Say your prayer here or your prayer request(please respect this thread)

• XslashX on April 27, 2023 08:53 AM

  Kingdom Greatness
  
  Today's Scripture
  ��whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant�just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.� (Matthew 20:26�28, NIV)
  
  Jesus said that the simple key to being great in the kingdom is to serve other people as He did. He was talking about a lifestyle in which you�re always looking for ways to serve. When you live a �serve others� lifestyle, you help your family and friends, volunteer in your community, and take care of loved ones. It becomes a part of who you are. You develop an attitude of giving to everyone you meet.
  
  That�s when you�ll have true happiness and fulfillment. You live not to receive, but to give.
  
  God has put people in your life on purpose so you can be a blessing to them. Don�t look for them to pay you back. They may not even thank you, but rest assured that when you serve others, there is applause in heaven.
  
  God sees your sacrifices, and He�s the One who matters. He sees your acts of kindness, helping a coworker or serving in the church nursery. When you serve others, God says you�ll be great in the kingdom.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  �Father, thank You that Jesus came to serve and gave His life for me. Thank You that You created me to serve others, to be truly fulfilled by living to give and not to receive. What is my assignment today? Help me to see the people You want me to serve. In Jesus� Name, Amen.�

• XslashX on April 28, 2023 09:53 AM

  Bigger and Bigger
  
  Today's Scripture
  "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day." (Proverbs 4:18, ESV)
  
  God�s idea is that our lives get bigger and bigger�more influence, more opportunity, more resources. But you may feel stuck. You haven�t seen this happen yet, but this is a new day. Things are about to turn in your favor. If you get your hopes up and start expecting God�s goodness, you�re going to come into a bigger life, to a new level of your destiny.
  
  You may be in a limited environment right now that you can�t change. If you see lack, dysfunction, struggle, and addictions on a regular basis, it can become ingrained in you to where you think that�s the way it�s supposed to be.
  
  The key is to not let the environment get in you. Don�t let mediocrity become the norm. Don�t live with a small mentality. Don�t water down your dreams, accepting less when you know God has created you for more.
  
  Start believing bigger. Start taking steps of faith, stretching, growing, and learning. Start living larger, and God will amaze you with His goodness.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  �Father, thank You that I can begin to see myself the way You see me as living a bigger and better life. Help me to get unstuck from my limited environment and not expecting anything better. I believe that You have new horizons for me to explore and a bigger life than I am now living. In Jesus� Name, Amen.�

• XslashX on April 29, 2023 10:17 AM

  Integrity
  
  Today's Scripture
  "Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard�" (Song of Solomon 2:15, NLT)
  
  God wants us to be people of integrity. A person of honor is open and honest and true to her word. He says what he means and means what he says. She doesn�t have any hidden agendas or ulterior motives. He doesn�t need a legal contract to force him to fulfill his word. People of integrity are the same in private as they are in public. They do what�s right whether anybody is watching or not.
  
  If you don�t have integrity, you will never reach your best. Integrity is the foundation on which truly successful relationships are built. Every time you compromise, every time you are less than honest, you are causing a slight crack in the foundation. If you continue compromising, that foundation will never be able to hold what God wants to build.
  
  On the other hand, God�s blessings will overtake you if you settle for nothing less than living with integrity. There�s no limit to what God will do in your life when He knows He can trust you.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  �Father, thank You that You see my heart and motives and that You reward integrity. Thank You that I can step up to a higher level of integrity and honesty in my relationship with You and my relationships with other people. Help me to always do the right thing and honor You by the way I live. In Jesus� Name, Amen.�

• XslashX on April 30, 2023 10:02 AM

  Mind-Boggling
  
  Today's Scripture
  "That is what is meant by Scriptures which say that no mere man has ever seen, heard, or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord" (1 Corinthians 2:9, TLB)
  
  God�s dream for your life is so much bigger than your own. What He has in your future is going to boggle your mind. You can�t imagine the places He�s going to take you, the people you�re going to meet, the levels you�re going to reach.
  
  Today�s Scripture says that if you think you�ve reached your limits, you better think again. God is about to take you into overflow, into abundance, into more than enough. Whatever level you�re at, get ready, another level is coming. What you haven�t seen or imagined is on the way.
  
  Circumstances may be against you, but the Most High God is for you. He�s working behind the scenes. Things are happening that you can�t see. Keep being faithful. Keep doing the right thing. Keep going to work with a good attitude.
  
