With Your Whole Heart

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might...”

(Ecclesiastes 9:10, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

When you do something to the best of your ability because you want to honor God, it opens the door to His blessing. That means it will be easier, it will go better, and you will accomplish more. That’s why no matter what we do, we should give it our best. This is especially true even in the little things. For example, when you’re doing the dishes or mowing the lawn, don’t drag around sour and frustrated. Mow with enthusiasm! Mow like you’re on a mission from God. With every step, thank God that your legs work. Thank Him that you’re healthy and strong. At the office, don’t just do enough to get by. You’re not working unto people; you’re working unto God. Do it with your whole heart. When you volunteer at church, don’t wake up and think, “Awe, man. Why did I volunteer? I want to sleep in!” No, serve Him with all your heart because that’s what honors God. When you honor God, He’ll honor you. He’ll open the door to His blessing, and you’ll see increase in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life. I choose today to serve You with my whole heart and do everything to the best of my ability. Thank You for Your faithfulness and blessing in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Sharpen Your Skills

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings...”

(Proverbs 22:29, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Too often, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut, doing the same thing the same way over and over every day. But if we are going to live at our absolute best, we should constantly be growing and sharpening our skills. We should strive to learn and grow every single day because when we stop learning, we stop growing. When we stop growing, we stop living. What are you doing to stretch yourself? What are you doing to improve your skills? Don’t get trapped into thinking that “good enough” is good enough. You were created for more than just average. Today is a new day, and there are new heights for you to climb. Pursue what you love and keep developing that area of your life. Take a class or find a mentor that will help you live skillfully. As scripture promises, you’ll go before leaders and rulers and excel in every area of life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I resist mediocrity. I choose to give my very best to everything I do. Teach me to live skillfully so that my life is a continual praise to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Close the Door on Fear

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“And do not give the Devil an opportunity to work.”

(Ephesians 4:27, ISV)

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 creep in and take root in their lives. Fear is the greatest weapon the enemy uses to try to hold us back. Fear is not from God. Scripture tells us that fear brings torment. It’s designed to paralyze us and keep us from God’s blessings. The good news is that God is greater than fear. His power in you is greater than any power that comes against you. But in order to walk in His power, you have to close the door on the enemy of fear. The enemy can’t have access to your life unless you open a door and give him access. That’s why we have to be careful about what we watch, what we listen to, what we read, and what we say. When we open ourselves to fear, we give the enemy opportunity. 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! It starts by receiving God’s love and meditating on His promises. Meditate on His truth and speak His truth which sets you free! Surround yourself in God’s love and let Him lead you into victory as you close the door on fear.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I come to You in faith declaring that I am finished with fear. Thank You for giving me a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. Fill me with Your peace and joy today as I worship You and move forward in victory in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj - The Warrior Bride: Joel's Army (8/9/14)

Survival During the Judgment (8/8/14)

Survival During the Judgment (8/8/14)

Get to know the Destiny of the United States of America

Get to know the Destiny of the United States of America







From the Lancaster Prophetic Conference 2014.



You can purchase high quality MP3's or DVD's of the whole conference for a donation to Royal Crown 

Break the Yoke of Average

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

(Ephesians 3:20–21, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God never created you to be ordinary. He created you to leave your mark on this generation. God wants you to do something big. He wants you to go further than anyone in your family. You have seeds of greatness on the inside. That yoke of average that’s been around your neck is coming off. God is about to thrust you to a new level of destiny. It’s going to be exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond what you could ever imagine! This is a new day, and you’re going to see the yoke-destroying, burden-removing power of our God like never before! If you will receive this into your spirit and not talk yourself out of it, it will ignite your faith and become a reality. Let it go beyond being an encouragement and grab hold of it in your spirit. Believe, “This is for me. This is my destiny. Something new is being birthed. Yokes are coming off of me. Chains are being broken. I am stepping in to the fullness of my destiny!”

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for doing exceedingly, abundantly above all I could ask, think or imagine. Break the yoke of average off of my life and show me the amazing plan You have for my future in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Believe and Declare

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“It is written: ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken.’ Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak.”

