Stand and See

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"...stand and see the salvation of the Lord..."
(II Chroniclees 20:17, NAS)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Is there something difficult in your life that you are avoiding? So many people today run from anything that’s hard. They run from their problems. They run from responsibility. They run from people they don’t like. They run from the past. They run from anything that makes them uncomfortable. Instead of facing the issues and dealing with them, they just take the easy way out and go down the path of least resistance. But if you’re going to live in victory the way God intends, you have to learn how to face your challenges head on.

Notice today’s verse doesn’t say, “Keep running until you see the salvation of the Lord.” It doesn’t say, “Bury your head in the sand until God delivers you.” No, God wants us to stand strong, set our faces like a flint, and fight the good fight of faith. And the good news is you don’t have to do it in your own strength! He’s equipped you with His supernatural power to overcome every obstacle.

Make the decision today to stand strong and face the challenges in your life. Be bold and dare to conquer! As you stand in faith, you will see the salvation, the deliverance of Almighty God in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, search my heart. Show me any area in my life where I may be hiding. I choose today to stand in faith and invite You to move mightily on my behalf. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Through Faith and Patience

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"...imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises"
(Hebrews 6:12, NKJ).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Did you know that in the Bible, David was 17 years old when he was anointed to be king, but yet he did not take the throne until he was 30? I’m sure during those 13 years there were plenty of times that David was tempted to think it wasn’t going to happen. I’m sure he was tempted to get frustrated or even feel like a failure, thinking “God, did I hear You? I thought You said You were going to do something great with my life, but nothing is going my way.” Here he was being faithful, but all those years he saw no sign of the promise coming to pass.

I’m sure David had to fight the same negative thoughts that we do; thoughts that were telling him “It’s not going to happen. David, you didn’t hear from God. Just accept it.” The battle was taking place in his mind just like our battles take place in our minds. During those times when it seems like you aren’t getting any closer to seeing your dream come to pass, remember, the scripture tells us that through faith and patience we inherit the promises of God.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, I humbly come to You, believing that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I trust that Your Word is true and believe that through faith and patience, I will see Your promises come to pass in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

At the Appointed Time

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"For the vision is yet for an appointed time…it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day"
(Habakkuk 2:3, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God is looking for people who have a made-up mind; people who will trust His timing. You may not see His promises happen overnight, but they will happen. In the Bible, Abraham waited 20 years to have a son and see his promise come to pass. Moses waited 40 years to fulfill his purpose and lead the children of Israel out of captivity. You might say, “Joel, I’ve been waiting for a year, and I don’t see anything happening.” No, something is happening. Right now, God is working behind the scenes in your life. He is arranging the right people, the right breaks, and the right opportunities.

Today’s scripture tells us that at the appointed time, the promise will come to pass, and it will not be one second late! When is the appointed time? It’s when God knows the timing is best for you. When you understand and accept this principle, it takes all the pressure off. It’s a very freeing way to live knowing that as long as we stay in faith, God will release His favor, His increase, His restoration, and His healing at exactly the right time in our lives!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for working behind the scenes in my life. I trust that the appointed time for me is on its way. I am content in You, knowing that You have a good plan for my future. I bless you today and always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

He is the Author and Finisher

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…"
(Hebrews 12:1-2a, NKJ).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Do you ever feel like there are major obstacles in your path to fulfilling your destiny? Maybe you don’t see how you could ever accomplish your dreams, or how you can get well, or how a legal situation will ever get resolved. Maybe the negative thoughts are telling you “It’s over. Just accept it. It’s never going to get any better.” But my encouragement to you is that God is a faithful God! He’s called the Author and the Finisher of our faith. God will never start something that He cannot finish. That promise He put in your heart—that you’re going to be healed, that you’re coming out of debt, that your family will be restored—God has every intention of bringing those promises to pass.

When God put the dream in your heart, He already had a completion date. He can already see it done. You may not see how it can happen. It may be taking a long time. All the odds are against you. But if you’ll just keep believing, keep praying, and keep being your best, then God promises He is going to finish what He started in you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, thank You for being the Author and Finisher of my faith. I choose to submit every area of my mind, will, and emotions to You. I invite You to have Your way in me and complete what You’ve started in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The Sacrifice of Praise

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name"
(Hebrews 13:15, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

The Bible tells us there are many ways to praise and worship God— but have you ever thought about what it means to offer a sacrifice of praise? It means that we acknowledge God above our circumstances. We live our lives in such a way that we honor and glorify Him no matter what is going on around us. We rejoice in all things.

