Don't Force It

Let God show you the way - Then you'll never be lost.

Today’s Scripture

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. 29 Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. 30 Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 11:28-30 – Msg)

Today’s Word

One of the many great things about God is that He never forces you to believe in Him. He will never make you feel guilty, bad or invalidated because of past mistakes or “man made” rules. God is always inviting, generous and loving but never forceful, He’s very patient. He calls you into friendship with Him and gives you His very best, and all the time never forcing it upon you. This week, why not give God your very best and trust Him unconditionally with your entire life, you’ll feel so close to Him and so much better after you do. Tell Him alone your inner-most secrets, fears, joys and plans, He’s eager to listen. Then, let God lead you to live the most gratifying and joy-filled life you can ever imagine, a life filled with promises from God Himself. And remember; when you have to force anything, maybe it wasn’t meant to be.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, today is the day, no more procrastination, please come into my heart, be my Lord and my Savior, forgive my sins and give me a new life, a new beginning and a fresh start that will bring glory to Your Holy Name. Today is the day that I surrender my life to You and begin living the life You created me to live. In Jesus Name – Amen.

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.

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.

This Year

Today is the day!

Today’s Scripture

“How differently I feel now! When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!”
(2 Cor 5:16-17 TLB)

Today’s Word

Today can be the beginning of an incredible year for you. Make one resolution that you’re going to stick to no matter what. Just say, “This year I’m going to learn to trust God in every area of my life!” Then, live life full of expectation as you give, share, laugh, encourage others, forgive, understand and pray for those you know and those you do not know (someone you just past on the street). Learn to wish the best for others, to share in their joy and feel their pain, and above all else treat others the way God has treated you, with love, understanding and forgiveness over and over again. Do this, and you will have a great year that is filled with the joy that can only come from our Heavenly Father.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, it’s so liberating learning to live my life as you intended it to be. Trusting You frees me in such a way that I’m beginning to actually enjoy my life. Show me more Father, how to really live the life You created me for. As the eagles wings open to soar the heavens, open my heart that I might be lifted to where You want me to be. 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.

Invest in your future

In The Time of Need, Sow A Seed

Today’s Scripture

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so that there will be food enough in my Temple; if you do, I will open up the windows of heaven for you and pour out a blessing so great you won't have room enough to take it in! "Try it! Let me prove it to you! Your crops will be large, for I will guard them from insects and plagues. Your grapes won't shrivel away before they ripen," says the Lord Almighty. "And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land sparkling with happiness. These are the promises of the Lord Almighty.” (Malachi 3:10-12 – TLB)

Today’s Word

Do you know that when you plant seeds of goodness, kindness, forgiveness, gifts, talents and money you’re actually making deposits into your “Eternal Bank Account”?

God honors your intentions and generosity each time you sow in His likeness by faith. God is an incredible giver, and you were created in His image to mirror His likeness. You were saved to bring others to Christ through your time, talent, gifts and resources. For example, each time you “tithe” you’re not giving to the church or the pastor; you’re giving to the needs of the church to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The tithe is intended to pay the expenses of the ministry just as in any corporations operating expenses. When you give of your time and talent, you’re giving to the spreading of “The Gospel”, because others in some way are being administered the love of God. As you deposit into your “account” God is keeping a record of each transaction, and when you need the dividends the most, He releases with multiple and compounded interest. Twenty years down the road you may have a financial need and out of nowhere someone will bless you, that’s a dividend paid from your deposit years earlier. When you have favor found over you and it seems unexplainable, it’s a dividend paid from your deposit years earlier. If you haven’t already, become a depositor of your “Eternal Bank Account” today, and when you need it most, God will release dividends beyond your comprehension. You can count on that!

Today’s Scripture

Heavenly Father, today I’m putting You first, giving You my best, as did Abel before me. And as I do, I know that all of my needs will always be met. In sickness and in good times, when I’m up and when I’m down, I know that You will always meet my needs according to Your riches and glory. May all of the glory be given to You, for You alone are my Provider, my Sustainer and my Healer. Praise Your Name forever! 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.