(2 Corinthians 4:13, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

There was a man who was believing to pay his house off. It was a standard 30-year mortgage, and he had 23 years left. In the natural, there was no way he could do it. But he was bold enough to say, “Father, I want to thank You that You are Jehovah Jireh; the Lord my provider. I know my job is not my source. You are my source. It may look impossible, but I know You can do the impossible.” Several years ago, he received an inheritance from a family member that he had never met before. He didn’t even know they were related. He was able to not only pay his house off, but he paid a friend’s house off as well. What was that? Explosive blessings! When you believe God, you position yourself for a miracle. When you obey His commands, you set yourself under the open windows of heaven. When you declare His Word, you open the door for Him to move on your behalf. Keep standing, keep believing, keep speaking and see the victory and blessing He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for Your Word which is alive and powerful! I set my mind on Your promises and choose to declare what You say about me. Thank You for Your faithfulness as I move forward in the good plan You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Unlimited Supply

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe. ...”

(Ephesians 1:19, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

If someone had a thousand gallons of water to give you but you only had a one-gallon container, you wouldn’t be able to receive what they had for you. The problem would not be with the supply; it would be with your ability to receive. If you would get rid of the small container and get something larger, then you could receive so much more. It’s the same way with God. You may think, “The economy is too down. I could never afford that house I really want. My business will never expand. I don’t have the funding. I don’t have the people behind me.” No, you’ve got to get rid of that one-gallon bucket. Get rid of that small container. The God we serve is a big God! He has an ocean, an unlimited supply. Jesus said, “According to your faith it will be done unto you.” It’s not according to God. God has all the power, all the resources in the world. It’s according to what we believe. Today, increase your capacity to receive. Enlarge your thinking by meditating on the Word of God. Praise Him and magnify Him because with God, all things are possible, and He has an unlimited supply!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for Your unlimited supply of everything I need in this life. I open my heart to You; I choose to take the limits off. Increase me so that I can receive every blessing You have in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Believe God over the “Experts”

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”

(1 Corinthians 1:27, KJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Did you know that according to all the laws of aerodynamics, a bumblebee should not be able to fly? Its wingspan is too small for the size of its body. It can’t get enough lift. But here’s the key: Nobody told the bumblebee. It didn’t get the memo. No experts were able to talk it out of flying. The bumblebee felt its wings on its sides and something in its DNA said, “I’m supposed to fly. I’m not made to just crawl around on the ground.” It didn’t read the latest engineering report. It just did what was natural and started flapping its wings and took off into the air. Have you ever had the experts tell you, “You’ll never get well; you’ll never get out of debt; you’ve gone as far as your education allows; this is as good as it gets”? With all due respect, the experts can be wrong. The experts told Dodie Osteen that she had a few weeks to live, but 33 years later, she is still alive and healthy. The experts told us Lakewood would never make it without the founding father, but we’re doing pretty good! Believe God over the experts and watch what He will do on your behalf!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. I believe You over what the “experts” tell me. I believe that You are faithful and expect to see Your goodness all the days of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reprogram Your Life for Greatness

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. ...”

(Romans 12:2, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

My father grew up in a very poor environment. His parents lost everything during the Great Depression. He had no money, no education and no future to speak of. He had been programmed with poverty, defeat and mediocrity. He could have settled there. That’s all he had seen. He could have thought, “Hey, this is just my lot in life. We’re just poor, defeated people.” But at 17 years old when he gave his life to Christ, he started reprogramming his thinking. Deep down something said, “You were made for more than this. You’re not supposed to constantly struggle, to barely make it through life.” He could feel those seeds of greatness stirring on the inside. His attitude was, “This may be where I am, but this is not who I am. I may be in defeat, but I am not defeated. I’m a child of the Most High God.” Today, no matter what has happened in your past, remember that ultimately, you can reprogram your life for greatness. You can let go of the wrong programming of the world and renew your mind according to the Word of God. Let His truth sink in so you can rise up into the greatness God has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You that no matter what has happened in my past, You have a good plan for my future. I choose to reprogram my mind with the truth of Your Word that sets me free to live the way You intended in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wait on the Lord

