our life to test us, and the tests are not always little ones nor are they pleasant. These tests are to refine and purify our faith, that’s how we grow and begin to mature as believers. I want you to know that no matter how far the enemy has brought you down, regardless, of the severity of your troubles, your Heavenly Father promises in His Word to give you the strength you need to overcome whatever comes against you and to lift you up in victory, but it may not be your way or according to your time frame.

Remember – anyone can quit, but it’s never the finisher. Anyone can complain and it’s usually never the focused, and anyone can get down and discouraged but it’s never the determined, but God is looking for people who will persevere and be a good witness of His promise knowing that with Him they cannot fail.

Friend, be determined to prove yourself faithful to God no matter what may come, because He will never disappoint you. Stand strong, He will give you the strength you need to stand your ground, and fight the good fight of faith knowing deep down inside that God is for you, and when you do, you will begin to live a life of absolute abundance, and you will emerge the champion God made you to be.

A Prayer for Today

Dear God, when I joined Your army of Christian soldiers I knew it would not always be easy. Quitting is not an option for me. When I become discouraged, I will remember that You are always there to hear my cries and You will lead me to victory in the end, thank you for Your Word which always assures and reminds me You are with me constantly and that is all I need. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Don't Get Distracted

Today’s Scripture

From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. Isaiah 46:11 – NIV

Today’s Word

When you allow distractions to change your focus, you forfeit the power of your purpose.

In each of us God has placed the power of His intention; it is the power of His unique and Holy Spirit, like none other. Each day you have a choice, shall I get up and keep chipping away at my destiny or shall I stay where I am and let blessings and opportunities pass me by? The decision is really within you.

Make the decision today to follow God’s plan for your life and you too will experience blessing heaped upon blessing, poverty turned into riches, sickness turned into healing and slander turned to praise.

Don’t let small-minded and unimportant trivia waste your time, gifts and talents, stay focused and you too will succeed in your purpose.

A Prayer for Today

Dear God, keep my eyes focused on Your plan for my life and do not allow me to drift-off with distractions which are intended to keep me from my blessings. Help me to stay pure, true and acceptable in Your eyes and give me wisdom that I may be an effective instrument in Your hand. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

True Prosperity

Today's Scripture

If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success. Eccl 10:10 - NIV

Today's Word

Recently I had the privilege of having dinner with several extremely wealthy and influential believers. Although they differed in appearance, opinion and profession one thing remained constant amongst them. Not one of these multi billionaires ever set out to be rich “financially”. What they all shared was (1) they set out to do what they loved doing the most, (2) they just wanted to make an honest living and put food on the table; (3) money was never an issue regarding their motives, (4) and each one worked every day of their life, even now.

If money is your passion, your answer to “true” wealth or you believe it will satisfy you, your problems or give you peace in life you might want to consider the advice from those whom have traveled that road before you. Each has found their peace in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. None were “religious” individuals, but all confessed that their “true prosperity” had nothing to do with money at all, they found all they needed living a purpose-driven life.

Don’t let money be the issue in your life; you can lose it in so many ways. But when you acquire “true prosperity” as an heir to God’s Kingdom, then will you be secure in your future and realize real wealth and all you need will come your way.

A Prayer for Today

Dear God, You have given me more than enough, now teach me how to live a life of “true prosperity”. You have provided all of my needs and for all You continue to do I am eternally grateful. I will show You my heart-filled gratitude by the way I believe, trust and live this life You have given to me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Time To Prune

Today’s Scripture

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

Today’s Word

There are times that you just have to let go if you’re ever going to grow. Certain people, situations, relationships and habits may be holding you back from your full-potential, don’t let obstacles or attitudes get in your way.

I recall as a child my mother having an old rose bush in the front yard. Each year that old rose bush seemed to look the same. It would bloom with a few flowers, but the bush itself was kind of scrawny and unhealthy looking. One day my grandfather came to visit, taking out a pair of clippers, he showed my mother that if she would cut the bush back, eliminating some of the dead branches, the bush would grow fuller, taller and become much healthier. The next season we had the most beautiful rose bush in the neighborhood.

If you seem to constantly be fighting the same battle, feeling bad every time you see someone, having the same old worries, struggling with the same old habits or spending most of your time apologizing, feeling guilty, owned, unappreciated and disrespected over and over again to the point you’re feeling wilted, chances are you need to do some pruning in your life and let go of certain habits or relationships before you end up looking like my mothers old rose bush.

Remember: If something or someone is holding you back from being all that God created you to be, recognize it and do something about it, or you’ll stay stunted year after year. It’s time to bloom, there’s a champion inside of you just waiting to blossom.

A Prayer for Today

Dear God, show me what needs to be eliminated from my life so that I may become all that You created me to be. Give me the wisdom and strength to prune certain habits and relationships which will allow me to grow as You intended. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Live Right

Today's Scripture

In that day the wolf and the lamb will lie down together, and the leopard and goats will be at peace. Calves and fat cattle will be safe among lions, and a little child shall lead them all. (Isaiah 11:6)

Today's Word

God designed and created you to live a life filled with purpose not gloom and doom. So, how are you going to spend the rest of today? Listening to gossip, worrying and afraid, angry, sitting on the couch watching more bad news and "non-sense", jealous, envying, boastful, proud, hanging around negative people, haughty, confused, and disappointed or working to buy and own "things"? You can if you so choose, but that's not living God's intended purpose for your life, that's why so many are so miserable and confused today, always looking for happiness here, there and everywhere and never really finding it.

Want the answer to real living? Look at a tiny child, any child of any culture, black, white, brown, yellow, red, rich or poor and you will find the answer to living your intended life with victory and purpose. Children are innocent and champions of life, they live to live. They are little wonders of trust and joy, unafraid and eager to discover. They love to laugh, play, share and receive; they premiere what we adults need to get back to - Real life.

