Thursday, March 31, 2016

Get Your Joy Back

Today’s Scripture
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”
(1 Peter 1:8, NIV)
Get Your Joy Back
Have the difficulties and pressures of life taken your joy away? Today is the day to get it back! It’s time to get excited about your future and learn to enjoy each and every moment.
If you don’t make the conscious effort to keep your joy, as time goes by, you’ll get more and more solemn. Not only will the enemy rob you of the joy that belongs to you, he’ll rob your family and friends of the gift that you are to them. When you have joy, you can use that joy to influence the people around you for good. Joy is strength, and when you have joy, you can offer strength to the people God has placed in your life.
Today, draw the line in the sand and say, “That’s it. I’m not going to live another day negative, discouraged, sour and grumpy. I’m going to put a smile on my face. I’m going to live my life happy.” Choose to let your faith in Him fill you with inexpressible and glorious joy so that you can be a blessing everywhere you go!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for Your love. Thank You for choosing me and molding me into Your image. Today, I invite You to fill me with Your inexpressible and glorious joy so that I can be a blessing to the people You have placed in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Refuse to Worry

Today’s Scripture
“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
(Matthew 6:27, NIV)
Refuse to Worry
Are you worrying about something? To worry means to allow something to revolve in your mind over and over again. God doesn’t want you to live worried or anxious about anything. He knows that worry steals your peace and joy. It affects every area of your life. Have you heard the saying, “Don’t worry yourself sick?” That’s because worrying affects your physical body. It affects your sleep. You won’t ever gain anything by worrying; in fact, you’ll lose precious moments that you can never get back again. The good news is that God has promised that you can have victory over worry. It starts by making the choice to trust in Him. When you cast your cares on Him, He will give you His peace.
Today, put an end to worry in your life. Choose to feed your faith and fill your mind with God’s promises. As you focus on God’s Word, you’ll drive out worry and fill your heart with faith and expectancy to overcome in every area of life!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, today I put an end to worry in my life. I choose to feed my faith by studying Your promises and declaring Your Word over me. Help me to totally trust in You today and every day in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Don’t Be Moved

Today’s Scripture
“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
(Acts 20:24, NKJV)
Don’t Be Moved
I think it’s interesting that the apostle Paul never prayed for every challenge to go away. He prayed that God would give him the strength to go through them with a good attitude. He sought emotional maturity.
Our level of emotional maturity can be seen by how much it takes to get us upset. You’ve heard the saying, “A small pot boils the quickest.” That means if we don’t keep our emotions in check, we’ll always be stressed out and make mountains out of molehills. If we lose our cool because our child forgot his or her homework, or we’re aggravated because somebody didn’t do something we wanted them to do, then we’re not passing the test. We’ve got to grow and mature to the point where we can say what the apostle Paul said, “None of these things move me.” He said in effect, “It’s no big deal. I’m not worried about it. I trust God. I have a destiny to fulfill.”
Today, choose to see things from God’s perspective. Keep your emotions in check. Don’t be moved by your circumstances; instead, trust God because He is faithful. He’s working behind the scenes, and He will fulfill His promises to you!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for doing a work in my life. Thank You for molding me and shaping me into Your image. I ask for Your supernatural joy and strength to stand strong no matter what I face in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Monday, March 28, 2016

Stay above Strife

Today’s Scripture
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
(Proverbs 17:14, NIV)
Stay above Strife
Too often, people fall into the trap of strife. Someone may say something that rubs you the wrong way, and before you know it, there is tension, quarreling and division. The Bible tells us that strife opens the door to every evil work. It’s the enemy’s greatest trap to keep people from living in victory. But you don’t have to fall into the trap of strife, you can rise above it. Like today’s verse says, you can simply drop the matter before it turns into something bigger than it needs to be. You don’t have to sink down to somebody’s level and argue with them and try to prove that you’re right. You weren’t put on this earth to correct everybody around you.
If you are going to be all that God’s called you to be, you have to learn to stay above strife. Instead of letting disagreements pull your relationships apart, look for common ground to draw you closer together. Look for peace. Look for ways to be a blessing. Stay above strife so you can enjoy your relationships and experience the blessing He has for you!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, I choose to stay above strife. I choose to honor You by seeking peace in my relationships. Empower me to walk in love and be a blessing everywhere I go in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Sunday, March 27, 2016

