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

• XslashX on August 30, 2023 09:05 AM

  Scared into Greatness
  
  Today's Scripture
  Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him. And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said, "Please let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you." (1 Kings 19:19�20, NKJV)
  
  God told the prophet Elijah to anoint Elisha to succeed him as prophet. Elisha had a secure future in the family business that would be turned over to him one day. But when Elijah put his mantle around Elisha, something came alive in Elisha's spirit. He knew he was supposed to leave the familiar and go into the unknown. But it was scary. His mind said, "A prophet's life is hard. Stay where you are. Play it safe." But down in his spirit, something said, "This is your destiny moment. Step out in faith," so he did.
  
  Some opportunities don't come a second time. Life is too short to settle for things that you know are less than what is in you. What God has in your future may scare you, but if you take that step of faith, you'll discover that God scared you into greatness, into levels you've never dreamed, into taking new ground where no one in your family has gone.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that what lies ahead and is unknown to me is well known to You. Challenge me with something scary. Bring something across my path so big that only You can make it happen. I trust that You will go before me and take me to the next level. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on August 31, 2023 09:19 AM

  More than Enough
  
  Today's Scripture
  "...You will possess their land; I will give it to you as an inheritance, a land flowing with milk and honey..." (Leviticus 20:24, NIV)
  
  The Israelites had been in slavery for hundreds of years. That was the land of barely enough. They were just surviving, barely making it through. One day God brought them out of slavery and took them into the desert, the land of just enough. Their needs were supplied, but nothing extra.
  
  God eventually took them into the Promised Land, the land of more than enough. The food and supplies were plenteous. It's called "the land flowing with milk and honey." Flowing means it didn't stop. Its abundance never ran out. That's where God is taking you.
  
  You may be in the land of barely enough or just enough right now. Don't worry. God hasn't forgotten about you. He is saying, "Those are seasons. Don't put your stakes down. You're passing through."
  
  God has a Promised Land for you. He has a place of abundance, of more than enough, where it's flowing with provision, not just one time, but you'll continue to have plenty.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that You are El Shaddai, the God of abundance. Thank You for the place I'm in now, but I'm not putting my stakes down. I believe that You are going to bring me into a life of overflow and the land of more than enough. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on September 01, 2023 01:44 PM

  Not a Watered-Down Version
  
  Today's Scripture
  So Sarai said to Abram, "The LORD has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her." And Abram agreed with Sarai's proposal. (Genesis 16:2, NLT)
  
  In Genesis 15, God told Abraham that He was going to give him and Sarah a son. The problem was that they were already too old to have children in the natural. Years went by, and finally Sarah told Abraham to sleep with her maid. She watered down the promise and brought it down to the level she thought was possible, and Abraham went along with it.
  
  Instead of releasing their faith, believing for the extraordinary, they settled for what they thought was good enough. But the baby Ishmael was not the promised child, and trying to help God out caused many problems.
  
  Too many times we take what God put in our heart, and instead of coming up to His level and believing for the impossible, we bring it down to what makes sense to us. Why don't you take the limits off God? What He promises will come to pass--not a watered-down version, not a get-by version, not a good-enough version. Get ready for the fullness of what God said.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that You are the Most High God, and You are not limited by what limits me. Help me to remember that You can do the impossible when I'm tempted to water down Your promises. I believe that You can take me where I can't go on my own. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on September 02, 2023 09:35 PM

  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."

• XslashX on September 03, 2023 03:46 AM

  A Cause-Driven Life
  
  Today's Scripture
  And David said, "What have I done now? Is there not a cause?" (1 Samuel 17:29, NKJV)
  
  In 1 Samuel 17, when the young shepherd named David heard Goliath taunting the Israelite army, something rose up in David, a holy anger to defeat this giant who defied the armies of the living God. His own brother tried to put him down, but David answered, "Is there not a cause?"
  
  He was saying, "You may be afraid, but this giant is dishonoring my God. This is a cause worth fighting for."
  