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

(Isaiah 40:31, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Do you need strength today? Sometimes it’s easy to get down and discouraged when you’re constantly looking at the circumstances of life. You may feel tired and weary from a long spiritual or emotional battle. But when you wait on the Lord, the Bible says your strength will be renewed. Waiting on the Lord means you’re putting your trust and hope in Him. You’re living with an attitude of faith and expectancy. In the natural, if you are waiting for someone like a special dinner guest, you probably aren’t just sitting around the house wondering what will happen. No, you’re probably preparing for that special person, straightening the house and making sure everything is perfect for their arrival. Most likely, you started weeks in advance making the menu and deciding what to wear! In the same way, when you are waiting on the Lord, it doesn’t mean you are just sitting around. It means you are preparing for Him. Are you ready for God to move on your behalf? Are you waiting on Him? As you take a step of faith, He’ll meet you there. He’ll renew your strength and lead you into victory in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for Your promise to renew my strength. I choose to wait on You. I choose to trust You. I choose to prepare for You to move mightily in my life in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Reprogram Your Mind

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind...”

(Romans 12:2, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Many people today don’t realize that the reason they’re not happy, the reason they’re not enjoying life is simply because they’ve trained their minds in the wrong direction. They’ve programmed their minds to worry. They’ve programmed their minds to complain. They’ve programmed their minds to see the negative. But just as we can train our minds to focus on the negative, we can also reprogram our minds to focus on the positive. It all depends on what we meditate on. When we meditate on the Word of God, we reprogram our minds. When we meditate on God’s goodness, we are developing a right mindset. When we choose to be grateful and focus on what’s right rather than what’s wrong, we are choosing a positive attitude. This doesn’t happen automatically, you have to discipline yourself to focus on the right things. You have to make a conscious effort to spend time in the Word of God every single day until a habit is formed. As you honor God with your time, He’ll multiply it back to you. As you stay faithful and focused on Him, He will direct your steps and lead you to embrace the blessing and victory He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I surrender my thoughts and mind to You. Help me retrain my thoughts so that they are in line with Your will for my life. I choose to have a positive attitude of faith and expectancy and thank You for empowering me to enjoy the good life You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hit the Delete Button

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”

(Isaiah 43:18, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Our minds work a lot like a computer. The way we program our thinking will determine how our lives are going to function. You can have the most expensive, powerful computer you can find, but if you load the wrong software, it’s not going to perform at its best. In the same way, many people are not living a victorious life not because there is something wrong with them, but because of what has been programmed in their thinking. They start believing the lies, “I’m not talented. I don’t have a good personality. I’ve made too many mistakes. I’ve reached my limits.” Just like a virus can slow down a perfectly good computer, our wrong thinking can keep us from our destiny. If you’re going to live in victory, you’ve got to know how to hit the delete button. When that thought comes that says, “You’re just average. You’re ordinary.” Hit delete and say, “I’m a masterpiece. I’m one of a kind.” When you hear, “You’ve seen your best days. It’s all downhill from here.” Hit delete and say, “My future will be brighter than my past.” If you will start hitting the delete button on those negative thoughts, your life will go to a new level, and you’ll experience the blessing and increase He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for loving me and making me in Your image. Today I choose to hit the delete button on negative thinking. I declare what You say about me so I can walk and live the life that You have prepared for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don’t Just Pray to Become a Better Slave!

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.’ ”

(Exodus 6:6, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

When the Israelites were in slavery, they were forced to make bricks all day long. They were given quotas that were almost impossible to meet. And at one point, Pharaoh got upset and had the supervisors take away all the straw they needed for bricks. They had the same quota, but they had to go find their own straw. No doubt they prayed, “God, please give us straw. God, You know these supervisors are going to get upset. We’re not going to make our quotas.” They had been pushed down for so long. They had such a limited vision when they were praying for more straw. In effect, they were praying to become a better slave. God said, “That’s too small. I don’t want to make you a better slave. I want to take you totally out of that bondage. I created you as the head and not the tail, the victor and not the victim.” Today, don’t just pray for improvement in your difficult situation, pray for deliverance from it! See beyond your circumstances and let Him lead you out into the place of victory and abundance!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I release a slave mentality. I pray and ask for Your complete deliverance from every form of bondage in my life. Help me to think the way You think and see the way You see. Thank You for freedom all the days of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God’s Dream for Your Life