  God is your source. I can assure you He�s keeping the records. Your time is coming. It�s God taking pleasure in prospering you. It�s God shining His favor on you.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  �Father, thank You that You take pleasure in providing for my prosperity and health and well-being. Thank You that You are the Most High God, and that Your dream for my life is much bigger than my own. I will keep doing the right thing and being faithful. In Jesus� Name, Amen.�

• XslashX on May 01, 2023 03:18 PM

  While You Wait for Change
  
  Today's Scripture
  �I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.� (Isaiah 46:10, NIV)
  
  What�s upsetting you? What�s keeping you awake at night? God already has it figured out. He knows the end from the beginning.
  
  But here�s the key: He doesn�t give us the details. If you knew how everything was going to work out, it wouldn�t take faith. Even though you feel like you�re going backward, if He told you that three months from now a big door is going to open, that there�s a shortcut that�s going to put you ahead, you would relax and say, �Okay, it�s all going to work out.�
  
  Why don�t you do that now? God has it all planned out. He�s doing things you can�t see. There are good breaks coming, healing, favor, the right people. They�re already on your schedule.
  
  If you release control of what is troubling you, you can enjoy your life while you�re waiting for things to change. God is saying, �Release it to me. I�m in control. I�m ordering your steps. I�m working behind the scenes. I�m going to turn it for your good.�
  
  A Prayer for Today
  �Father, thank You that in the midst of a very insecure world that I can rest in the security of knowing that my end has been set, knowing that You always cause me to triumph. I release control of what is bothering me and believe that You are working all things to my advantage. In Jesus� Name, Amen.�

• XslashX on May 02, 2023 09:42 AM

  No Drifting
  
  Today's Scripture
  "We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." (Hebrews 2:1, NIV)
  
  The Scripture describes hope as the anchor of our soul. It wouldn�t say �anchor� unless there was a possibility of drifting.
  
  This is what happens in life. If we don�t keep our anchor down and stay full of hope, then little by little we start drifting, getting negative and discouraged. �I don�t think I�ll ever get out of debt.� �I�ll never get well. It�s been so long.� �I�ll never meet the right person.�
  
  Pretty soon we feel down and overwhelmed and have drifted to a dark place. The problem is that you don�t have your anchor of hope down.
  
  When you find yourself being consumed by worry, full of doubt, thinking it�s never going to work out, recognize what�s happened and put your anchor back down. Quit dwelling on the negative thoughts.
  
  You may have had some bad breaks, but that doesn�t mean you�re not going to fulfill your destiny. Shake off the self-pity, shake off the disappointment. What God promised you, He�s still going to bring to pass.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  �Father, thank You that You�ve given me hope as the anchor of my soul to keep me from drifting into doubt and worry. Thank You that I can keep my anchor down and tied to You. I believe that what You have promised me, You will bring to pass. In Jesus� Name, Amen.�

• XslashX on May 03, 2023 11:21 AM

  No Deficit
  
  Today's Scripture
  �You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.� (Genesis 50:20, NLT)
  
  For thirteen years it seemed as though Joseph�s life would end in a deep deficit. He was sold into slavery by brothers who should have loved him, falsely accused of a crime and put in prison by someone who should have trusted him, had a promise broken and was forgotten.
  
  Despite all these unfair things, and all the odds against him, Joseph suddenly went from prisoner to the prime minister of Egypt in a single day. God gave Joseph a payback and used it all to work out His plan for Joseph�s life.
  
  You may be in a deficit now. Life hasn�t been fair, people left you out, a family member turned on you, the sickness set you back. You�re tempted to lose your passion, to give up on your dreams. But stay in peace and be your best, for your time is coming. God is about to do something unusual, something extraordinary. Suddenly you�re vindicated, suddenly you�re promoted, suddenly your crooked places are made straight. What is that? The power of the Most High settling your account.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  �Father, thank You that what so often looks and feels like an unsolvable deficit is really part of Your plan that moves me to my purpose. Thank You that it�s going to lead me into a new level of my destiny that I could never experience without it. I believe You will settle all my accounts. In Jesus� Name, Amen.�

• XslashX on May 04, 2023 11:03 AM

  What Do You Have?
  
  Today's Scripture
  Jesus replied, �They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.� �We have here only five loaves and two fish,� they answered. (Matthew 14:16�17, NIV)
  
  Late in the day, after Jesus had been teaching thousands of people, He told His disciples to feed the multitude. They said, �That�s impossible. We have no food except five loaves of bread and two fish.�
  
  What followed the �except� was all they needed. Jesus took that tiny provision in His hands, prayed over it, and it multiplied to be more than enough.
  
  Your dream may be much bigger than what you have. When you look at your resources, your training, your experience, it�s not enough. It�s just five loaves. What good can that do?
  