  What took David from the shepherds' fields into his destiny of the throne was a cause that was bigger than himself. He stood up for something that in one sense didn't have anything to do with him--he wasn't in the army, it wasn't his battle, and Goliath wasn't taunting him. He could have gone home and lived a comfort-driven life, but when you fight giants for someone else, that cause is going to launch you into your destiny as it did David.
  
  When you're cause-driven, you'll see some giants come down, you'll see promotion, doors open, the right people show up.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that You are always greater than any difficulty I will ever face or any cause I will be involved in. Thank You for opportunities to fight for others, to encourage others, and to support others. I believe that You are going to lead me into the fullness of my destiny. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on September 04, 2023 04:42 AM

  Special Strength
  
  Today's Scripture
  "That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10, NLT)
  
  We all have times in life when we get weary and don't feel like we can go on. We've prayed, and we've believed, but nothing has changed. Now the weight of what we're facing has left us exhausted. The good news is that God doesn't expect you to be strong all the time. He doesn't fault you for feeling weak and say, "What's wrong with you? Where's your faith?"
  
  Today's Scripture makes it clear that when you feel overwhelmed and weak, Christ comes in with power and gives you special strength. Strength that you didn't get on your own. Strength to move forward when you should be stuck, strength to overcome the addiction, strength to outlast the opposition. It's the hand of God lifting you, empowering you, reenergizing you, causing you to run and not be weary, to walk and not faint. There's going to be a strength that's not natural, but supernatural. You're going to have a new passion to stand strong, to try again, to step up to a new level.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that I can take pleasure in the weaknesses that I sometimes feel, knowing that You come with power to give me special strength. Thank You for the reminders to always be asking for Your help. I believe that You are supplying me with all I need. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on September 05, 2023 11:12 AM

  Talk about His Greatness
  
  Today's Scripture
  "...Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things..." (1 Chronicles 29:11, NLT)
  
  Many people spend a lot of time talking about and reliving their past mistakes and hurts. Here's the problem. You're remembering the wrong things. Nowhere in the Scripture are we told to remember our defeats, failures, or bad breaks. It's time to quit thinking and talking about it. All that it's doing is depressing you.
  
  David says in Psalm 34, "Let all who are discouraged take heart." He goes on to tell us how to do it. "Come, let's talk about God's greatness. I prayed and the Lord answered me." He was saying, "When you're discouraged, when you don't see a way out, talk about God's greatness--not about your problems, not about what didn't work out.
  
  Talk about your answered prayers, the times God healed you, promoted you, stopped the accidents, and turned the problems around. Talk about the Red Seas that have been parted." When you're remembering your victories, you're going to move forward in faith.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You for Your greatness and power and glory. Thank You that Your hand has been upon my life in so many ways, answering my prayers and doing what I could never do on my own. I declare Your goodness, Your victory, and Your majesty. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on September 06, 2023 02:31 PM

  Live All of Your Days
  
  Today's Scripture
  "The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil." (Proverbs 19:23, NKJV)
  
  One thing I've noticed is that so many people are walking around who aren't really living to the full the way God intends.
  
  Do you ever notice that many people quit living around fifty, but yet they are going to stay on the planet until after they're eighty? Maybe they went through a disappointment or had a failure. Someone hurt them, and now they've lost their joy and settled where they are.
  
  No, God has another victory in store! You wouldn't be breathing unless God had something amazing in your future. It's time to get your passion back and be determined to really live out all of your God-given days!
  
  The Scripture says that God wants to bring you to a flourishing finish, not a fizzled-out finish. Don't let disappointment or self-pity hold you back. God has promised that what was meant for your harm He will turn around and use for your good.
  
  Not only will He bring you out, but He will bring you out better off than you were before. Receive it by faith today and press forward into the abundant, fulfilled life He has in store for you!
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father God, thank You for the promise of living a long, satisfied life. I choose to stay in the game and press forward to fulfill my destiny. I won't shrink back, give up or lose heart, but I will stand strong in You in Jesus' name. Amen."