The Whisper

Keep an open heart

Today’s Scripture

"What I tell you now in the gloom, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ears, proclaim from the housetops!” Matthew 10:27 – TLB

Today’s Word

It is in the whisper that you hear God the loudest. The gentleness of His grace rings forth unto the ears that are willing to listen. Do you have a desire to hear God? Ask Him, “Lord, speak to me, I am willing to listen to all of Your Words. Fill me with that which will nourish my soul and mature the spirit within me.” When you have the heartfelt desire to hear God, not for what you want, need or can achieve, but for who He is and for who He will reveal you are, then you can expect to hear the voice of God. When you spend time in His Word, it is there that will you hear “The Whisper”, it is on your knees seeking His fellowship that you will hear “The Whisper”, it is when you cry out for His direction and forgiveness that you will hear “The Whisper”, and it is in the moment of healing that you will hear “The Whisper” that say’s, “I am here”.

Shhhhhhh, do you hear “The Whisper” calling you today?

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I long to hear Your voice in all of its beauty, let it ring forth in my heart that I may forever be guided by Your instructions and leading. May I be healed by Your assurance, restored by Your Word and raised by Your call. Let Your voice be my guide throughout the day. I pray in the Name that is above all other names, Jesus’ – Amen.

Ready Me

Today's Scripture

Stand ready to help me because I have chosen to follow your will. O Lord, I have longed for your salvation, and your law is my delight. Psalm 119:173-174

Are you sure you're ready?

Today's Word

Are you ready for God's increase in your life? Maybe you're believing God for a partner, a new career, help with your finances, owning a new business or healing you? Maybe there is an area of your life that has always been a challenge for you like, relationships, advancement, handling your finances, forgiving, studying, parenting, etc. Are you really ready now for the desires of your heart?

Most of us have spent years saying, "I'm finally ready" only to find ourselves right back in dilemma after dilemma, challenge after challenge.

If you want to be increased in any or every area of your life stop telling God you're ready, because on your own you will always fall short. Instead, why not ask God, "Ready Me Lord" and watch Him prepare, provide and prosper those areas of your life that have been anemic for so long. You see it's not about what you think you want or need. Leave the assigning to your Creator and watch how powerfully you'll begin to live your life. There is no limit to what God can and will do in you and though you. But first, you have to let Him do what He does, and then, you do what He has done in you.

A Prayer for Today

Dear God, Ready Me for the desires of my heart. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.


ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Ruth 1 thru 4

Dare To Live Your Dreams

Just Be Real

Today's Scripture

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9).

Ring, Ring!!!! Answer that phone ~ This is for you!

Today's Word

Do you need a fresh new start today? Then you're going to need God on your side. Here's how you do it. Just stop what you're doing and speak with Him. Once you are really in God's presence you will feel the need to come clean, you will feel the need for His closeness and feel the need for a good confession. Just begin slowly, and tell Him exactly what's on your mind. Remember, you're not a pro at this, and He knows it, so just be real.

When you leave that conversation with God your heart will be opened like never before to His leading, and your life will take a turn in the right direction. You'll begin living your life with purpose and yearn to live life as it was intended.

Give God a chance, He's your Father, and He's been waiting. Not to beat you up or condemn you. But to say, "I've been waiting for you so that we can enjoy life forever more together. Now that's a Father!

A Prayer for Today

Dear God, I never knew You understood me so well. You anoint my head and heart with hope knowing there is nothing that can ever separate me from Your love. Cleanse me Father, that I may be acceptable and an instrument in Your hand all the days of my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE RELATING TO TODAY'S TOPIC:
Isaiah 1:19; John 7:38; Romans 12:11; 2 Timothy 1:6; Isaiah 43:19; Matthew 9:29; Psalm 23:6.

Give A Little - Get A Little

Today’s Scripture

God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7


Today’s Word

You get a little when you give a little. It’s that simple. God is looking to bless those who not only worship Him watching TV evangelists, reading the Bible all day long or using “religious” words in every other sentence; or going to church every Sunday. He is looking to double what you have given, from Him to others, every time you release the blessing. In other words, when you release favor to others, you’re actually releasing favor unto yourself.

God has blessed you as Tradesmen, Attorney’s, Physicians, Builders, Investors, Housekeepers, Bakers, Gardeners, Nurses, Auto Repairmen and Fishermen. Without His pre-ordained anointing over your life; you couldn’t get out of bed in the morning. While it is true that God has blessed you to prosper, He also, and foremost, has blessed you to bless others, that’s why we have the “Tithe”. God requires your first fruit. In short, His mission comes first and it is intended to help the needs of others, in doing so you are “priming-the-pump” to bless yourself, because God finds favor with a cheerful giver.

Have you used what God has given you to bless another today, or are you still waiting for the increase?

A Prayer for Today

Dear God, all that I have is Yours, all I know is Yours, and in putting You and my service to You first, I am truly blessed. 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.

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.

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.