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May 28, 2023 10:38 AM
Nothing Missing
Today's Scripture
"When you survey your possessions, nothing will be missing. You will have many children; your descendants will be as plentiful as grass!" (Job 5:24-25, NLT)
In the Scripture, Job experienced great losses--his children, his business, and his health. Just when he was about to give up, a friend said, "If you look to God, He will rescue and heal you. This loss is temporary. When God brings restoration, nothing will be missing."
Later, when Job stated, "I know that my Redeemer lives," he was declaring that God would finish what He started. Job's thinking shifted from "this loss is permanent" to "restoration is coming, health is coming, family is coming, victory is coming," which is what God did for Job. He not only restored what Job had lost, but God gave him twice what he had before. Just as God promised, nothing was missing.
That's the way our God is. Don't judge the rest of your life by what's missing now. When God gets finished, nothing is going to be missing, large or small. Nobody will be able to tell what you went through. You're going to come out stronger, healthier, more fulfilled, blessed, and prosperous. Your time is coming.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that You are on the throne, and You are with me through every time of loss. Thank You that You can bring me out of difficulties better off than I was before they showed up. I believe that Your favor is on me and that nothing will be missing. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
-- edited by XslashX on May 27 2023, 07:38 PM
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May 29, 2023 09:41 AM
Mistakes Don't Define You
Today's Scripture
...but the angel said, "Don't be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee." (Mark 16:6--7, NLT)
When Jesus was on trial before His crucifixion, Peter denied that he knew Jesus three times. Peter was so bitterly disappointed in himself, so ashamed of being a coward. Soon after that, they crucified Jesus.
Peter never had the chance to tell Him he was sorry. He had to live with the guilt. But when three women found Jesus' tomb was empty, an angel told them to go tell His disciples and Peter that He was alive. The only disciple specifically pointed out was Peter.
God was showing us, "I don't define you by your mistakes. I don't cancel your destiny because you've failed." And fifty days later, it was Peter who gave the inaugural message that birthed the Church.
You may have made mistakes and failed, as Peter did, but you have to learn to forgive yourself. Quit remembering what God has forgiven and forgotten. His mercy is bigger than any mistake you've made. God is saying, "Get back in the game. You can still do what I called you to do."
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that when I make mistakes and fail that Your mercy still covers me. Thank You that You forgive and forget my sins the moment that I ask You. I am saying goodbye to the guilt and the shame of the past and believing You have something awesome in my future. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
-- edited by XslashX on May 28 2023, 06:42 PM
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May 30, 2023 10:39 AM
Keep Traveling Steadily
Today's Scripture
"Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep traveling steadily along his pathway and in due season he will honor you with every blessing..." (Psalm 37:34)
Most of us don't like times of waiting. We're interested in the destination, but God is interested in the journey. When we understand that He's working in us along the way, waiting and patience become a part of the process.
When you stay faithful in the waiting times, when you don't get impatient and complain because it's taking so long, when you don't get upset because the door closed, when you're traveling steadily along God's pathway and honoring Him, He will give you every blessing. You won't have to make it happen in your own strength, and you won't have to manipulate people or try to force the door to open.
God will give you the position, give you the spouse, give you the influence. Don't fight the wait time. You're not falling behind. God has already lined up the blessings He's going to give you. He's already put your name on things bigger and better than you've imagined. Now keep traveling steadily, keep trusting Him when you don't see anything happening
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that there is a purpose for times of waiting, whether I understand it or not. Help me to be patient, to be faithful, and to rest in the fact that it's all part of Your process. I believe that I am right where You want me, and that You have every blessing already lined up for me. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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May 31, 2023 12:27 PM
Out of Deep Waters
Today's Scripture
"He drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me." (2 Samuel 22:17-18, NIV)
We all face things that are too powerful for us to stop or overcome, but they're not too powerful for our God.