He Orders Your Steps

Today’s Scripture
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord...”
(Psalm 37:23, KJV)
He Orders Your Steps
When we encounter difficult situations, we can be tempted to wonder if we are on the right path for our lives. And yes, sometimes we make poor choices that get us off course. But if your heart is following after God, if you’re determined to stay in faith and put Him first in your life, you can be confident that you are right where you are supposed to be!
You might say, “That couldn’t be right. I’m uncomfortable. Somebody isn’t treating me right.” God will not allow a challenge to come into your life unless He has a divine purpose for it. Truly, nothing in life happens to us; it happens for us. In other words, God uses those difficult things to grow us and stretch us and take us to another level. Remember, He orders your steps. Stay in faith, keep a good attitude, and let Him lead you into the good plan He has for you!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for ordering my steps. I trust that You are at work in my life even during the times when I don’t understand. Give me the strength and courage to do what is right in Your sight. I bless You today and always in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Enjoy the Journey

Today’s Scripture
“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”
(Proverbs 4:18, NIV)
Enjoy the Journey
Sometimes it’s easy to become so goal-oriented and so focused on our dreams that we overlook the simple things that we should be enjoying in our everyday life. But we have to remember that life is not really about the destination, it’s about how we live all along the way. It’s about the path we’re on that shines brighter and brighter.
In this life, there is no such thing as a finish line. Once you accomplish one dream, God will give you another. When you overcome one challenge, there will be another. There is always another mountain to climb. If we make the mistake of living just for the destination, we’ll look up one day and realize we’ve missed out on the biggest part of life.
Most of life is routine. Most of us get up every morning, go to work, come home, eat dinner, go to bed and do it again. There are very few mountaintops where you graduate from school, or get married, or have a child or go on vacation. The high times are few and far between. Don’t get stuck living for the mountaintops. Learn to enjoy the path you’re on. Learn to enjoy the people in your life. Learn to enjoy the simple blessings of walking in the path the Lord has prepared for you!
A Prayer for Today
“Father God, thank You for the gift of life. Thank You for the good plan You have for me today and in my future. Teach me to enjoy the journey of life, to embrace each day with joy and enthusiasm. Help me to see the blessings of every moment You have given me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Friday, March 25, 2016

Take Heart

Today’s Scripture
“...In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33, NIV)
Take Heart
Every day, things come against us in life to try to steal our joy and rob us of our victory. In fact, throughout your whole life, the enemy has had one mission—to kill, steal and destroy your hope, vision and happiness. But notice what it says in today’s verse—“take heart.” In one translation, it says, “Be of good cheer.” Now that may seem strange to say right after the phrase, “in this world you will have trouble.” But when we truly understand that we are overcomers in Christ Jesus, we can be joyful no matter what the circumstances look like. We don’t have to allow our emotions to get rattled. We don’t have to let our nerves go haywire. We can find rest knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and deprived it of the power to harm us!
Remember, the things that happen in this life are temporary. We are in this world but not of it. We need to keep our focus on eternal things, things above. Sure, we will have trouble in this life, but we can stay encouraged because in eternity, we are overcomers through Christ Jesus!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, I humbly come to You today. I ask that You help me stay focused on eternal things. I choose to have joy and peace no matter what comes my way because I know I have the ultimate victory in You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Choose to Trust

Today’s Scripture
“Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust...”
(Psalm 40:4, NIV)

Choose to Trust
Trusting in the Lord is a decision we make just like any other decision we make in life. You chose what to wear today, you probably chose what you would have for breakfast, and you can choose to trust God today, too! When you choose to trust God, there is peace that settles in your heart. There are blessings in store when you put your trust in Him.
No matter what you are facing today, you can have faith that God will come through for you. You can trust that His Word is always true. In Psalm 32, David calls God his “hiding place.” In other words, not only can you choose to trust God in the midst of your difficulty; you can hide in Him and find rest for your soul.
When the circumstances of life seem overwhelming, choose to trust that God is ordering your steps. Find security in Him knowing that He’s making your crooked places straight and leading you into the everlasting life He has prepared for you!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, today I choose to put my trust in You. I know You are a good and faithful God. I hide myself in you and trust that You have my best interest at heart. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