  No, get ready. God is going to multiply what comes after your �except.� There are gifts you haven�t tapped into and new levels inside you. He�s about to make happen what you can�t make happen. Doors will open that you can�t open. Opportunities that you aren�t qualified for will present themselves.
  
  Put what you have in God�s hands, and He�s going to take what looks insignificant and turn it into something extraordinary.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  �Father, thank You that I can give You my dreams and goals, and You will do something great with them. Thank You that You take the loaves and the fish in my life and multiply them into something extraordinary. I gladly put my gifts and resources in Your hands today. In Jesus� Name, Amen.�

• XslashX on May 05, 2023 03:03 AM

  True Humility
  
  Today's Scripture
  "True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life." (Proverbs 22:4, NLT)
  
  When you walk in humility, you reverence God, you ask Him for guidance, you trust Him with your dreams, you honor Him by putting Him first in all your ways. That means to make pleasing Him the aim of your life, to always hunger and thirst after righteousness, to treat people with respect, to be a person of integrity, and to strive to do the right thing when no one is watching. When you do that, God promises you honor, wealth, and long life.
  
  One way you reverence God is by bringing the tithe, the first ten percent of your income to the house of the Lord. When you do that, it says that �God will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings that you cannot contain.� Make sure you�re doing your part; make sure you�re keeping God first place, and He promises a blessing on your life that causes you to prosper. His favor will cause you to increase, to rise higher, and to accomplish things beyond your own ability.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  �Father, thank You for the blessings that always follow when I walk in humility and put You first in all my ways. Show me if there is anything that is holding me back from the honor and wealth and long life You have promised. I believe that Your favor will be poured out on my life. In Jesus� Name, Amen.�

• XslashX on May 06, 2023 01:05 AM

  When You Don�t Understand
  
  Today's Scripture
  "It is God�s privilege to conceal things�" (Proverbs 25:2, NLT)
  
  One night the teenage son of a couple we know was killed in a car accident. You can imagine how devastated and heartbroken they were. Many couples would get angry and let the tragedy sour the rest of their lives. They went through a dark time, but they came through it and explained how: �We made the decision that we weren�t going to exchange what we do know for what we don�t know. We know that God is good, that He�s loving, that He�s for us. We would not let one situation that we don�t understand cancel all that out.�
  
  If you�re always trying to figure out why something happened, you�re going to get frustrated and bitter. If God wants you to know why, He�ll tell you why. But there are some things God doesn�t want us to know yet. If you�re going to trust God, you have to be mature enough to drop it and say, �God, I don�t have to have all the answers. You�re God. Your ways are better than mine.�
  
  A Prayer for Today
  �Father, thank You that no matter what I go through, You are good and You love me. I leave the things I don�t understand in Your hands and know that You will reveal or conceal things according to what�s best for me. I trust that Your ways are better than mine. In Jesus� Name, Amen.�

• XslashX on May 07, 2023 09:03 AM

  Celebrate the Good
  
  Today's Scripture
  �But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, �Salvation comes from the LORD.�� (Jonah 2:9, NIV)
  
  In today�s Scripture, the prophet Jonah tried to run away from God and ended up getting swallowed by a great fish. It was dark and smelly, no way out in the natural. He had plenty to complain about, but instead he was thanking God that he was still alive. He wasn�t delivered, but at least he was spared. As he thanked God for the partial victory, God went to work and had that fish spit him up on dry ground.
  
  It�s easy to complain about what�s not working out. �God, it stinks where I work. The people aren�t treating me right. Get me out of here.�
  
  Complaining will only get you stuck. If you want God to turn it around, do as Jonah did and find some good things to thank Him for. Thank Him for the partial. Thank Him for where He�s brought you, thank Him for fighting your battles, thank Him for His favor on your life.
  
  If you keep celebrating partial victories, God is going to finish what He started.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  �Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and love and mercy in my life. Thank You for the partial victories that You have given me, and I know that You are working to bring them to completion. I believe that as I celebrate the good, I will see every promise fulfilled. In Jesus� Name, Amen.�

• XslashX on May 09, 2023 01:00 AM

  Have a Vision for Increase
  
  Today's Scripture
  "Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" (Habakkuk 2:3, TLB)
  
  You may have struggled in an area for a long time, but don�t have a limited mindset. You have to give God permission to increase you.
  
  It starts in your thinking. If you grew up in lack, not having enough, surrounded by mediocrity, don�t let that poverty spirit get in or stay in you. That is not who you are.
  