You may not be able to escape the accident, beat the cancer, or overcome the bad break on your own, but you're not on your own; the Most High God is with you. The enemy is not in control of your life. He can't stop your purpose.
God has the final say. He's going to draw you out of deep waters. He's going to rescue you from powerful enemies. The enemy may tell you, "You're stuck in the addiction. Just accept it. Those people who talk against you in the office are too powerful. They'll keep you back. Don't get your hopes up."
God is saying, "It's no match for me. I'm about to turn things in your favor. I'm about draw you out of the waters and rescue you."
Instead of dwelling on how big your enemies are, start dwelling on how big your God is. God overrules.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You for Your promise to draw me out of the deep waters and rescue me from my enemies. Even when life seems to be out of control, I choose to trust in You and believe that You have the final say. I declare that You are with me, and You overrule. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 01, 2023 07:15 PM
Possess Your Land
Today's Scripture
So Joshua said to the Israelites: "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you?" (Joshua 18:3, NIV)
God had promised to give the Israelites the land of Canaan, but they had to go in and possess the Promised Land. However, instead of taking their swords out and going in, knowing that God would give them the victory, they were afraid of the giants and fortified cities. When Joshua asked them, "How long will you wait?" he was saying that God would do His part, but they had to initiate the blessing, the favor, the victory.
Most of the time, God says to us, "I'll give you the healing, restore your marriage, turn your child around, if you start to believe and speak My Word, which is sharper than a two-edged sword."
It's a spiritual battle. Standing in faith and declaring His promises will part Red Seas, break addictions, defeat the sickness, and open doors you never dreamed would open. To possess your land, you have to go after what God put in your heart. You can't be passive. You have to dream big, pray bold prayers, and expect His favor.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You for the promise that You always lead me to triumph through Jesus. Thank You that I can take Your promises and keep my faith in agreement with You by believing and declaring that You will bring them to pass. I declare that I will not be passive. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 02, 2023 07:19 AM
When God Crosses Over
Today's Scripture
"But recognize today that the LORD your God is the one who will cross over ahead of you like a devouring fire to destroy them. He will subdue them so that you will quickly conquer them and drive them out, just as the LORD has promised." (Deuteronomy 9:3, NLT)
In Deuteronomy 9, the Israelites were facing enemy nations that were much stronger and more powerful than them with fortified cities and descendants of the famous Anakite giants. You can imagine how intimidated they must have felt, but armed with God's promise, they had the boldness to go into the Promised Land.
You may be facing a situation that seems impossible--the sickness, the financial difficulty, the setback in your career. God is saying to you what He said to them, "You're not fighting the battle on your own. I'm going to take care of those enemies so you can quickly conquer them."
The Most High God is going before you. Behind the scenes right now, God is changing things in your favor. He's crossing over ahead of you, taking care of the sickness, taking care of the trouble. God has these destiny moments where He's going to quickly change things, quickly promote you, quickly vindicate you, quickly heal you. You're going to overcome that challenge quicker than you think.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You for the great promise that You are crossing over before me to subdue obstacles that seem impossible. Thank You that I can have the boldness to move forward and conquer. I believe that my times are in Your hands, and You are about to quickly change things in my favor. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 03, 2023 02:45 AM
It Will Be Undeniable
Today's Scripture
"You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies." (Psalm 23:5, NLT)
You may have some obstacles in your path today that have you feeling stuck. There's no way you'll get well, no way you can pay off your house, no way to go back to school.
It's a setup. God is about to display His awesome power, not just so you can see it, but so other people can see it. When David says that God prepares a feast before you in the presence of your enemies, that's not private.
God is going to show out so the opposition and the critics will all see you promoted, honored, in a position of influence, in a public display. That's why you don't have to prove to people who you are or waste your time trying to convince people who are not for you to like you.