This One Thing

Today’s Scripture
“...I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”
(Philippians 3:13, NLT)
This One Thing
Are you focused on forgetting the past? Many people don’t fully understand what that means. They wonder, “How can I forget something that’s happened to me?” But one definition of the word forget is to “disregard intentionally or to overlook.” What this verse is saying is that you have to choose to disregard your past so that it doesn’t keep you from moving forward. That means the good and the bad. Even our past victories can sometimes keep us from rising higher. If we don’t let go of the old, we’ll never be able to embrace the new.
It doesn’t matter what’s happened in your history, it’s time to forget what lies behind. Make the choice today to look forward. Trust that God has a better future in store for you. Trust that He’s working behind the scenes on your behalf. As you forget what lies behind and press forward, you will see the abundant life the Lord has in store for you!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, I choose to forget the past today. I don’t want anything to hold me back from the good future You have prepared for me. I choose forgiveness and ask that You help me by Your Spirit to press forward in every area of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Monday, March 21, 2016

Iron Sharpens Iron

Today’s Scripture
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
(Proverbs 27:17, NIV)

Iron Sharpens Iron
One of the best things I’ve learned is that God does not bring people into our lives so that we can make them just like us. God loves variety and He wants us to be different from each other. He’s given us different personalities, different strengths, different interests and different looks. He’s made us all uniquely so that we can sharpen one another and cause each other to rise up higher in life.
If you’re going to be happy and enjoy your relationships, you’ve got to learn how to appreciate the differences and learn from the people in your life. If you don’t focus on the right things, you’ll end up allowing the little irritations to cause you to become resentful. Remember, nobody is perfect. If you’re going to grow, you’ve got to be willing to overlook some things. Our assignment is not to fix people. Our assignment is to love people. Our assignment is to sharpen one another so we can move forward in the good plan God has prepared!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for the people You have placed in my life. Help me to see them the way You see them. Help me to appreciate the ways we sharpen one another so that we can help each other fulfill Your plan for our lives. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Free for All

Today’s Scripture
“...God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.”
(Acts 10:34–35, NIV)
Free for All
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom—and God’s freedom is free for everyone! It doesn’t matter what your nationality or heritage is, or who your family is. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or don’t have; God wants you free from everything that would hold you back from your relationship with Him!
God wants to pour out His abundant blessing on all who honor Him and do what is right. In fact, the Bible says in Galatians that in Christ, there is no Jew or Greek or even male or female. That means God’s not judging you based on physical conditions. He’s looking at your heart. He’s looking at the gifts He’s placed inside of you.
Don’t let the enemy lie to you and tell you that God is blessing everyone else but you. Look for the ways He is pouring out blessing in your life. Thank Him for His acceptance, love and freedom. Focus on honoring Him and doing what is right, and you’ll see His hand of blessing in every area of your life!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for loving and accepting me today. I choose to do what is right and honor You with my attitude, words and actions. Holy Spirit, show me if there is any area that isn’t pleasing to You and help me live as an example of Your goodness all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Be Stable Minded

Today’s Scripture
“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
(James 1:6, NIV)
Be Stable Minded
If there’s one thing that can lead you away from your potential and seeing the awesome plan God has for your life, it’s your emotions. Emotions are God-given, but too often, people allow their circumstances to dictate their emotions and thoughts instead of the Word of God.
When we allow our circumstances to dictate our emotions, when we are moved by what we see and experience, it opens the door for doubt and fear to come in. When we allow doubt and fear in, we become unstable. We are tossed back and forth.
Understand this key: the way you feel today has little to do with what God is actually doing in your life. He’s working behind the scenes whether you realize it or not! Don’t allow yourself to be tossed around by your emotions any longer. Instead, choose to be stable minded by focusing your thoughts on the Word of God. Stand strong in Him so you can confidently embrace the the good plan He has for you!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for Your Word which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I choose to meditate on Your Truth which is my source of strength and faith. Help me to be stable minded, as I set my focus on You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