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“ ‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the LORD. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.’ ”

(Isaiah 55:8, NLT)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

We all have dreams and goals. We do our best to stretch our faith and believe that one day, if we work hard enough, get the right breaks or meet the right people, we’ll see that dream come to pass. In our mind, that would be big. A great accomplishment. But, what’s big to us is not big to God. He created the universe. He spoke worlds into existence. God’s dream for your life is so much bigger than your own. See, we think ordinary; God thinks extraordinary! Today, whatever you’re dreaming about, whatever you’re believing for, know that God’s dream for your life is far greater. He wants to supersize it. He’s an overflow God. Ephesians says, “God can do exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond what we think.” Why don’t you take the limits off of God? You may not see a way, but God has a way. One touch of God’s favor can take you further than you could go on your own in a lifetime. Be open to God’s dream for your life and embrace the fullness of the blessing He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for loving me and having such a wonderful plan for my life. Help me to see the great things You have for me. Show me Your love today as I keep my heart and mind stayed on You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your Sun and Shield

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless."

(Psalm 84:11, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God wants to pour out His favor and goodness in your life. He longs to be your sun and shield. What does that mean? The sun lights our way; it keeps us warm; it nourishes the plants of the earth so that we can have food. The entire earth is sustained by its relationship to the sun, and God wants to sustain you through your relationship with Him. He wants to be your shield of protection against all the fiery darts of the enemy, and He wants to light and direct your path. Is there someone or something else you’ve been relying on for protection or direction? Why don’t you let go of whatever you’ve been leaning on and choose to lean of God. Open your heart and trust that He has great things for your future. Receive His favor, blessing and protection today because He is your sun and shield!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for directing and guiding me. Thank You for nourishing my heart and mind as I daily put my trust in You. Show me Your ways so that I can walk with You all the days of my life in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Growing Strong in Faith

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

"No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God."

(Romans 4:20, ESV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

In scripture, Abraham’s circumstances were beyond his control. He was way too old to have a child, but God promised him that he would have a son. What did he do while he was waiting? Scripture says, “He grew strong in faith by giving praise to God.” He got up every morning and said, “Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You that my baby is on its way. Thank You that You are faithful to Your Word.” He kept thanking God for what he heard in his spirit, and eventually, the promise came to pass. Like Abraham, God has put dreams in your heart. He has spoken promises over you. Deep down you believe it will happen, but in the natural, it looks impossible. The odds are against you. It’s been so long. No, God is saying, “What I started in your life I will finish.” The key is to follow Abraham’s example and praise God while you wait. That’s one way to grow in faith. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep expecting. Grow strong in faith and see His promises fulfilled in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I praise You for Your faithfulness in my life. You are worthy to receive all the glory and honor. I believe that You are making a way out of no way, so I look for Your hand of blessing and mercy in every area of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.

His Ways are Higher

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

(Isaiah 55:9, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

A lot of times, we have our own ideas about how things should work out in life. But God’s ways are not our ways. In scripture, God brought water out of a rock. Jesus told Peter to go catch a fish, open its mouth, and there was the money he needed for taxes. Another time, God caused a young lady named Mary to have a baby without knowing a man. He is God. He can use things we would expect, or He can make things happen another way. With God, you don’t have to figure everything out. All you have to do is believe. In fact, it says in Proverbs, “Lean not to your own understanding.” Sometimes there is no logical solution. You’ve got to turn your mind off. If you’re constantly trying to figure it out, that’s just going to make you discouraged, depressed and frustrated. Just because you don’t see a way doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have a way. Remember, His ways are higher, and He is working behind the scenes for your good!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I declare that my faith and trust are in You. I won’t try to figure everything out, but I will be still and listen for Your voice. I surrender my will to Yours. Thank You for Your faithfulness in my life in Jesus’ name! Amen!