Keep running your race, honoring God, and at some point, He's going to show out in such a way that your critics can't deny the favor on you. People are going to know the Lord is on your side.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that You have Your ways of preparing feasts for me when I face opposition and critics. Make a show of how much You love me. Display Your awesome power through me. Let me not only see Your goodness but use me to show other people how great You are. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 04, 2023 09:48 AM
Tune Out the Lies
Today's Scripture
The LORD said to Samuel, "This is the one--anoint him!" (1 Samuel 16:12, GNT)
When Samuel came to the house of Jesse to anoint one of his eight sons to be the next king, Jesse didn't think David was king material. David's brothers looked down on him and tried to make him feel less than them. But the moment Samuel saw David, he knew this was the next king.
God has already lined up people who will see your greatness, speak destiny into you, and use their influence to take you higher. But most of the time you will first encounter critics, naysayers, even family members who try to discourage you.
If you're going to see Samuel, you have to become deaf to all the negative voices that try to discourage you, to get you to give up on dreams, to live below your potential. Don't fall into that trap. Start tuning out all the lies that diminish you and make you feel less-than, not valuable, not worthy. Tune in to what God says about you. He says you're His masterpiece, crowned with favor, gifted, and talented. You have everything you need to fulfill your destiny.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that people don't determine my destiny, but You do. Thank You that You see my potential, my faithfulness, and my integrity. I believe that You have things in my future that are beyond what I've ever asked for or imagined. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 05, 2023 10:45 AM
The Power to Ignore
Today's Scripture
But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly. (Matthew 27:14, NKJV)
Jesus had many critics. Many people said hurtful, untrue things about Him. He could have straightened them out, spent time arguing, trying to change their minds. But even when facing false accusations at His trial before Pilate, the Scripture says, "He answered him not one word." He didn't give them the time of day.
Don't waste your time trying to change your critic's mind. Don't argue with small-minded people. What they think of you is not going to stop your destiny or keep you from your purpose.
That negative chatter is the enemy trying to bait you into conflict and get you off course. You can't stop what they're saying, but you can ignore it and refuse to let it get down in your spirit. You don't have to respond to the negative. A response gives that person credibility. Don't validate what they're saying by answering them. Do as Jesus did and ignore it.
When you withstand the persecution, God will release a new level of blessing.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that You are always greater than any difficulty I will ever face. Give me the wisdom to ignore anything that is just an insignificant insult or an argumentative distraction to get me off course. I believe that You are going to bring me to the next level. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 06, 2023 09:27 AM
Persecution
Today's Scripture
And Jesus replied, "Let me assure you that no one has ever given up anything-home, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or property--for love of me and to tell others the Good News, who won't be given back, a hundred times over, homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land--with persecutions!" (Mark 10:29--30, TLB)
We all love to be blessed, to see new doors open, to have our business take off, to meet just the right person, to move into a new house. But the blessing of God doesn't come by itself. Jesus told His disciples, "I'm going to bless you with houses and relationships and success, but the favor will stir up jealousy, competition, and envy in certain people who will oppose you."
The question is whether you can handle the persecution--being misunderstood, talked about, left out, criticized. Don't get upset and offended when it happens. It's not about you; it's about the blessing on your life. To be blessed on a greater level will lead to persecution on a greater level.
You have to pass the test of overlooking insults, ignoring what people are saying, not paying attention to the critics and those who try to discredit you. Don't waste your time trying to make someone be for you who's never going to be for you. You don't need their approval; you have Almighty God's approval.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You for the favor You have put on my life and every blessing that I could never deserve. Help me to handle any persecution that may come from those who cannot handle what You're doing in my life. I declare that Your approval is all I need. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 07, 2023 10:54 AM
Take the Pressure Off
Today's Scripture
"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." (Matthew 6:34, NLT)
When we face challenges to which we don't see an answer, many times there's a voice constantly whispering, "What are you going to do?" With it comes the pressure to solve it, but when you're comfortable not knowing the answer, it takes the pressure off. Somebody says, "I heard about your problem. What are you going to do?" Your answer should be, "I don't know, but I am at peace knowing the One who does, and He says to not worry about it."