He Gives Us the Victory

Today’s Scripture
“But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(1 Corinthians 15:57, AMP)
He Gives Us the Victory
God wants to pour out His favor on you so that you can live in victory in every area of your life. The scripture says He always causes us to triumph through Christ Jesus. That means, no matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror. Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restoration and peace. Are you facing a need—physically, spiritually or emotionally? God’s favor will bring you provision and supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory.
Many times in the Bible when God’s people were going into battle, the worshipers were out in front of the warriors. When you choose to worship, when you are thankful and bless the Lord in the midst of your battle, you are opening the door to His favor in your life. It’s important to magnify your God; don’t magnify your problems! When you give God praise, He gives you the victory!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, today I give You thanks for Your mercy and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for leading me into victory! I magnify You and bless Your holy name today in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Monday, March 14, 2016

He Collects Your Tears

Today’s Scripture
“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”
(Psalm 56:8, NLT)
He Collects Your Tears
Do you know how important you are to God? He cares so much about every detail of your life. He cares about your thoughts, feelings and emotions. In fact, what you are going through is so important to Him that He records every sorrow and collects every tear you’ve shed. Why would God record your sorrows and collect your tears? Because He loves you so much, and He is your vindicator. He’s keeping account of every wrong that’s ever been done to you so that He can make up for every single one of them. He wants to restore everything that has ever been stolen. He wants to heal every single hurt and pain. He sees the longings and desires of your heart, and you can rest knowing that He is working things out for your good!
Today, know that you are valuable to Him. He has your best interest at heart. He is working to bring restoration and peace to you. Keep standing, keep believing and keep doing the right thing because the One who collects your tears will restore every broken place in your life!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for loving me and setting me free. Thank You for being my vindicator. I choose to release every hurt, pain and sorrow, knowing that You will make all things new in Your time in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Be Still

Today’s Scripture
“Be still, and know that I am God...”
(Psalm 46:10, NIV)
Be Still
Our culture today has gotten used to having constant activity: computers, cell phones, television, email, video games. There’s nothing wrong with any of that stuff, but the Bible tells us that we need to stop and be still so we can focus on knowing God. I’ve found this to be true especially during the difficult times. When you are facing a challenge, it’s easy to want to run to a friend or talk about it with a co-worker. But at some point, you have to stop and say, “God, I rest in You. I know You have me in the palm of Your hand.”
Remember, your battles are spiritual battles. The people in your life aren’t the source of your problems, the forces of darkness are. When you choose to be still and know that the Greater One lives on the inside of you, you are putting yourself in a position of strength. Everyday, take time to be still before Him. Let His peace cover you. Let Him refresh you by His Spirit. Remember, the battles you face belong to the Lord!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, I humbly come before You. I choose to be still before You. Speak to my heart so that I can know You more. Fill me with Your peace as I put my trust in You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Your Appointed Time

Today’s Scripture
“For the vision is yet for an appointed time...though it tarry, wait for it...”
(Habakkuk 2:3, KJV)
Your Appointed Time
God has an appointed time to fulfill the dreams and desires in your heart. Just because it has taken a long time or because you've tried and failed doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. Don’t give up on those dreams! Don’t be complacent about pursuing what God has deposited into your heart. Our God is a faithful God. No matter how long it’s been, no matter how impossible things look, if you’ll stay in faith, your set time is coming.
Remember, every dream that’s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God put it there. Not only that, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. Declare by faith, “My time is coming. God is working behind the scenes on my behalf. I will fulfill my destiny!” As you continue to hold on to that vision and speak life over your dreams, it won’t be long before you will see them begin to take shape. You’ll see your faith grow, you’ll see your hope strengthen, and you’ll see yourself step into the destiny God has prepared for you!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, I receive Your Word which is life and health to me today. I ask that You ignite my heart with Your holy fire so that I can pursue Your perfect plan for my life. Make my thoughts and words agreeable to Your will so I can see my dreams come to pass in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Content Whatever the Circumstances