Today live to be....

1. Forgiven
2. Healed
3. Prospered
4. Useful
5. Creative
6. Hope to another
7. A blessing
8. Filled with life
9. Loved
10.A giver
11.A friend
12.A listener
13.A servant
14.A conveyor of Love
15.A discoverer

When you begin living your life as intended you will begin living your purpose and you will fulfill God's design and intention for your being here on earth today. Learn the "unforced rhythms of grace" and enjoy the gift of true life ~ discovering all God made you to be, more than a conquer.

A Prayer for Today

Dear God, help me today to be all you created me to be. Help me not to "major in the minors" and to just live lightly and freely. I know that you have given me life to live, help me to follow Your footsteps that I may reach my ultimate destiny which is You. And In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Genesis 9:1-17, Psalm 39:1-13, Psalm 90:1-17, Mark 8:31-38, Deuteronomy 8:1-20, Luke 9:18-27, John 1:1-18, John 4:1-26, Romans 6:1-14.

Think, Before You Speak

Today's Scripture

My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long. (Psalm 35:28 - NIV)

Today's Word

Planting apple seeds will never grow bananas. When you have negative thoughts chances are you'll not have positive outcomes.

When you say, "I'll never have money" you probably will not. When you say, "I'm never going to get out of debt, find a spouse, get healed, own a home, grow old, have a good family, finish school, or go to heaven", chances are you are going to get exactly what you have declared. Sometimes we put curses on ourselves and others and do not even realize it. Words are important, because they express the true feelings of the heart and reveal the direction in which you are headed.

God's Word [The Bible] declares blessings over your entire life and shows you how to do the same. When you begin to speak His promises rather than your enemies' lies and curses you're proclaiming the favor that your Creator intended for you when He spoke you into existence for His purpose. You are more than a conqueror, created in the image of your Designer. You have been given dominion [managerial authority and power] over everything upon the earth, it is yours to discover, take care of and share with others.

Your purpose is to know and proclaim that you are blessed of God. Then bless others with your bestowment. You were not designed to refute, curse or rebuke God's creations, which includes yourself, as well as others. You are blessed! So, proclaim it by living a positive confession rather than a negative concession.

Remember: No more gloom and doom.

A Prayer for Today

Father, thank you for always reminding me that I am the apple of Your eye. Teach me to proclaim Your promises over myself, my family and others. Help me to grow in every area of my life so that I may bring You all of the honor. In Jesus name. Amen.



ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Genesis 1: 28-30, Psalm 19:1-14, Proverbs 13:1-6, Matthew 12:33-37, Colossians 4:2-6.

It's Time To "Chazaq" Yourself

Today's Scripture

"David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him. . . but David strengthened himself in the Lord his God." 1 Samuel 30:6

Today's Word

To live your best life now, you must act on your will, not simply your emotions. Sometimes that means you have to take steps of faith even when you are hurting, grieving, or still reeling from an attack of the enemy.

Before David became the king of Israel, he and his men returned home to find their city had been attacked, their homes were burned down, their possessions were stolen, and their woman and children were kidnapped. Instead of sitting around devastated and mourning over what had been lost, The Bible says that David "Chazaq" (pronounced Hazocked) or encouraged himself in the Lord and convinced his men to attack the enemy. As they persevered, God supernaturally helped them to recover everything that had been stolen.

You may be sitting around waiting for God to change your circumstances. Then you're going to be happy; then you're going to have a good attitude; then you're going to give God praise. But God is waiting for you to get up on the inside as David did. It will take courage; it will definitely take determination, but you can do it if you decide to do so.

God wants you to be a winner, not a whiner. Don't allow yourself to wave the white flag of surrender. You must show the enemy that you're more determined than he is. Shout aloud if you must, "I'm going to stand in faith even if I have to stand my whole lifetime!" When you do your part, God will begin to change things and work supernaturally in your life.

Remember: Learn to develop a victor's mentality and watch what God begins to do in your new life.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, I am beginning to realize more and more each day that You have a divine purpose for every challenge that comes into my life. Trials have tested my character over and over again and each time they have helped shape my faith more and more. Thank you for Your patience with me, Your purpose for me, and Your incomparable love. 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, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Timothy 1:1-18.

A Determined Spirit

Today's Scripture

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Today's Word

Life is too short to trudge through it depressed and defeated. No matter what has come against you or what is causing you to slip and fall, no matter who or what is trying to push you down, you need to keep getting up on the inside.

If you want to give your enemy a nervous breakdown, learn to keep a good attitude even when the bottom drops out! Learn to be happy even when things don't go your way. When many people face adversity, they allow their doubt to cloud their determination, thus weakening their faith. They don't persevere; they don't keep a good attitude. Ironically, because their spirits are not right, they remain in bad situations longer than necessary.

Medical science tells us that people with a determined, feisty spirit get well quicker than people who are prone to be negative and discouraged. That's because God made us to be determined. We were not created to live in depression and defeat. A negative spirit dries up your energy; it weakens your immune system. Many people are living with physical ailments and emotional bondages because they are not standing up on the inside.

Get rid of the mind-set that's saying you can't do it; you can't be happy; you have too much to overcome. Those are all lies from the enemy. Learn to tap into the can-do power that God has placed inside you. Stand strong and fight the good fight of faith.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, I can never stop praising you for the new life you have given me. I will not be discouraged, down nor defeated, but I will give you honor for I know that in every area of my life you have rescued me to be all that you created me to be. I will walk each day as a testimony to your goodness and grace and expect to be yet another opportunity to bless another. In Jesus name. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Genesis 49:1-28, Judges 7:1-24, Isaiah 40:25-31, Luke 4:1-13.