If there's something about your health, your marriage, or your finances that you don't have an answer to, quit trying to figure it out. Take the same time that you would normally spend worrying and wondering about it, and use it to thank God that He's working. Thank Him that He's making crooked places straight. Thank Him that all things are working for your good.
God is going to not just bring promises to pass, not just turn problems around, but it's going to turn out better than you imagined.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that I do not have to keep being trapped in worry about things over which I have no control. Thank You that just as You clothe the lilies of the fields, You will provide me with exactly what I need when I need it. I choose to rest, knowing that You will work it for my good. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 09, 2023 01:02 PM
A Little Faith
Today's Scripture
He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you." (Luke 17:6, NIV)
When the odds are against you and what you're up against seems impossible, don't believe the lie that you don't have enough faith. God says when you have faith the size of a mustard seed, nothing is impossible. A mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds. A little faith is like a little match that can ignite a huge fire. A little faith can start a huge blessing. Little faith can open big doors. Little faith can heal you from a terminal illness. Little faith can defeat great giants.
You have the faith you need to get you to your destiny. Now do your part and start mixing in faith to ignite the promises of God in your life. How do you mix in your faith? You agree with what God promised. "Lord, thank You that I can do all things through Christ. Thank You that the enemies I see today I will see no more." That's not just being positive, that's mixing in your faith. That's what activates the promise.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that You don't expect me to have a great faith that never doubts. Thank You that You see my mustard seed faith and that it is enough to make anything impossible. I believe that as I mix my faith with Your promises that You will ignite great things. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 10, 2023 01:07 PM
Ripping Off The Roof of Faith
Today's Scripture
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." (Mark 2:5, NIV)
In Mark 2, four friends put a paralyzed man on a stretcher and carried him to a house where Jesus was teaching. In effect, they were saying, "We're taking you to Jesus. You may not think you can ever walk again, but we are believing for you. You can borrow our faith." When they got there, the house was so packed they couldn't get in. Rather than give up, they carried the man to the roof, took off the covering, and lowered him to Jesus.
It says that "when Jesus saw their faith," He healed the man. It wasn't the faith of the paralyzed man but his friends. They lifted him, carried him, believed for him, and refused to give up. They had ripping-off-the-roof faith.
God has put people in your life strategically so you can be a friend with faith. Don't miss the opportunity, don't be so busy with your needs and goals that you miss carrying someone to their healing, praying for the friend who's hurting, lifting a coworker who's discouraged. Let them borrow your faith.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that You see my faith and that You honor my faith in You. Thank You for the power of faith to carry others to their healing, to their comforting, to their encouragement. Help me to have a ripping-off-the-roof faith to share with others. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
-- edited by XslashX on Jun 09 2023, 10:08 PM
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June 11, 2023 09:51 AM
Don't Look Back
Today's Scripture
"My eyes are swollen with weeping, and I am but a shadow of my former self." (Job 17:7, NLT)
In the Scripture, Job's life was suddenly shattered by great personal losses as well as a devastating illness. Although Job honored God with all of his life, he experienced a difficult test of his faith that he didn't understand.
Maybe like Job, you feel like a shadow of what you used to be. At one time you were healthy and strong, but now you're weak and tired from fighting an illness. At one time you were blessed in your business, but now you're barely making it. Or at one time you had a great marriage, but now you're just trying to keep it together.
Fortunately, Job's story did not end there, and neither will yours. God eventually turned it around and brought Job out with twice what he had before. After the heartache, after the loss, after the sickness, after the divorce, you're going to see years of health, happiness, and favor to where you don't look back and dwell on what you've been through.