  You�re the one to break the curse and set a new standard. God is about to loose resources, promotion, ideas, and opportunities for you. You have seeds of greatness. You are not limited by how you were raised, by your family, by what you didn�t get. You�re not a slave to lack, depression, or fear.
  
  The oppressor has been defeated. Your days of struggle, your days of sickness, your days of loneliness are coming to an end. God is about to do a new thing. He�s going to break bondages that have held you back.
  
  Have a vision for increase. See yourself as a child of God rising higher.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  �Father, thank You that You are bringing me out of a limited mindset and delivering me from any slavery I�ve allowed into my life. Thank You that You are breaking the bondages that have held me back. I ask You to give me a vision for increase and all the blessings of being Your child. In Jesus� Name, Amen.�

• XslashX on May 09, 2023 01:10 AM

  Do Not Be Afraid
  
  Today's Scripture
  "Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls."(1 Peter 2:25, NLT)
  
  When we look at all the natural disasters, sicknesses, and accidents going on around us, it�s easy to live worried and afraid. We think, �What if we face another pandemic? What if my business doesn�t make it? What if my child has an accident?�
  
  If you were on your own, you would have valid reasons to be afraid. But you�re not in this by yourself.
  
  The Most High God is the Guardian of your soul. When He breathed life into you, He didn�t just put you on the earth and say, �Good luck.� He says, �I will guard you from forces of darkness. I will shield you from trouble.�
  
  Psalm 91 says, �God rescues you from every trap and protects you from the fatal plague.� You don�t have to be afraid. God knows how to keep harm away. And if it does come, He knows how to heal you. He knows how to restore what was taken. The enemy doesn�t have the final say. Find rest in the palms of God�s hands.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  �Father, thank You that I have turned to You, my Shepherd, the Guardian of my soul. Thank You that You are the stronghold of my life, so I need not fear. When things come against me, help me to remember that You have me in the palms of Your hands. In Jesus� Name, Amen.�

• XslashX on May 09, 2023 01:31 AM

  Someone asked the richest man in the world, Bill Gates,
  �Is there anyone richer than you in the world ?�
  Bill Gates replied, �Yes, there is a person who is richer than me.�
  He then narrated a story.
  �It was during the time when I wasn�t rich or famous.
  �I was at the New York Airport when I saw a newspaper vendor.
  �I wanted to buy one newspaper but found that I didn�t have enough change. So I left the idea of buying and returned it to the vendor.�
  �I told him of not having the change.
  The vendor said, �I am giving you this for free.�
  On his insistence I took the newspaper.�
  �Coincidentally, after two to three months, I landed at the same airport and again I was short of change for a newspaper.
  The vendor offered me the newspaper again. I refused and said that I can�t take it for I don�t have change today too. He said, �You can take it, I am sharing this from my profit, I won�t be at loss.�
  I took the newspaper.�
  �After 19 years I became famous and known by people.
  Suddenly I remembered that vendor.
  I began searching for him and after about 1½ months of searching, I found him.�
  �I asked him, �Do you know me?�
  He said, �Yes, you are Bill Gates.� �
  �I asked him again, �Do you remember once you gave me a newspaper for free?�
  �The vendor said, �Yes, I remember. I gave you twice.�
  �I said, �I want to repay the help you had offered me that time.
  Whatever you want in your life, tell me, I shall fulfill it.�
  �The vendor said, �Sir, don�t you think that by doing so you won�t be able to match my help?�
  �I asked, �Why?�
  �He said, �I had helped you when I was a poor newspaper vendor and you are trying to help me now when you have become the richest man in the world.
  How can your help match mine ?�
  �That day I realized that the newspaper vendor is richer than I am because he didn�t wait to become rich to help someone.�
  People need to understand that the truly rich are those who possess a rich heart rather than lots of money.

• XslashX on May 10, 2023 12:25 PM

  Astounding
  
  Today's Scripture
  "All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded!" (Acts 3:9�10, NLT)
  
  In Acts 3, Peter spoke a word of faith to a crippled beggar, and he was instantly healed. When that man woke up that morning, his expectancy was to receive a few coins for his survival. He didn�t realize he was just one touch of God�s favor away from having his whole life changed. When people realized what had happened, they were absolutely astonished, and many of them came to faith in Christ as a result.
  
  God has some things in your future that are going to leave you amazed and the people around you astounded. You weren�t created to live in dysfunction, with addictions, and to be constantly struggling.
  