Good Sense

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense.”

(Proverbs 19:11, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Every day, we have opportunities to get upset, frustrated or offended. Maybe you had plans that didn’t work out, or someone was rude to you at the office. Maybe you were doing something that should have taken one hour and ended up taking three. Life is full of inconveniences. Even though we can’t always control our circumstances, we can control our reaction. They say, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond.” We should always go out each day with a positive attitude, full of hope and expecting God’s favor. But at the same time, we should recognize that most days are not going to go exactly as we planned. However, we are created to live in peace. Peace is our position of power. If you get stressed because you got off schedule, or upset because your child wouldn’t eat his breakfast, or frustrated because somebody offended you, you are giving away your power. Instead, use good sense! Make the decision to release those offenses and disappointments so you live in peace. Overlook offense, release offense and move forward in the power and victory the Lord has for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I release every care, concern, offense and disappointment to You. I choose to keep the peace that You have given me knowing that with You, my best days are ahead in Jesus’ name! Amen.

In His Hand

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you…I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand…”

(Isaiah 41:10, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

We all face situations in life that feel out of control. During times like these, it’s easy to get discouraged and allow fear to creep in. But instead, why don’t you focus on the fact that God is holding you in the palm of His hand. There is nothing too difficult for Him; nothing is impossible, nothing is beyond His ability. When God holds you in His hand, you are safe. You are cared for. In His hand, there is victory. In His hand, there is strength. In His hand, there is provision. In His hand is everything you need! No matter what you may be going through today, you can trust that God is for you. Instead of getting down and depressed over your circumstances, look up and get a vision of God turning that situation around. Let faith arise in your heart and focus on His favor, promotion and blessing. See yourself in the palm of His hand, and see the victory and blessing He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for helping me and holding me in Your victorious right hand. I choose to trust You even when things don’t make sense, even when things seem beyond my control. I release my cares to You knowing that You work all things together for my good in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Faith Opens the Door

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

(Hebrews 11:1, KJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Do you desire to see more of God’s favor in your life today? Faith is what opens the door to favor. The Scripture tells us that faith pleases God. It also gives substance to the things we hope for and makes them tangible. We’ve all been given a measure of faith, but it’s up to each of us to put it into action. Notice today’s verse starts by saying, “Now faith.” It’s not “later” faith or “one day” faith. We have to have faith for today, right now. Do you believe that God has blessings in store for you, right now? Do you believe He wants to pour out His favor on you, today? Don’t go around thinking that the blessing is far off. Stay in faith because faith is now, and it opens the door to His abundance all the days of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for the gift of faith. I choose to believe Your Word which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Show me how to continue to grow in faith so I can be pleasing to You in every area of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don’t Let Others Control You

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“It is an honor for a man to cease from strife and keep aloof from it, but every fool will quarrel.”

(Proverbs 20:3, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Did you know that when you allow someone else’s words or actions to upset you, you’re allowing them to control you? When you say, “You make me so mad,” you’re really just admitting that their actions have power over you. As long as that person knows they can push your buttons, as long as you keep responding the same way, you are giving them exactly what they want. Sure, people have a right to say and do things that are upsetting, but we also have a right to not get offended. We have a right to overlook their actions. In fact, the Bible says that it’s an honor for a man to keep “aloof” from strife. In other words, we have to remove ourselves, either physically or emotionally, from strife and offense. It’s not easy, but we can choose to let it roll off of us like water off a duck’s back! Remember, you don’t need everyone to agree with you all the time. You don’t have to have the approval of others in order to be approved by God. Your job is to be the person God made you to be. Overlook offenses and let go of strife so you can live in peace and victory all the days of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for loving, accepting and approving me just as I am. I know You are doing a work in my life, and I ask for the strength and confidence to overlook offense so that I can honor You in everything I do in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

When You Feel Buried

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.”