Bad breaks are not your destiny; double is coming.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that no matter how I feel about a challenge, nothing and no one can stop You from turning it around. Thank You that my story doesn't end trapped in difficulties or bad breaks. Help me to know that this too shall pass and double blessing is coming. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 12, 2023 07:54 PM
The Right Friends
Today's Scripture
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV)
It�s important who you�re spending time with--evaluate your friendships. Are they making you better, inspiring you, challenging you to go further? Or are they pulling you down, causing you to compromise, bringing out the worst in you? That�s corrupting your character.
Spirits are transferable. You�re going to become like the people you hang around. If you�re around jealous people, you�re going to become jealous. If your friends don�t have what you want, if they don�t have a good attitude, if they�re not faithful and trustworthy, you need to make a change.
Life is short, and you don�t have time to waste with people who are not adding to your life. Yes, we need to help others come up higher, but you need friends who help you come up higher.
If you�ll quit spending time with the wrong people, God will bring you the right people and your life will go to a new level. He�ll bring divine connections, people who will come into agreement with you, people who will thrust you forward and help you reach your destiny.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You for the important role that friends play in my life. Help me to be bold to evaluate and change who I�m spending time with and make sure that my friends are people of faith who challenge and inspire me. I look forward to the divine connections You have for me. In Jesus� Name, Amen."
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June 12, 2023 07:55 PM
The Right Friends
Today's Scripture
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV)
It's important who you're spending time with--evaluate your friendships. Are they making you better, inspiring you, challenging you to go further? Or are they pulling you down, causing you to compromise, bringing out the worst in you? That's corrupting your character.
Spirits are transferable. You're going to become like the people you hang around. If you're around jealous people, you're going to become jealous. If your friends don't have what you want, if they don't have a good attitude, if they're not faithful and trustworthy, you need to make a change.
Life is short, and you don't have time to waste with people who are not adding to your life. Yes, we need to help others come up higher, but you need friends who help you come up higher.
If you'll quit spending time with the wrong people, God will bring you the right people and your life will go to a new level. He'll bring divine connections, people who will come into agreement with you, people who will thrust you forward and help you reach your destiny.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You for the important role that friends play in my life. Help me to be bold to evaluate and change who I'm spending time with and make sure that my friends are people of faith who challenge and inspire me. I look forward to the divine connections You have for me. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 13, 2023 03:19 AM
Remember
Today's Scripture
Jesus told him, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!" (John 5:8, NLT)
In John 5, Jesus healed a man lying beside the pool of Bethesda who had been crippled for thirty-eight years. Why did He tell him to take his mat with him? After all those years, that mat was dirty, ragged, and probably stunk. Why didn't Jesus tell him to get rid of it?
Because that mat was there to remind him of what God had done. It was part of his story. Whenever people asked him, "Why are you carrying that ugly old mat?" he would say, "No, this is a beautiful mat. It's a reminder that God healed me."
The reason God leaves mats from our past is not only that we'll remember what He's done, but so we can tell others. The mat means you're healed, you're forgiven, and you can walk again.
You may still have your mat, but that's simply to remind you of the greatness of our God. When you see other people who need healing, let them know that what God did for you, He can do for them.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You for the mats from my past that are a part of my story. Thank You for healing me, forgiving me, and giving me a new life. Help me to remember what You've done in my life and to use my story to encourage others of what You can do for them. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 14, 2023 11:48 AM
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."
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June 15, 2023 12:03 PM
Let People Off the Hook
Today's Scripture
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19, NIV)
God has seen everything that's happened in your life--the injustice, the bad breaks, the person who did you wrong.
Those people cannot pay you back. They cannot make you whole. No matter how good a person is, they can't give you everything you need.
Only God can meet your needs. He said He will give you beauty for ashes. He said He will pay you back double for the unfair things that have happened.
Quit looking to people to make it up to you. Quit trying to get somebody to apologize, to admit they were wrong, to give you what they don't have.
When you let people off the hook and quit trying to make them perform perfectly and keep you fixed, not only will their life be better, but your relationships will improve.