For example, when somebody offends you and you feel like giving them a piece of your mind, but instead you just smile, do you know what you just did? You were saying with your actions, “I am living at a higher level. I am acknowledging God in every circumstance.” On the freeway, when someone cuts you off and you’re just about to tell them what you think, but instead you look over and smile, that’s giving a sacrifice of praise.

Remember, God promises to dwell among the praises of His people. When you continually offer up praise, you are inviting God’s presence and power into every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, I choose to praise and glorify You in all circumstances. Help me, by Your Spirit, to be a light and example to the world around me. Thank You for working in my heart. I bless You today and always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Hope Beyond All Reason

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations…"
(Romans 4:18, NLT).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Are you facing a situation that seems hopeless? Maybe you have a promise from God that you haven’t seen come to pass yet. Perhaps it seems like it could have come to pass a few years ago, but now there’s no reason to hope any longer.

In the Bible, Abraham was in the same situation. He had a promise from God that He would be the father of many nations. The only problem was that both Abraham and His wife, Sarah, were well beyond child-bearing years. Abraham didn’t see any reason to hope. There was no way he could think of for God’s promise to come to pass. But I love what this scripture says—even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept on hoping. He chose to have an attitude of faith and expectancy, and God was faithful to Abraham and fulfilled His promise!

I encourage you today, when you are facing a situation that looks hopeless, put your hope in God! He will never forsake You; He is the one, true, faithful God! When you hope beyond reason, you will see His promises fulfilled in every area of your life! one, true, faithful God! When you hope beyond reason, you will see His promises fulfilled in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. I trust that Your promises are true. I choose to put my hope in You no matter what my circumstances may look like. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Choose to Rejoice

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Rejoice in the Lord, you [consistently] righteous (upright and in right standing with God), and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness"
(Psalm 97:12, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

All through the scripture we are told to rejoice in the Lord always. It’s interesting that the word “rejoice” doesn’t just mean to be vocal and to give God praise with our words. Rejoice also means “to brighten up,” “to spin around,” and “to leap for joy.” In other words, you rejoice with your actions. You rejoice with your countenance. Do you realize you can rejoice by simply putting a smile on your face?

When times are tough, when things aren’t going as planned, many people have a long, sour face. They’re down, discouraged, worried, and upset. But when you choose to rejoice, you smile and have a pleasant demeanor no matter what. And it’s not because you necessarily feel like it or because everything is perfect. You just simply smile by faith. You smile knowing that your expression is saying to God, “I trust You. I know you are working all things out for my good.”

Make the decision today and every day to rejoice in the Lord! Put a smile on your face and let the whole world know your hope is in the Lord.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, I choose to rejoice in You. I know that Your goodness goes way beyond my difficulty. I know that even when I don’t see a way, You are making a way for me. Fill me with Your supernatural peace and joy as I surrender every area of my life to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Reverse and Restore

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"…Give praise and thanks to the Lord of hosts, for the Lord is good; for His mercy and kindness and steadfast love endure forever! For I will cause the captivity of the land to be reversed and return to be as it was at first, says the Lord"
(Jeremiah 33:11, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Are you going through a difficult situation in your life? Today´s verse is a promise from God that tells us that when we have the voice of gladness and count it all joy, when we offer up the sacrifice of praise, God will cause captivity to be reversed and whatever has been stolen will be restored. Two words I love here: reversed and restored. No matter what is going on around you, when you stay full of joy and praise, God is going to turn things around in your favor. He is going to reverse negative situations. He´s going to restore things you thought were lost for good! But notice it doesn´t happen by complaining or being negative or sour. It happens when you have the voice of gladness, the voice of joy.