• XslashX on September 07, 2023 11:56 AM

  Be "On Purpose"
  
  Today's Scripture
  "...Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV)
  
  Time is one of the most valuable commodities we have. It's more valuable than money. You can make more money, but you can't make more time. To "redeem the time" means don't waste it. We have a responsibility to use our time wisely. Paul said in effect that if you're going to reach your highest potential, you have to be an "on purpose" person and invest your life in what's best for you. You know where you're going. You're not vague, distracted, waiting to see what happens. You're focused. You're making the most of each opportunity.
  
  God has given you a present. It's called "today." Are you living it to the full? With purpose and passion? Pursuing your dreams? Or are you distracted? Indifferent? Just doing whatever comes along? Make this decision that you're going to redeem the time. Get focused. Get organized. Set your goals. Make your plans. Once this day is over, you can never get it back.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You for giving me the gift of this day to live to the full. Thank You that You are calling me to invest my life in what's best for me, to redeem the time, and to run my life with purpose and passion. Help me to make the most of every opportunity. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on September 08, 2023 01:38 PM

  He Has the Last Word
  
  Today's Scripture
  "The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ--eternal and glorious plans they are!--will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does." (1 Peter 5:10, MSG)
  
  When you go through difficulties you don't understand, remind yourself that God is your heavenly Father. If you have children, you know how much you love them and do your best to watch after and protect them. God is that way, but billions of times more. You are His prized possession. There's nothing He cares more about than you. He has your best interest at heart.
  
  You may have been knocked down, but be encouraged that our generous God is about to put you back on your feet. Sicknesses, betrayals, and disappointments don't get the last word. God does. The difficulty is simply a setup for God to launch you to something greater than you've ever imagined. The process may be painful, but the purpose is well worth it. One day you're going to look back and see how God worked it all for your good. Stay in faith. You're going to come out promoted, vindicated, stronger, healthier, and to a new level of your destiny.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that there is a purpose for whatever pain comes my way, and You have great plans to use it for my eternal good. Thank You that though I may not understand it now, the day is coming when You will put me back on my feet, and I will see it clearly. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on September 09, 2023 11:04 PM

  Trouble is Transportation
  
  Today's Scripture
  "...The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?..." (Proverbs 20:24, NLT)
  
  When troubles come our way, it's easy to get discouraged, but God uses difficulties to move us toward our destiny. You won't become all you were created to be without trouble. You don't grow in the good times; you grow in the tough times, the dark times. Trouble prepares you for the next level. Trouble develops something in you that you can't get when it's easy and everything is going your way. In the difficult times, your spiritual muscles are developed, and you gain strength, endurance, and wisdom.
  
  Every challenge you've been through has deposited something in you. Through every relationship that didn't work out, through those times when somebody did you wrong, you gained insight. The times when you failed, when you blew it weren't wasted--you gained experience that will transport you in the future. The truth is that trouble was transportation. It was all a part of God's plan.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that You are the Most High God who is directing my steps. Thank You that the difficulty I'm experiencing now is developing something in me that I can't get when it's easy. I believe it is transporting me to the next level of my destiny. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on September 10, 2023 08:44 AM

  Walk Through
  
  Today's Scripture
  "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me..." (Psalm 23:4, NKJV)
  
  Do you ever feel like you are walking through the valley of the shadow of death? During the tough times, it's easy to get discouraged. I love what it says in the verse, "though I walk through..."
  
  No matter what you are facing today, know this: you are not alone, and you are just walking through. You don't have to stop and live in the tough times. They are only temporary.
  
  I encourage you today; don't allow fear to paralyze you in the middle of "the valley of the shadow of death."
  
  Remember, God is with you. He is walking beside you. He is strengthening you. He is making a way of escape for you. He is lining up people and situations to bring you out of that tough place into a place of strength and victory.
  
  Don't give up! Press on and walk through! Begin to get a vision of your life on the other side. See yourself more loving, more faithful, stronger and more blessed than ever before.
  
  As you keep moving forward and walking through, you will get to the other side and experience the victory God has in store for you!
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for walking with me even in the hard times. I trust that You are taking me through my circumstances to a place of victory and strength in Jesus' name. Amen."

• XslashX on September 11, 2023 05:11 AM

  There Will Always Be Adversity
  
  Today's Scripture
  "...There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me." (1 Corinthians 16:9, NLT)
  
  How do you respond when unfair situations come against you and people do you wrong?
  