  That may be how it�s been in the past, but that�s not in your future. God is about to do a new thing. He�s going to break bondages that have held you back. He�s going to increase you to where you have more than enough. That sickness is not permanent. Healing is coming. Wholeness is on the way. Victory is in your future.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  �Father, thank You that You have given me every reason to live with the expectancy of a fresh touch of Your favor. Thank You that what I struggle with today could be gone tomorrow. I believe that You are going to astound me and the people around me. In Jesus� Name, Amen.�

• XslashX on May 11, 2023 12:10 PM

  Shame Is Broken
  
  Today's Scripture
  "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:4, NIV)
  
  Perhaps you know God has forgiven you from past mistakes and failures, but you still have a sense of unworthiness as though you don�t deserve it. That shame has held you back long enough.
  
  Today the strongholds have been broken. Burdens have been lifted. God is saying, �Shame off you!� Now you have to get in agreement with Him. Quit listening to the accusing voices. Quit believing the lies that you have to settle for second best. God�s mercy was there for you before you made the mistake. It�s time for you to shake off the shame, to shake off the guilt. This is a new day.
  
  Don�t let negative events�a failure, an addiction, a divorce, a bankruptcy�become your identity. That�s what you did; that�s not who you are. That�s what happened to you; that is not your identity. Remind yourself, �I am who God says I am. I am approved, I am accepted, I am valuable, and I am a masterpiece.� You are a child of the Most High God.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  �Father, thank You that You have forgiven me, which has the divine power to break any stronghold of shame that is holding me back from rising to the next level of my destiny. I believe and declare that I am Your child, the chains are being broken even now, and the shame has to go. In Jesus� Name, Amen.�

• XslashX on May 12, 2023 10:10 AM

  Toughen Up
  
  Today's Scripture
  "These are the nations that the LORD left in the land to test those Israelites who had not experienced the wars of Canaan. He did this to teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle." (Judges 3:1�2, NLT)
  
  After Joshua died, the Israelites were settled in the Promised Land, living their dream. God could have had Joshua and the previous generation drive out all the opposing enemy nations, but He purposefully left some nations there to teach them warfare. Without this problem, the new generation of Israelites would have eventually faced armies and been defeated. They didn't have the experience, the strength, or the fortitude to overcome. God had to toughen them up. He left obstacles on purpose.
  
  If God made everything easy for us, we wouldn't be ready for where we're going. God has amazing things in your future, things you've never imagined, but to get there you're going to have to defeat some powerful giants, overcome some big obstacles, and outlast some formidable opposition. It's not going to happen if you're weak, disappointed, and bitter.
  
  Instead of complaining about what's not turning around, see it as an opportunity to develop your faith. Don't just go through it, grow through it. God's getting you prepared. It's serving His plan.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that You purposefully allow obstacles and problems to come against me for my own good. Thank You that You are building strength and fortitude in me to prepare me for the future. I believe that it is serving Your plan as I walk through it and grow through it. Father, thank You that You have a crown for me, that You're taking me higher step by step. Thank You that as I make it my daily business to serve others faithfully, You are leading me to my destiny. I believe that You will give me opportunities like I've never seen. In Jesus' Name, Amen.�
  
  -- edited by XslashX on May 11 2023, 07:14 PM

• XslashX on May 13, 2023 11:40 AM

  Open Rewards
  
  Today's Scripture
  "So that your deeds of charity may be in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret will reward you openly." (Matthew 6:4)
  
  Oftentimes when we give of ourselves to serve others, nobody sees it or even thanks us.
  
  But God sees everything. He's keeping the records. Jesus says, "What you do in secret, God will reward in the open."
  
  Don't worry if you're not getting credit. Don't get discouraged if people don't thank you. God sees your sacrifice. He sees you buying supplies for your students. He sees you taking care of that neighbor who's not feeling well. He sees you getting up early to sing in the choir.
  
  He knows how to thank you. He knows how to open the windows of heaven. You can't be good to somebody without God being good back to you. That's just the way God is. When you give, He gives you more back. When you show someone favor, He shows you more favor. When you make it your business to serve, you're going to see breakthroughs, promotion, and doors open that you couldn't open.
  
  Keep going the extra mile, and the blessings will come to you.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You for the opportunities You bring my way to serve others. Thank You that Jesus came not to be served but to serve others and give His life as a ransom for many. Help me to be like Him and keep going the second mile for others, knowing Your blessings are coming. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
  
  -- edited by XslashX on May 12 2023, 08:43 PM

• XslashX on May 14, 2023 04:03 AM

  The Only Praise That Matters
  
  Today's Scripture
  "...for they loved human praise more than praise from God." (John 12:43, NIV)
  
  Jesus talks about those who love the praise of people more than the praise of God. One of the tests we all have to pass is when someone whom we respect or like wants us to go one direction, yet we know in our hearts we should take another path.
  