That means you get up in the morning with a song in your heart! You go out each day with a smile on your face. Things may not always go your way, but don´t get discouraged. Shake it off and count it all joy. When you live with this attitude, you might as well get ready–God is going to reverse and restore every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, I come to you today giving you all that I am. I choose to praise you no matter what is going on. Fill my heart with joy and help me see the bright future You have in store for me. In Jesus´ Name. Amen.

Remember Your Victories

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph…"
(II Corinthians 2:14, NKJ).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

When you think about your past, what events do you remember? What memories do you allow to play over and over in your mind? In the Old Testament, they had what they called memorial stones. These were used to remind the people about the good things God did in their lives. We need to remind ourselves today to focus on our victories. Sure, we´ve all had setbacks, but when you meditate on your disappointments and failures, it only drains you of valuable energy. It steals your confidence and joy. But when you focus on your victories, it builds your strength and confidence. It feeds your faith. It gives you a reason to give God praise. Praise catches God´s attention. He inhabits the praises of His people. And when God shows up on the scene, every enemy must flee!

I encourage you to get into the habit of focusing on your victories. Remember, every good and perfect gift comes from Him. As you praise and thank Him for His favor and victory in your life, He´ll open up supernatural doors for you to move forward into the abundant life He has for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. I release every hurt from the past and choose to focus on my victories. I bless and praise You today for showing me Your goodness In Jesus´ Name. Amen.

Overcoming Difficult Times

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God"
(Psalm 42:5-6, NIV).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

When times get tough, don´t be surprised if you feel a heaviness trying to overwhelm you. Don´t be surprised if you hear negative thoughts telling you, "It´s never going to work out. Things are never going to get better. It´s over. It´s done." When those thoughts come, remember, you have a choice–you don´t have to believe those lies. You don´t have to get on board with your emotions.

In the Bible, David encountered many difficult situations. That spirit of heaviness tried to steal his destiny. He got depressed and discouraged, but do you know what he did? He started talking to himself. He said, "Why are you cast down, oh my soul? Put your hope in the Lord." He was saying, "David, snap out of it! Why are you discouraged? Why have you lost your joy? God is still on the throne, and He still has good things in store." When that heaviness tries to come on you, do what David did. As you put your trust in the Lord and praise Him, He´ll give you His strength and empower you to overcome every obstacle you may face!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for the strength to overcome the difficult times. I choose to shake off the spirit of heaviness by praising and worshiping You. I bless You today and always. In Jesus´ Name. Amen.

Count It All Joy

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing"
(James 1:2-4, NLT).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

When troubles come, it´s not natural to get excited about them. Most people don´t say, "Thank you, Lord, for this overwhelming challenge." You don´t go to the mailbox and joyfully exclaim, "Oh thank God–an unexpected bill!" But notice what happens when we remain joyful during the difficult times–it sets us on a course to maturity so that we can receive everything God has for us.

Remember that the key to growing is how you handle adversity. If you complain, you will remain. If you get negative and sour on life, you won´t pass the test. Promotion is available, but if you don´t count it all joy, you miss out. The good news is that God will give you another opportunity. He can still get you to where you need to be. When somebody offends you, you have to decide that you aren´t going to be upset. When things aren´t going your way, instead of complaining, thank the Lord for an opportunity to grow. Count it all joy so that you can be all God has called you to be!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You so much for the work You are doing in my life. Even when I don´t understand what´s going on, I choose to trust you. I choose to count it all joy knowing You have a good plan for me. In Jesus´ Name. Amen.

Set Your Day

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

“Set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth”
(Colossians 3:2, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Have you ever been laying in bed in the morning and out of nowhere you’re reminded of all the mistakes you made yesterday and all the problems you have in your future? That’s the enemy trying to set your mind for a negative, defeated, lousy day, but you don’t have to fall into that trap.

The Scripture says, “Set your mind and keep it set on the higher things.” This tells us that we have to be proactive. We have to stay on the offensive. When you get up in the morning, have the attitude that David did in the Psalms and say, “This is another day the Lord has made! No matter how I feel, no matter what the economy looks like, no matter what the medical report says, I am choosing to rejoice. I am choosing to be happy this day.” You know what you’re really saying? You’re saying, “I’m not going to let other people steal my joy today. I’m not going to let disappointments and setbacks discourage me. I’m not going to focus on my problems and my mistakes. I’m making up my mind to embrace everything the Lord has in store for me!”