Let people off the hook. If you go to God, He'll bring you out better. He'll make the rest of your life more rewarding and more fulfilling than if those negative things hadn't happened in the first place.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that You made me to be complete and fulfilled in You alone. Help me to realize when I'm looking to others to give me what only You can give and to let them off the hook. I believe and declare that I find everything I need in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 16, 2023 02:31 PM
Don't Look Back
Today's Scripture
"My eyes are swollen with weeping, and I am but a shadow of my former self."(Job 17:7, NLT)
In the Scripture, Job's life was suddenly shattered by great personal losses as well as a devastating illness. Although Job honored God with all of his life, he experienced a difficult test of his faith that he didn't understand.
Maybe like Job, you feel like a shadow of what you used to be. At one time you were healthy and strong, but now you're weak and tired from fighting an illness. At one time you were blessed in your business, but now you're barely making it. Or at one time you had a great marriage, but now you're just trying to keep it together.
Fortunately, Job's story did not end there, and neither will yours. God eventually turned it around and brought Job out with twice what he had before. After the heartache, after the loss, after the sickness, after the divorce, you're going to see years of health, happiness, and favor to where you don't look back and dwell on what you've been through. Bad breaks are not your destiny; double is coming.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that no matter how I feel about a challenge, nothing and no one can stop You from turning it around. Thank You that my story doesn't end trapped in difficulties or bad breaks. Help me to know that this too shall pass and double blessing is coming. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
-- edited by XslashX on Jun 15 2023, 11:32 PM
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June 17, 2023 10:11 AM
What You Don't Even Know About
Today's Scripture
"Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples." (Acts 9:1, NIV)
Saul was one of the greatest enemies of the early church. He was headed straight toward Damascus with authority to arrest any followers of Christ. The believers in Damascus didn't even know it. He was going to cause them tremendous heartache and pain. It looked inevitable. But suddenly a bright light shone down on Saul from heaven, knocking him to the ground. In a split second, God stopped the persecutor in his tracks�and in the process changed him into an apostle.
We all need to realize there were times in our past when we knew nothing about it, but something was coming our way--a bad break, an accident, a sickness. It should have finished us off, but God said, "No, that's My child. I'm putting a stop to it."
There have been many things you knew nothing about, but God stopped a cancer, stopped a betrayal, or stopped a rejection. It was all behind the scenes. That's the mercies of God. You need to thank God for what didn't happen in your life.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that You are my protector against so many things that I'm not even aware of. Thank You that all that comes against me to defeat me cannot finish me off because You raise up a barrier. I believe that my life is in the palms of Your hands. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 18, 2023 11:04 AM
Don't Be Intimidated
Today's Scripture
Don't be intimidated in any way by your enemies. (Philippians 1:28, NLT)
There are a lot of ways the enemy tries to intimidate us and keep us from growing. You may be intimidated by what someone said about you. Perhaps they told you what you couldn't do or how you're not that talented. Now those words are limiting your life.
You may be intimidated by thoughts of doubt and afraid to step out in faith, thinking of all the things that could go wrong. Or perhaps you have friends who are causing you to compromise, to do things that are blocking your growth.
What could you become if you got out from under that intimidation? How high could you go if you made some adjustments?
The good news is that you can still become who you were created to be. You have the life of Almighty God. He created you to rise higher, to be successful, to be confident, to leave your mark.
Make the decision to remove what's blocking your growth, and you'll bloom and blossom and see favor, courage, and the boldness to accomplish what God put in your heart.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You for the promise that You always lead me to triumph through Jesus. Thank You that I am Your child, a victor and not a victim of the enemy's intimidation. I declare that I am removing anything that is blocking my growth and faith. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 19, 2023 12:07 PM
Put Your Robe On
Today's Scripture
"But his father said to the servants, 'Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet."' (Luke 15:22, NLT)
In the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15, the young man took his father's inheritance, wasted it all on wild living, and ended up destitute on a pig farm. When he returned home in hopes of becoming a servant, his father was so overjoyed that he gave him the best robe, a ring, and new sandals. Immediately, the son didn't look like the guy from the pig pen. He looked like a celebrated son of honor.
