In Everything

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"
(Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Are you giving thanks in every circumstance? This might seem like a stretch at first, especially when you are going through a season of difficulty. But notice today's verse doesn't say to give thanks "for" everything, it says give thanks "in" everything. In other words, no matter what's going on, find something to be thankful for. Don't just focus on what's wrong in your life; focus on what God will do in your life!

When you are thankful, it opens the door for God to move on your behalf. That's why it says "this is God's will for you." He wants you to be close to Him and receive His strength and power by giving thanks.

Today, have the attitude that says, "God, in spite of what's happened, I choose to be grateful. I may be sick, but Father, thank You for being my healer. Thank you for giving me great friends and family." Or, "I may be struggling in my marriage, but God, thank You for being my restorer. Thank You for giving me another sunrise." As you give thanks in everything, you will see God's hand move mightily on your behalf. Before long, you'll come out of that difficulty better, stronger, and wiser than before!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, today I choose to give You thanks in all things! I know that You are a good God, and You have good plans in store for my future. I bless You and thank You for another day to sing Your praise! In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Find a Reason

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"For this I will give thanks and extol You, O Lord, among the nation; I will sing praises to Your name"
(II Samuel 22:50, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Any time you're tempted to get discouraged, the quickest way out is to stop focusing on what you don't have and start thanking God for what you do have. You have to find a reason to be grateful!

Being grateful will lift you out of depression and discouragement. Being grateful can help turn a relationship around. It can even save a marriage! It's amazing what happens when we stop focusing on somebody's faults, and instead, we start seeing the good and showing appreciation. People like to be around grateful people. They're drawn to people who are appreciative and thankful. In fact, being grateful at the office and expressing gratitude to your employer can even help get you a promotion or save your job during a time of layoffs!

I want to encourage you, every morning when you wake up, find a reason to give God thanks. Before you think about your problems, thank God that you are alive! As you find a reason to give thanks, I believe it blesses the heart of God. I believe He'll pour out more of His favor and blessing and lead you into the destiny He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, today I choose to give You thanks. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for setting me free. Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus! I know You have a good plan for me. Thank You for leading and guiding me and for keeping me close to You all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Finished with Fear

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline"
(II Timothy 1:7, NLT)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

So many people today are living with less than God's best because they've allowed fear to stop them from pursuing their dreams. We have to remember that fear is not from God. It's a lie from the enemy to paralyze us and steal our power.

Today's verse tells what God has given us: power, love, and self-discipline or self-control. When you are confident in God's promises, there's nothing that can stop you. But when fear creeps in, you hesitate. You're not as strong as you were before. You feel powerless. Not only that, but it affects your love. Love prompts us to give, and when we are afraid, we tend to clench our fists and act selfishly. Fear also affects our self-discipline or self-control. It makes us panic and do things without thinking.

If you've allowed fear to steal from you in any area of life, today you can be free–you can be finished with fear. Conquering fear starts with a choice to believe God's promises, and then taking a step of faith to act on them. As you step out, God will be with you. He'll give you power, love, and self-discipline so that you can confidently move forward into the abundant life He has for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, I come to You today declaring that I am finished with fear. Thank You for giving me power, love, and a sound mind. I choose to stand on Your promises. Fill me with Your peace and joy today as I move forward in victory with You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Growing in Faith

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God"
(Romans 10:17, NKJV)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Did you know that your faith in God can grow and increase every single day? Notice today's scripture doesn't say, "Faith comes because you have heard the Word of God one time." No, it says that "faith comes by hearing"–in the present tense.

Sure, God's Word can transform us in an instant; but most of the time, we need to hear God's principles over and over again before they become active in our lives. God's truth sets us free and puts His plan for our lives into motion. As you study the Word of God, it chisels away at the doubt and unbelief that's been built up over the years. And, just as a seed needs water to grow daily; your spirit needs the Word of God daily. The more you hear God's promises, the more you know Him, and the more confidence you will have to believe His word.

I encourage you to choose a few verses to meditate on daily. Write them down and carry them in your purse or wallet. The more you hear the Word of God, the more your faith will grow, and you will move forward in the freedom and victory He has for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, thank You for Your Word that is living and active and growing in my life. I submit myself to You today. Teach me Your ways and give me insight into Your Word so that I may know You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Line up Your Heart

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"…The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart"
(I Samuel 16:7, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

When the Lord looks at your heart, what does He see? Every one has an outer life and an inner life. The outer life is our public life that people around us see. The inner life is made up of our thoughts, attitudes, and motives. Only you and God know what's going on inside of you.

Too many people go around today pretending—acting one way, yet on the inside they're thinking something totally different. Their heart and their actions don't line up. We have to understand that God looks at the inside. We can fool a lot of people, but we can't fool God. God would rather us be open and honest than go through life pretending.

Take inventory of what's going on inside of you today. Are you at peace? Are you overlooking offenses? Do you believe the best in people? Are your heart and actions lining up? If not, submit your ways to the Lord today and ask Him to give you an undivided heart. Line up your whole being so that you can live pleasing Him all the days of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Dear Father, I humbly come before You today and ask that You search the deep places of my heart. Show me if there is any area where I need to line up my heart and actions. Help me to be authentic in You today. In Jesus Name. Amen."

A Vital Necessity

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Set your mind and heart to seek (inquire of and require as your vital necessity) the Lord your God."
(I Chronicles 22:19 AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

What things do you consider a vital necessity in your life? In other words, what can't you live without? Most people would immediately think of food, water, and shelter; but in reality, we can'treally live unless our minds and hearts are set on seeking the Lord. Sure, you can exist without seeking Him, but you are called to more than just existence. You are called to live…to thrive…to enjoy your life abundantly!

The good news is that you have complete control over what you set your mind and heart on. You decide what to think about. Today, I encourage you to set your mind and heart on seeking the Lord! Write down your favorite scriptures and commit them to memory. Whenever you can, think about those verses. Think about God and His infinite love. Make a habit of seeking Him and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. When you require the Lord as a vital necessity, you will enjoy living the abundant life He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, today I choose to set my mind on You. I seek You with my whole heart. Show me Your love and character today. Show me Your ways that I may walk and live closely with You. I love You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

In Due Season

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase and the trees of the field yield their fruit"
(Leviticus 26:4, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God has set up seasons in our lives. It's easy to get frustrated when our dreams aren't coming to pass on our timetable, but every season is not harvest season. There are plowing seasons. There are planting seasons. There are watering seasons. Sure, we would love for every season to be a time of increase left and right, good breaks here and there. But without the other seasons, we wouldn't be prepared. For example, it's during the plowing seasons that God brings issues to light that we need to deal with. He's getting us prepared for promotion.

If you're not making as much progress as you would like, the key is to not lose any ground. Don't go backwards. Hold your position. Keep a good attitude and do the right thing even when it's hard. When you do that, you are passing the test, and God promises that your due season of harvest is coming. Be encouraged because your appointed time of increase, favor, and promotion is on its way, and He will fulfill every dream and desire He's placed within your heart!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, I bless You today. I thank You for preparing me for the blessing and promotion You have in my future. I surrender my heart, mind, will and emotions to You so that I can live as a testimony of Your work in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."