  It's easy to get discouraged and think that because it's not working out, it's not meant to be.
  
  But just because you have opposition doesn't mean you're not in God's will. The apostle Paul described his work in the city of Ephesus as a wide-open door of opportunity with many in opposition.
  
  Anytime you have opportunity, anytime you're about to move forward to the next level, there will be opposition, people trying to discourage you, things you don't understand. The people who reach their destiny aren't moved by what's not working out, and they don't give up because they had a setback or because somebody did them wrong.
  
  They know God is in control, that He's directing their steps. They know that the setback is really a setup for God to do something greater. The adversity means the promotion, the healing, the new level is on the way.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You for every open door of opportunity that You open for me. Thank You that the opposition I face is only a setup for You to do something greater in my life. I believe that You are in control and the next level is on the way. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on September 12, 2023 11:49 AM

  In this Together
  
  Today's Scripture
  "I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ." (Philemon 1:6, NIV)
  
  As believers, we are called to work together to build His kingdom. We are partners together and heirs of His precious promises.
  
  In biblical partnership, we operate as one in the eyes of God. That means, when you pray for us and invest time and resources into this ministry, you will be credited in heaven for every life touched and changed by the work of this ministry. At the same time, we are standing with you, praying for you and believing for God's very best in your life.
  
  As partners, we are in this together! Just as you reap benefits in the natural when you labor physically, you will receive supernatural blessings when you invest your time, talent and resources in the kingdom of God. We love you and believe your best days are ahead!
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You for the gift of partnership. Thank You that we can stand together stronger and more effective in building Your kingdom. Your Word says that when we dwell together in unity, You command blessing. Today I receive that blessing as I follow Your commands in Jesus' name. Amen."

• XslashX on September 13, 2023 01:02 PM

  Another Victory Is On The Way
  
  Today's Scripture
  "But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere." (2 Corinthians 2:14, ESV)
  
  Are you facing challenges or difficulties today? Maybe something has happened that could easily discourage you and cause you to give up on your dreams. I want to remind you today that where you are is not where you are going to stay. God has a good plan in store for your future. When you stay in step with Him, you'll walk right into victory.
  
  Scripture tells us that God wants to take us from glory to glory, from victory to victory. Even if you are between victories right now, keep your passion. Keep your enthusiasm. Focus on the fact that God has another level for you--another level of glory, another level of increase, another level of His favor.
  
  Today I encourage you, go out with a smile on your face. Give Him your best. When you thank God for what He has done, you are sowing a seed that He will use in your future. Keep praying, keep believing, keep hoping and stand strong because another victory is coming your way!
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father God, right now I choose to focus my mind and heart completely on You. I choose to step out of discouragement, step out of complacency, step out of worry and step into Your glory. You alone are worthy, and I thank You for the victory You have in store for my future in Jesus' name. Amen."
  
  -- edited by XslashX on Sep 12 2023, 10:03 PM

• XslashX on September 14, 2023 01:47 PM

  Abundant Rain
  
  Today's Scripture
  "You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance." (Psalm 68:9)
  
  It's easy to lose our passion for life. At one time we loved to laugh, looked forward to the day, were believing for our dreams, but when things didn't work out as we thought, we came into a dry place and life lost its flavor.
  
  You smile, but there's no joy behind it. Sometimes we're dry because we're tired, the challenges have taken longer than we thought, and it seems we'll never overcome them. We can be dry because somebody did us wrong, and instead of letting it go, we've become bitter.
  
  You may feel the blahs, but this is when you have to take control of your thought life. That's where the battle is taking place. God sees what you're going through, and He's about to give you an abundance of strength, joy, health, and resources. You're coming out of that dry place into more than enough. Get your hopes up. Start expecting the abundant rain. That's the way our God is.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that You are not limited by the dry places in which I sometimes find myself. Thank You that You see what I'm going through, and You're sending the rain with overflow and abundance. I believe the victories in my past are going to pale in comparison to the victories in my future. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on September 15, 2023 12:40 AM

  The Refiner's Fire
  
  Today's Scripture
  "These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:7)
  
  The heroes of faith all went through times of difficulty when the Refiner's fire proved the genuineness of their faith and separated them from the things that were holding them back. Peter was hot- tempered and used rough language. He told Jesus, "I'll never deny you." But when he was put in the fire of the trial of Christ, he denied that he knew Him. When you're under pressure, you find out what's really in you. That's when impurities in your character come to light. If you let God refine you, you'll come out better. That's what happened to Peter. On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached and three thousand people came to Christ, the most in one meeting recorded in the Scripture.
  