This shows us the heart of God. Even when we've made mistakes and brought trouble upon ourselves, He doesn't want us to look like what we've been through. He doesn't want you to live in the constant memory of the failure, the hurt, the injustice. God still says to get the best robe. He still restores back to a place of honor. Your part is to receive the mercy of your heavenly Father. Shake off the guilt, put on your robe of honor, and rejoice. Nobody is going to be able to tell what you've been through.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You for Your heart of compassion, love, and restoring mercy. Thank You that You forgive and redeem me, imperfect as I am, and that every mistake I've made has already been paid for by Jesus on the cross. I believe that You robe me in Your righteousness and honor. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 20, 2023 11:44 AM
No Pretenders
Today's Scripture
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8, NIV)
In the Scripture, the Pharisees went to the temple all the time and did the right religious things outwardly, but they had wrong motives. They went to be seen and to impress people. They prayed long prayers out loud, but only because they wanted everybody to hear them. They gave their money so they would look good. And in the process, they failed to see God right in front of them in Jesus.
Today's Scripture tells us that our inner life is more important than our outer life. On a regular basis we should ask ourselves, "Why am I doing this? Is it to help this person out of love or to impress them and get something? Am I seeking the promotion to be my best or to prove my importance? Am I volunteering as a service to God or to get other people's applause?
Don't go year after year as the Pharisees did, giving, serving, doing the right thing but not reaping any reward, because you're doing it for the wrong reason.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You for calling me to have a pure heart and deal openly and honestly with the hidden issues that hold me back. Search my heart and show me where my motives are wrong and where I'm pretending. I want to be real so You can use me for Your highest purposes. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 21, 2023 12:04 PM
The Poison of Unforgiveness
Today's Scripture
"How beloved and gracious were Saul and Jonathan!"(2 Samuel 1:23, NLT)
David served and showed great honor to King Saul, but Saul grew jealous of David�s popularity, tried to kill him, and then had his soldiers pursue David in the wilderness for years.
Yet when Saul was killed in battle, David wept and wrote a beautiful funeral song for Saul and his friend Jonathan that is recorded in 2 Samuel 1. David called this man who made his life miserable and caused him heartache "beloved and gracious." Can you imagine writing a song to honor your biggest enemy?
A key to David�s success is that he didn�t let the things that weren�t fair--the betrayal, the hurts, the injustices--get inside. He forgave Saul and turned his situations over to God.
It�s not always easy to forgive, but it�s harder to deal with the poison of unforgiveness. It�s not easy to move forward after a disappointment, but it�s harder to stay stuck in anger.
Let go of the bitterness, the regret, the remorse. Forgive and release the person who hurt you. You can�t keep that bottled up and reach your potential.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that You have forgiven me and cleansed away the poison of my own sins. Thank You that I can do the same with others and not allow the poison of unforgiveness to get or stay inside. I believe that You will heal my hurts and restore me. In Jesus� Name, Amen."
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June 22, 2023 12:19 PM
Just a Crack
Today's Scripture
"Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram's horn. On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns." (Joshua 6:4, NLT)
The city of Jericho, which was surrounded by a huge stone wall so thick that chariots could ride on top, was the last city that stood between the people of Israel and the Promised Land. God told Joshua to have the people march around the walls once a day for six days and seven times on the seventh day. It wouldn't have been so difficult if, while they were walking, they saw a little crack in the wall or a shift in the foundation, but nothing day after day. They didn't understand it but just kept doing the right thing, and the final time around, the walls came tumbling down.