  We want their approval, but if we are to fulfill our destiny, we have to stay true to what He's put in our heart. If you please God, His favor, His anointing, and His blessing will cause you to excel. If you quit worrying about what others think, you'll see new opportunities and relationships. God's favor will increase you.
  
  People will tell you how to run your life. If you try to please everyone, you'll be confused, frustrated, and miserable. Don't let people control you and go around feeling guilty because you don't fit into their boxes. They may not understand why you don't take their advice, but look straight ahead, and as the apostle Paul says, "Run with purpose in every step."
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You for the way You guide me with Your peace and joy. Thank You that I can be free from living for the approval of others because I have Your approval. I declare that I want to stay true to pleasing You and You alone as I run the race You've set before me. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
  
  -- edited by XslashX on May 13 2023, 01:04 PM

• XslashX on May 15, 2023 10:21 AM

  No Storm Too Strong
  
  Today's Scripture
  Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39, NKJV)
  
  In Mark 5, Jesus cast an impure spirit out of a deranged man who had been living among the tombs and cutting himself with stones. People had given up on him; he was beyond their helping or controlling, but God hadn't given up on him. Afterward, it says, "The people saw the man sitting, fully clothed and in his right mind." What's interesting is that on the previous night when Jesus was on the boat and headed toward that man, the huge storm that arose wasn't just a random act of nature. It was the enemy trying to stop Jesus. This man still had greatness in him, and Jesus was determined to restore him.
  
  Remember that the storms the enemy sends to stop your future can't withstand God's rebuke and "Peace, be still!" The storm around you may be darker than ever, but there's no storm so strong that He can't calm. God is fighting for you, pushing through forces of darkness, calming the storms, and crossing lakes just to get to you, so you will fulfill your destiny.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You for rebuking the storms that are sent to stop my future and for coming to me when I couldn't come to You. Thank You for freeing and delivering me from what I could not free myself from. I believe that You never stop crossing lakes for me. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on May 17, 2023 12:18 PM

  Receive It
  
  Today's Scripture
  "May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."
  (Ruth 2:12, NIV)
  
  A young Moabite widow named Ruth moved to Bethlehem to take care of her elderly mother-in-law, Naomi. To survive, she went into the harvest fields every day to pick up whatever wheat the workers missed. God brought her to the attention of Boaz, the owner of the fields, who began to help her, then fell in love with her. God's blessing was on Ruth, and she and Naomi went from poverty and disappointment to abundance and joy.
  
  Like Ruth, you may have been through disappointments, but things are about to turn in your favor. Quit telling yourself all the reasons for why you can't receive the blessing of God as Ruth did. It's not going to happen just by your ability, your talent, or your connections. It's going to happen by the Spirit of the living God. He's breathing on your life right now. His favor is surrounding you. There are breakthroughs already en route--healing, promotions, contracts, the right people are already headed your way. Now don't talk yourself out of it. Receive His blessing.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that You know every hardship and difficult situation I have faced and will face. Thank You that You have more blessings and favor for me than I can dream. I believe that Your favor is surrounding me and breakthroughs are on the way. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
  
  -- edited by XslashX on May 16 2023, 09:28 PM

• XslashX on May 18, 2023 01:44 PM

  Anointed but Not Appointed
  
  Today's Scripture
  Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said, "Send me your son David, who is with the sheep." (1 Samuel 16:19, NKJV)
  
  After David was anointed to be the next king of Israel, he didn't go to the palace. He went back to caring for his father's sheep. He was anointed before he was appointed. Doing what seemed like a menial job, he kept being his best and proved to God his faithfulness. When King Saul needed someone to play soothing music for his bouts of depression, someone recommended David as an excellent musician. For David, who had been discounted, overlooked, and forgotten, promotion came calling his name. He was suddenly working in the palace for the king. He didn't make it happen; the king sent for him.
  
  As with David, you have the anointing, the promise, the calling, but you won't go straight to the throne. How you respond when you're anointed but not appointed will determine whether you make it to the palace. You have to be your best right where you are. When you pass the test of being faithful in the small, get ready for opportunities that come looking for you.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that You have given me both an anointing and an appointing. Thank You that You are taking me through a preparation process to get me to my appointment. I believe that I will pass the faithfulness test of being my best and get to where You are taking me. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on May 19, 2023 12:58 AM

  Hearts Will Turn
  
  Today's Scripture
  "Take your flocks and herds and be gone; and oh, give me a blessing as you go." (Exodus 12:32, TLB)
  
  When Moses told Pharaoh again and again to let God's enslaved people go, Pharaoh wouldn't listen. He didn't respect Moses or pay him any attention. He dismissed Moses as second class. What's interesting is that after the last plague, when Pharaoh finally decided to let the Hebrew people go, instead of dismissing Moses as not good enough, now Pharaoh recognized the hand of God on Moses. He saw the anointing and felt the power to where he asked Moses to bless him!
  