Today’s Scripture
“...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
(Philippians 4:11, NIV)
Content Whatever the Circumstances
It’s easy to get so focused on our dreams, our goals and what we want that it consumes us. We can get to the point where we’re not going to be happy until it happens. But I’ve found that if we have to have something in order to be happy, our lives are out of balance. When our goals and dreams start to frustrate us, when we lose our peace and are not enjoying life, that’s a sure sign that we’re holding on too tightly. What’s the solution? You’ve got to release it. Freedom comes when you say, “God, I’m turning it all over to You. You know my desires, and You know what’s best for me. I’m choosing to trust You and Your timing.”
When we learn to be content whatever the circumstances, it takes away the power of the enemy. It takes away his ability to frustrate us. Not only that, but by our actions, we show our faith in God. Choose to trust in His timing; choose to live in peace and joy, and find rest knowing that He has good things in store for your future.
A Prayer for Today
“Father, today I choose to trust in You. I release frustration over the dreams and desires in my heart, knowing that You know what’s best for me. I choose to trust in Your timing because You are faithful in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Where the Blessing Is

Today’s Scripture
“How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity...for there the Lord has commanded the blessing...”
(Psalm 133:1–3, AMP)

Where the Blessing Is
So many people today desire God’s blessing in their lives which is great! However, did you know that He commands blessing on us when we are at peace with the people around us?
As believers, we are called to work together in unity so that we can fulfill God’s purposes. We are called to serve one another in love and serve together in the house of the Lord. Is there someone in your life that you don’t quite get along with? The Bible says to pray for that person and go out of your way to be a blessing to them. It isn’t easy, but the reward is eternal. His blessing is everlasting.
Make the decision today to live in peace and unity with the people around you. Look for common ground. Even if the only thing you can agree on is Jesus, focus on that! Focus on the love you have for God and for seeing people come to know Him. Live together in unity and open the door to see His blessing in every area of your life.
A Prayer for Today
“Father, search my heart today and see if there is anything that is keeping me from walking in unity with other believers. I choose love today. I choose peace. Help me to be an example of love to those around me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Friday, March 4, 2016

Restoration Mentality

Today’s Scripture
“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten...”
(Joel 2:25, ESV)
Restoration Mentality
We serve a God of restoration! You may have had some disappointments or unfair things happen in your life; but instead of dwelling on the past and living in defeat, choose to focus on His promises because God wants to restore everything that’s been stolen from your life. He wants to restore your joy, your peace, your health and your finances. But here’s the key: you have to have a vision for it. You have to get your hopes up and decide to get your thoughts and words going in the right direction.
Today, choose to focus on the future and release past hurts through forgiveness. Draw a line in the sand and say, “I am a child of the Most High God, and I’m not going to live my life negative and defeated. This is a new day, and I’m taking back what belongs to me!” That’s having a restoration mentality!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for choosing to restore my life. Thank You for the truth of Your Word that sets me free. Fill me with Your power today so that I may stand strong and move forward on the path You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Look beyond Your Limitations

Today’s Scripture
“Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about His mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains.”
(Colossians 4:3, NLT)
Look beyond Your Limitations
When Paul wrote this verse, he was in chains in prison. He was arrested for preaching the gospel. Everything in his surroundings shouted “limitations.” But instead of looking at his surroundings, Paul kept his eyes on the limitless God. He kept looking for the open door of opportunity that God would have for him next.
No matter what “chains” you may feel like you are in today, remember, we serve a God who’s in the business of setting people free, and He has equipped you with His power. When doors seem closed all around you, when your surroundings look limited, when you feel like you’re in chains, remember, God is still at work. He’s promised to walk with you all the days of your life. Keep your hopes up. Keep expecting. Keep believing. Like Paul, pray for those opportunities to be opened to you!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, I choose to take my eyes off of my surroundings and focus on You. I trust that You are working behind the scenes, opening doors of opportunity in Jesus’ name. Amen.”