Too often we'll stay in faith if we see the wall cracking. We'll keep believing if our boss starts treating us better, if the promotion goes through, if things start to improve. You may not get a sign. You have to keep thanking God even though nothing is improving, keep walking by faith and not sight, and suddenly the walls will come down.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that no obstacle is so high and wide that it can withstand Your touch. Thank You that to bring about Your promises in my life You have called me to walk by faith and not by sight. I will live with a sense of expectancy that You are about to do great things. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
-- edited by XslashX on Jun 21 2023, 09:20 PM
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June 24, 2023 11:44 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."
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June 25, 2023 11:09 AM
Rescued
Today's Scripture
"Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the LORD rescues him from them all." (Psalm 34:19, AMP)
God never said we wouldn't have difficulties. Being a person of faith doesn't exempt us from challenges and unfair situations. That's a part of life.
The promise in today's Scripture is not that you won't have difficulties, but that God will bring you out of "them all." When you're in the adversity, your report should be, "I'm coming out. This sickness is temporary. This trouble is not the end. This addiction is not permanent. This slowdown in my business is just for a season."
Right now, you may not be able to see it, but God is in the adversity with you and is in the process of bringing you out. You're not going to come out the same. You're going to come out stronger, free from things that were holding you back, with a greater trust in God, a greater confidence, a greater faith. That's getting you prepared for the next level of your destiny.
With every experience, something is deposited in you that you're going to use down the road.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that no matter what hardship or trouble I face, I can stay in peace knowing that You will rescue me from them all. Thank You that You are right here with me in the challenge. I declare that I am coming out of it stronger and ready for the next level You are taking me to. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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June 26, 2023 10:26 AM
Greatness Out of Messes
Today's Scripture
"God heard the boy crying..." (Genesis 21:17, NIV)
At the age of sixteen, Ishmael found himself abandoned in the desert--confused, rejected, out of water and food. He was born and raised in the dysfunctional relationship between his mother and Abraham and Sarah. He was paying the price for the strife and division in the family that he was not responsible for and could not control, dealing with the consequences of their poor choices. Sent away from his home and about to die, this young man's cry was heard by God, who not only saved him and his mother but promised to make a great nation out of Ishmael.
God was showing us that He knows how to bring greatness out of a great mess. You may have had a rough start, the odds have been against you, but God is watching over you. He knows what you didn't get. He knows who wasn't in your life. He knows the pain, the betrayal, and the hurt. Call out to Him. He has a plan to make more out of your life than you ever imagined.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that You are watching over me, and You know what I didn't get and who wasn't there for me. Thank You that You have a plan for how to deal with the past and make me into more than I've ever imagined. I believe that because You are my Father, I can still do great things. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
-- edited by XslashX on Jun 25 2023, 07:27 PM
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June 27, 2023 12:34 PM
Tune Your Heart In
Today's Scripture
"O LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you." (Psalm 125:4, NLT)
Notice in today's Scripture that you can be in tune or out of tune with God. If you go around thinking, "I'll never get well, I can't get the promotion, things just go from bad to worse," you're not in tune with God.
In the Scripture, He says, "I am all-powerful. I am healing. I am provision. I am abundance. I am protection. I am favor." If you're going to get in tune with Him, you can't think weak, defeated, get-by, hope-this-works-out thoughts.
The way to get in tune with God is to think what He says about you�not what you feel, not what it looks like, not what the experts say, and not what the economy says. You have to say what the Most High God has spoken about you in His Word.
The Scripture says, "Whose report will you believe?" The way you get in tune with God is by thinking victorious, overcoming, faith-filled thoughts. Think favor thoughts, abundance thoughts, healing thoughts, and the Creator of the universe goes to work.
A Prayer for Today
"Father, thank You that I can tune myself into the way You see me as blessed, prosperous, healthy, strong, talented, and successful. Help me to tune out all the negative, limiting thoughts that hold me back. I declare that I believe Your report over what I feel and hear around me. In Jesus' Name, Amen."