(John 12:24, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

We all face difficulties and challenges in life. But you have to remember, as a believer in Jesus, you have the life-giving seed of Almighty God on the inside of you. When you go through disappointments or tough times, you may feel like you’ve been buried. You may feel like you’re in a dark, lonely place. You may feel like it’s the end; but in reality, it’s only the beginning. The fact is, you haven’t been buried; you have been planted. That means you’re coming back. And not only are you coming back, but you’re coming back in increase, better and stronger than before! In those tough times, you’ve got to draw the line in the sand. Make a declaration, “This difficulty is not going to bury me. This loss, this disappointment, this injustice is not going to cause me to give up on my dreams. I refuse to live in self-pity. I know I am a seed. That means I cannot be buried. I can only be planted. I may be down, but it’s only temporary. I know I’m not only coming back, I’m coming back even better than I was before!”

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for filling me with Your life-giving seed. I choose today to focus on the potential for my future. I know that I will overcome every obstacle by Your power that is at work in me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pull Up Your Stakes and Press On

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 3:14, ESV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Are there some tent stakes in your life that you need to pull up so you can press forward? Maybe you’ve stopped in a temporary place, and it’s time to keep going. Maybe you’ve gotten comfortable and decided that your dreams are never going to come to pass. Your health is never going to improve. I’m asking you to pack up your tent, gather up your belongings and start moving forward. You may have taken a temporary delay, but that’s okay. That didn’t stop your destiny. Today can be your new beginning. God is breathing new life into your spirit. He has greater victories in front of you! Remember, the first place we lose the battle is in our own thinking. If you don’t think you can be successful, then you never will be. If you don’t think you can overcome the past, meet the right person or accomplish your dreams, then you’ll get stuck right where you are. You’ve got to change your thinking. God said no good thing would He withhold because you walk uprightly. Get rid of a negative, defeated mentality. Make room in your thinking for the new thing God wants to do, pull up your stakes and let God lead you in to your promised land!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for empowering me to pick up from this temporary place and move forward toward the dreams and goals You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don’t Settle For Good Enough

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’ ”

(Genesis 12:1, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

In the Scripture, Abraham is listed as one of the heroes of faith. God made one of the first covenants with him. But what’s interesting is that before Abraham, God spoke to Abraham’s father and told him to go where he told Abraham. It says in Genesis 11 that Abraham’s father “left Ur and headed out toward Canaan.” He was going to the Promised Land just like God told Abraham. But it says, “He stopped along the way and settled in Haran.” Why did he stop? There were too many difficulties. It was hard traveling with all of his flocks and herds. He had his family, his possessions. It wasn’t comfortable. He finally decided, “I can’t go any further. I know this isn’t the Promised Land, but it’s good enough.” How many times do we do the same thing? We start off right. We’ve got a big dream. We’re going to fulfill our destiny. But along the way, we face opposition. Adversity arises. Too many times, we say like Abraham’s father, “What’s the use? I’m just going to settle here. It’s good enough.” No, I want to light a new fire in you. Decide today: “I’m not going to settle halfway, three-fourths of the way, or nine-tenths of the way. I’m going to make it all the way in to my promised land.”

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I declare that I won’t settle for good enough. I won’t settle halfway to Your promises. I choose to stand strong, dig my heels in, and press forward into the Promised Land you have prepared for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Say of the Lord

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!”

(Psalm 91:2, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Your words have tremendous power. No matter what you may be facing today, the words of your mouth can help set the course for your victory or set the course for defeat. You decide by what you say. When you wake up with an attitude of faith and expectancy and declare God’s Word, you will be strengthened and empowered by His Spirit. But at the same time, if you go around talking about your problems or talking about defeat, it drains your faith and sets your focus in the wrong direction. That’s why it’s so important today and every day to take inventory of what you are saying. When challenges and obstacles arise, declare that God is your refuge and strength. Declare His Word. Declare that He is for you. Keep the weeds out of your heart by letting go of bitterness and choosing to forgive. Stay in step with God with your words and actions and receive His strength and power to be all He’s called you to be.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for Your Word which is refreshing water to my soul. I choose today to say what You say. I choose to meditate on Your Word. Keep me close to You always in Jesus’ name. Amen.