  That difficulty is not going to leave you broken, defeated, and scarred. It's going to burn up any limitations that are holding you back. It's going to separate you from anything that's not God's best. You're going to come out ready for His highest purposes.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that You are the Most High God, and You are refining my life with fire to draw out the impurities in my character. Thank You that every test of my faith is preparing me to go higher and to increase me. I believe that I am coming out better. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on September 16, 2023 12:02 PM

  Who's Your Father?
  
  Today's Scripture
  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here..." (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)
  
  A while ago there was an advertisement for DNA testing that asked the question, "Who's the father?" They can take your DNA, and out of the billions of people on earth, the chances of your DNA matching someone who's not your family are so small that it's inconceivable.
  
  In a similar way, when you gave your life to Christ, the Scripture talks about how you became a new creation. You were born into a new family.
  
  Imagine that somehow they could take a sample DNA from your heavenly Father, then a sample DNA from you, and run all the tests. The good news is that it would come back a perfect match. Proven beyond all doubt, you are God's child. You have His spiritual DNA.
  
  Don't you dare go around thinking that you're average. Your Father created worlds. You come from a royal bloodline. There's nothing too much for you. You can accomplish your dreams.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You for being my Father and breathing Your life into me. Help me to quit believing the lies that say I've reached my limits. I believe and declare that I am a child of the Most High God, and I'm stepping up to the next level. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on September 17, 2023 03:05 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."

• XslashX on September 18, 2023 09:46 AM

  Go To The Place of Blessing
  
  Today's Scripture
  "Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan..." (1 Kings 17:3, ESV)
  
  In the Scripture, the prophet Elijah was living in a certain city. God said to him, "Leave this place and go down to the brook Cherith for I have commanded the ravens to feed you there."
  
  When he got to the brook, every morning just like clockwork, the ravens brought him food. He had his provision; a prepared blessing. Here's the key: Elijah didn't have to try to find the ravens. He just had to get to where God wanted him to be and the ravens found him.
  
  In the same way, there is a place where God has commanded you to be blessed. Everything you need to fulfill your destiny has already been laid up for you--provision, favor, abundance.
  
  The real question today is, will you do what's required to get to your place of blessing? Elijah could have said, "God, I don't want to leave. I like it here. My friends are here." But if he had stayed, he would have missed where he was commanded to be blessed.
  
  Are you willing to do what God is asking you to do today? Listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit inside, follow His leading, and enter into the place of blessing!
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You for leading me to a place of blessing. Thank You for sustaining me and empowering me to fulfill Your call on my life. I choose to follow Your leading so that I can be in the place You've called me to in Jesus' name. Amen."

• XslashX on September 19, 2023 02:22 PM

  You Are an Example
  
  Today's Scripture
  "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
  
  You are God's representative in this earth. When you follow the Word of God and allow Him to work in your life, you are letting your light shine. When you are good to people and show them kindness, even when they don't deserve it, you are shining your light. When you smile and keep a good attitude, even when things don't go your way, you are setting an example so that people will glorify God in heaven.
  
  Notice this Scripture says, "they will see your good works." People aren't impressed by our knowledge or what we say; people are drawn to God by our good works. Today, ask the Lord to show you ways to share His goodness with others. Look for opportunities to let your light shine everywhere you go--at home, at work, in the grocery store, at the gym.
  
  There's always an opportunity to be an example of God's goodness!
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You for choosing me to be Your representative. Show me how to let my light shine. Help me be an example of Your love and grace everywhere I go in Jesus' Name. Amen."