  God knows how to change people. You don't have to play up to them, or try to convince them to like you, or let them control and manipulate you in order to try to win their favor. No, walk in your anointing. Run your own race, always honoring God with excellence and integrity. God will turn the hearts of those who are against you and who disrespected you the most to ask for your blessing. It may take years, but they're going to recognize the favor on your life.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that You are going to use the difficult people in my life to show me Your favor and bring glory to Your Name. Thank You that I don't have to play up to anyone to get them on my side. I believe that You are turning the hearts of those who are against me to be for me. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on May 20, 2023 07:12 AM

  Kingdom Greatness
  
  Today's Scripture
  "...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant... just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26�28, NIV)
  
  Jesus said that the simple key to being great in the kingdom is to serve other people as He did. He was talking about a lifestyle in which you�re always looking for ways to serve. When you live a "serve others" lifestyle, you help your family and friends, volunteer in your community, and take care of loved ones. It becomes a part of who you are. You develop an attitude of giving to everyone you meet. That�s when you�ll have true happiness and fulfillment. You live not to receive, but to give.
  
  God has put people in your life on purpose so you can be a blessing to them. Don�t look for them to pay you back. They may not even thank you, but rest assured that when you serve others, there is applause in heaven. God sees your sacrifices, and He�s the One who matters. He sees your acts of kindness, helping a coworker or serving in the church nursery. When you serve others, God says you'll be great in the kingdom.
  
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that Jesus came to serve and gave His life for me. Thank You that You created me to serve others, to be truly fulfilled by living to give and not to receive. What is my assignment today? Help me to see the people You want me to serve. In Jesus� Name, Amen."
  
  -- edited by XslashX on May 19 2023, 04:13 PM

• XslashX on May 21, 2023 09:16 AM

  Watch Your Tongue
  
  Today's Scripture
  "Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies." (Psalm 34:12-13, NLT)
  
  In today's Scripture, we think it only means that we should never lie to other people. But it also means to not tell lies about yourself.
  
  Don't go around saying things that contradict what God says about you. "I'm just average. I'm not good enough. I'll never do anything great."
  
  That's telling lies. God didn't create anyone average. When He breathed life into you, He put greatness inside. You have to watch your tongue if you want to see this long, prosperous, amazing life that He's destined for you. Be careful what you say about yourself. You can't put yourself down and rise up to who you were created to be.
  
  No more speaking defeat, talking about how you can't get well, can't break the addiction, can't start your business. Get in agreement with God. All through the day, bless yourself by saying, "I am strong. I am talented. I am healthy. I am well able."
  
  Speak life, speak favor, speak victory, and watch God show out in your life.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You for creating me in Your image and breathing life and greatness into me. Thank You that my words have the power to bless my life and lift me to become what You've created me to be. I will watch my words and be disciplined to speak what You say about me. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
  
  -- edited by XslashX on May 20 2023, 06:17 PM

• XslashX on May 22, 2023 09:25 AM

  Do You Need to Let Go?
  
  Today's Scripture
  The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you." (Genesis 12:1, NLT)
  
  When Abraham left his country, the Lord had told him to take only his immediate family, but he added his nephew Lot. It wasn't long before there was strife and conflict between his herders and Lot's herders, and they had to separate with Lot taking the better land. Later Lot and his family were taken captive, and Abraham had to rescue them, risking his own safety and spending all his time and energy on problems he never should have had in the first place.
  
  Difficulties come whenever we aren't willing to leave people whom God tells us to leave. Perhaps it's a friend whom you've known is not good for you. Now you're dealing with unnecessary trouble and heartache. What's interesting is the name Lot means "veil or covering."
  
  When you leave what you're supposed to leave, the veil will come off. You'll see things that you've never seen�new friends, new opportunities, new talents, new levels. Are you holding on to someone or something God is telling you to let go of?
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You for making it so plain that I need to be careful about whom I associate with and allow to influence me. Help me to be bold to evaluate and make sure that I'm not allowing someone or something to keep a veil over my life. I will take responsibility to make the necessary changes. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on May 23, 2023 08:27 AM

  Not One Word
  
  Today's Scripture
  Then Pilate said to Him, "Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?" But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly. (Matthew 27:13-14, NKJV)
  
  It's interesting that the people who were most against Jesus were the religious people. He didn't try to convince them to change their mind. He didn't spend hours arguing over doctrine. He ignored the critics and just ran His race, even when His life was on the line before Pilate.
  