• XslashX on September 20, 2023 02:00 PM

  Safe in His Hands
  
  Today's Scripture
  "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand." (John 10:28--29, NIV)
  
  You may be in a difficult time. Don't get discouraged. Just remember how God has already parted the Red Sea in your life and delivered you from Pharaoh, so to speak. He snatched you out of a harmful situation. He closed that door that would have proven a big mistake. You have a history with God. You've seen His mercies--not once, but again and again--showing out in your life.
  
  You need to announce to that cancer, "You can't finish me off. God controls the number of my days." Announce to that depression, fear, and anxiety, "You're not going to finish me off. God promised I will finish my course with joy." Don't get discouraged because of that person who's trying to push you down and make you look bad. They can't stop God's plan for your life. When negative thoughts come, just answer back, "You don't realize who you're dealing with. I'm a child of the Most High God. You can't snatch me out of His hands."
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that You control the number of my days and nothing can snatch me out of Your hands. Thank You for the countless ways You have protected me from things I knew nothing about. I rejoice that Your mercies surround me. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on September 22, 2023 04:59 AM

  A Spirit Of Unity
  
  Today's Scripture
  "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had..." (Romans 15:5)
  
  Do you find that you are surrounded by people all the time, yet you still feel disconnected from them? In your family, is everyone going in different directions, always busy, always doing their own thing?
  
  I've found that we really have to make a conscious effort to walk and live in unity with the people in our lives and not allow distractions to pull us apart. Walking in a spirit of unity goes beyond just getting along, it's about going the extra mile to support and lift one another up. If you want to get the most out of life, you've got to draw a line in the sand and say, "I'm going to slow down and connect with the people I love. I'm not going to take my relationships for granted."
  
  Start today by calling a friend or family member whom you haven't talked to in a while. Reach out to them and let them know they are important. Make time to have dinner as a family and support each other's activities.
  
  When you walk and live in unity, you bless the Lord and open the door for Him to pour out His abundance in your own life in return!
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father in heaven, thank You for the relationships in my life. Help me find creative ways to connect with the people I love. Help me to walk and live in a spirit of unity as You commanded in Jesus' name. Amen."
  
  -- edited by XslashX on Sep 21 2023, 02:06 PM

• XslashX on September 22, 2023 05:07 AM

  Take Refuge in Him
  
  Today's Scripture
  "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" (Psalm 34:8)
  
  Where do you take refuge when the storms of life come? Where do you go for comfort and safety?
  
  Some people find it easy to turn to their friends, their job, or even a bowl of ice cream.
  
  There's nothing wrong with any of those things, but God wants us to turn to Him first. He wants us to take refuge in Him. He longs to protect us, defend us and give us His strength. We serve a good God, and when we take refuge in Him, He will pour out His abundant blessing in our lives.
  
  Taste and see that the Lord is good, and His promises are good. When you turn to God, the Bible promises that you will find rest and refuge for your soul. No matter what you may be facing today, come to the Father. He will give you His peace and strength as you take refuge in Him.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, today I open my heart to You. Thank You for Your peace and rest and for showing me Your hand of blessing as I take refuge in You in Jesus' Name. Amen."
  
  -- edited by XslashX on Sep 21 2023, 02:07 PM

• XslashX on September 23, 2023 03:21 AM

  Something Better
  
  Today's Scripture
  "...Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40)
  
  In John 11, Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that their brother, Lazarus, was very sick. They thought He would come right away and heal Lazarus. But days passed, and Lazarus died. When Jesus showed up, Mary and Martha were so upset. They said, "Jesus, if You had been here, our brother would still be alive." Against all apparent odds, Jesus went to the tomb and raised Lazarus from the dead.
  
  Sometimes God will wait on purpose till the odds look way against you. You're ready to bury that dream or promise. You don't see any way it could work out. But God's ways are not our ways. Mary and Martha prayed for a healing, but God had a resurrection in mind. Maybe God's not going to answer your prayers the way you thought. Maybe He has something better than you ever dreamed. Trust Him. Odds don't determine what He can and cannot do."
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that You are the keeper of my dreams. I trust that You are totally for me when all the odds are stacked against me. I believe that You are working behind the scenes and bringing a resurrection to what I thought was dead. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on September 24, 2023 04:57 AM

  Laugh a Little
  
  Today's Scripture
  "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength." (Proverbs 17:22)
  
  God has given you a great prescription for living a long, healthy and happy life: Laugh, and laugh a lot!
  