  You have to accept the fact that not everyone is going to accept you, like you, or understand you. If you're going to reach your highest potential, you have to be okay with that. Jesus had more critics than anyone, but He didn't waste His time trying to convince people who He was.
  
  How much time are you spending thinking about what that person said about you at the office or on social media, trying to straighten out that friend who made you look bad? You don't have time to waste on all that pettiness. It's not between you and your destiny. It's a distraction.
  
  God said He will protect your reputation. Use that energy to move toward your God-given dreams.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You for the example that Jesus showed in His response to His critics and false accusations. Thank You that I don't have to waste my time and energy trying to prove who I am or change what others think of me. I declare that You will protect my reputation. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
  
  -- edited by XslashX on May 22 2023, 05:29 PM

• XslashX on May 24, 2023 10:30 AM

  Are You a Moses?
  
  Today's Scripture
  "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." (2 Chronicles 15:7, NIV)
  
  In the Scripture, when Moses was born, Pharaoh had put out a decree that all the male Hebrew babies were to be killed. From Moses' birth, the enemy was trying to stop him with adversity.
  
  Moses' mother hid him in the house for three months, then she put him in a papyrus basket and hid him along the dangerous bank of the Nile. When Pharaoh's daughter discovered Moses and fell in love with him, her father, who had made the decree, allowed her to keep the Hebrew baby and raise him as her own.
  
  When God is fighting your battles, things will happen that don't make sense. You may be facing all kinds of adversity and wonder why. How do you know that adversity isn't a sign that greatness is in you and that the enemy is trying to push you down to keep you from leaving your mark? How do you know you're not a Moses?
  
  You have to be strong and get ready to step into your greatness.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that You are always greater than any difficulty or adversity I will ever face. Thank You that when the enemy is trying to push me down, I can remain strong and know that reward is coming. I believe that You are going to bring me to the next level. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on May 26, 2023 12:33 PM

  Shovel the Dirt Off
  
  Today's Scripture
  Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. "Young man," he said, "I tell you, get up." Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! (Luke 7:14-15, NLT)
  
  I wonder how many times we've buried things alive. We tried, but the door to our dream didn't open, and now we're convinced it's dead. We bury relationships. "Our marriage is done. We don't get along." We bury God's promises. "I'll never get well. I'll never break the addiction."
  
  At one time we believed, but now we don't see any signs of life, so we buried it. But the good news is that God is going to wake up some things you thought were dead.
  
  Those dreams you've buried, you need to dig them back up. Start believing again. Every circumstance may say, "You'll never get well."
  
  But when you say, "Father, thank You that You're restoring health to me," you're shoveling the dirt off. When thoughts tell you, "You've gone as far as you can," turn it around and say, "Father, You say my latter days will be greater than my former days." That's how you remove the dirt, and you'll see a dream that you've buried come to pass.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You for the dreams and promises and relationships You put in my heart. Thank You that I can shovel the dirt off them and know that You can wake up what I thought was dead. I declare that it is never too late to see my dreams come to pass. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
  
  -- edited by XslashX on May 27 2023, 06:02 AM

• XslashX on May 27, 2023 09:03 PM

  Get Plugged In
  
  Today's Scripture
  "When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny." (Psalm 73:16-17, NIV)
  
  The writer of Psalm 73 was struggling to understand why God was allowing the people who were coming against him to prosper. He was discouraged. Yet he tells how in the sanctuary, he got a new perspective. He heard people thanking God and telling of His goodness. When he got around people of faith, people who knew that God was in control, that spirit of defeat and depression couldn't stay. A few verses later, he was making bold declarations of faith.
  
  There are some breakthroughs that are only going to happen when you are in the house of the Lord. Your faith alone may not be enough. That's why God has ordained you to be in a community of faith, and why you need to get plugged into a good Bible-based church. Together, we're better. Together, we're stronger. There's power when your faith is connected to other believers' faith. Before long, instead of a small faith, you have mountain-moving faith. You're going to bloom, blossom, and flourish in the house of the Lord.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You for the power and breakthroughs in understanding that are released when I'm connected to others. Thank You that You ordained me to be in a community of faith so that my faith can be joined to others' faith. Help me to get plugged in and see faith grow to the moving of mountains. In Jesus' Name, Amen.�
  
  -- edited by XslashX on May 27 2023, 06:04 AM