  The "medicine" of laughter is within everyone, but you may need to start taking it. Recent studies have shown that laughter boosts the body's immune system, reduces stress, reduces the risk of heart attack, and even acts as a natural tranquilizer. Those are health benefits everyone needs.
  
  That's why it's tragic to go through life with a stone face. The enemy has convinced too many into thinking that they need to be somber and serious in order to be a Christian. But don't fall for that trick. God wants you to laugh and live well!
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Lord, thank You for a sense of humor and for laughter. Teach me how to enjoy this wonderful gift and share it with others in Jesus' Name. Amen."

• XslashX on September 25, 2023 01:37 PM

  Something Better
  
  Today's Scripture
  "...Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40)
  
  In John 11, Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that their brother, Lazarus, was very sick. They thought He would come right away and heal Lazarus. But days passed, and Lazarus died. When Jesus showed up, Mary and Martha were so upset. They said, "Jesus, if You had been here, our brother would still be alive." Against all apparent odds, Jesus went to the tomb and raised Lazarus from the dead.
  
  Sometimes God will wait on purpose till the odds look way against you. You're ready to bury that dream or promise. You don't see any way it could work out. But God's ways are not our ways. Mary and Martha prayed for a healing, but God had a resurrection in mind. Maybe God's not going to answer your prayers the way you thought. Maybe He has something better than you ever dreamed. Trust Him. Odds don't determine what He can and cannot do.
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Father, thank You that You are the keeper of my dreams. I trust that You are totally for me when all the odds are stacked against me. I believe that You are working behind the scenes and bringing a resurrection to what I thought was dead. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on September 26, 2023 01:21 PM

  Open Hearts
  
  Today's Scripture
  "But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?" (1 John 3:17)
  
  Everywhere you go these days, people are hurting and discouraged; many have made mistakes; their lives are in a mess. They need to feel God's compassion and His unconditional love.
  
  Is your heart of compassion open to them? Do you take time to make a difference in others' lives? God has given you a heart of compassion, but you must decide to keep it open and allow the love of God to flow through you to those around you.
  
  In order to experience God's abundant life, you must keep your focus on helping other people. Don't allow the enemy to keep you so busy that you overlook the needs of those around you. Make a decision to show God's love and goodness wherever you go.
  
  Be on the lookout for people you can bless. Go out of your way to show God's compassion, and as you do, you will rise higher and experience the best plan God has for your life!
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "God, you have my best interests in your heart. I want to learn to show that love to the people in my life. Help me to open my heart and find ways to show compassion and love to those around me. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

• XslashX on September 27, 2023 12:43 PM

  Heavy with Favor
  
  Today's Scripture
  "Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1)
  
  Notice that today's verse doesn't say that the glory of the Lord is going to come on you one day. It doesn't say, "Maybe when the economy gets better, when you graduate from college, or when you get that good break." No, it says God's glory is already on you!
  
  The word "glory" in the original language indicates that God's favor, blessing and splendor is on you in a heavy way. It's something that is tangible and has weight. Think about it this way: You are not less than, intimidated or weak; you are heavy with God's favor. You are dripping with God's goodness. Your attitude should be, "There's no telling what's in my future! I am weighted down, not with burdens, not with problems. I am weighted down with the favor of God."
  
  When you really understand that you are heavy with favor, then it's easy to be heavy with expectation. It's easy to believe for big things when you know God has favored you in a big way. It's time for you to arise. It's time for you to shine. Let that sink down into your spirit today because it's time for you to arise and shine because His glory, His favor is heavy upon you!
  
  A Prayer for Today
  "Heavenly Father, I come to You today with an open and humble heart. I know that Your glory is upon me. I thank You for Your favor upon me, and I thank You for Your anointing power which breaks every yoke and moves me into freedom and blessing in Jesus' name. Amen."