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, I choose to set my day by setting my mind on things above. I choose to shake off the cares of yesterday and focus on everything You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Prepare for Victory

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

“Now 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

We all have opportunities to lose our joy and get discouraged trying to endure life. But God never intended for us to just endure life, He created us to enjoy life. And whether you realize it or not, you prepare for either victory or defeat at the start of every day. When you get up in the morning, you have to choose to set your mind in the right direction. You may feel discouraged. You may be thinking, “I don’t want to go to work today.” “I don’t want to deal with these children.” “I’ve got so many problems.” However, if you dwell on those negative thoughts, then you are preparing for a lousy day. Instead, turn it around and say, “This is going to be a great day. Something good is going to happen to me. God has favor in my future and I’m expecting new opportunities, divine connections, and supernatural breakthroughs.”

When you take on this attitude, you are preparing for victory, increase, and restoration! Having an attitude of faith allows God to show up and show out in unusual ways. It opens the door for Him to work in your life and pour out His supernatural blessing on you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, I choose to set my heart and mind on You today. I know that You have good things planned for me. Use me to be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Conquering Power

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

“Every God-begotten person conquers the world's ways. The conquering power that brings the world to its knees is our faith. The person who wins out over the world's ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God”
(I John 5:5, Message).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Did you know that you are pre-programmed for victory? As a child of the Most High God, you are filled with His conquering power. You are filled with the power to overcome all the negative, self-defeating forces of the world. Do you know what that power is? It’s your faith. When you activate your faith, you are tapping into His unlimited strength. You are opening the door for Him to move supernaturally in your life.

Understand that faith causes you to live your life differently. It causes you to speak and act differently than before. When things come against you, instead of complaining and giving up, faith causes you to rise up and say, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I am able to do all things through Christ who gives me strength!” Faith causes you to obey God’s Word and do the right thing even when the wrong thing is happening. When you choose to live the life of faith, you are choosing God’s best. You are choosing blessing. You are choosing to allow His conquering power to flow through every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for filling me with Your conquering power. I choose to live in faith and declare Your promises over my life. I choose to follow Your Word. I choose Your ways knowing that You have good plans for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Where Strength and Joy Are Found

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

“Honor and majesty are [found] in His presence; strength and joy are [found] in His sanctuary ”
(I Chronicles 16:27, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Do you need more strength and joy in your life? The Bible tells us that in God’s presence there is fullness of joy—the most abundant and complete! And when you have His joy, you have His supernatural strength. There’s nothing that can overtake you when you are filled with the strength and joy of the Lord.

Notice this verse says that strength and joy are found in His sanctuary. One translation says they are found “where He is.” And do you know “where He is”? His Spirit is alive in every believer; but in His Word, He promises that He inhabits or manifests in the praises of His people. That means when you begin to praise and worship God, either corporately in a church setting or privately in your personal time, God is there. You are in His sanctuary. Anytime you feel depleted or overwhelmed, just begin to sing a song of praise to Him. Declare His goodness and faithfulness. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. He’ll fill you with His joy and strength so that you can live as an overcomer all the days of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, I bless You today. I thank You for Your goodness in my life. Thank You for filling me with Your strength and joy, and I praise and worship You today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Living Hope

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”
(I Peter 1:3, NIV).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

In what or in whom do you put your hope? Sometimes it’s easy to get focused on the natural realm and put our hope in what we can see or what we can understand—people, jobs, governments. But we have to remember, this world is temporary. When we put our hope in things of this world, eventually those things will fade away. But when we put our hope in Jesus, we are hoping in what is real and eternal. Through Him, we have a living hope—hope that will never disappoint or fade away.

I like how Webster’s dictionary defines hope: “to desire with expectation of obtainment.” Isn’t it good to know that we will obtain every promise given to us through Christ Jesus? We have a future and a hope!

The next time you feel discouraged or frustrated with what’s going on around you, remember that you have hope inside of you that is alive. You have the promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Put your hope in God and let Him direct you in the good plan He has for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for a living hope! I choose right now to refocus my mind and heart on Your purposes for me. Help me stay focused on what is eternal so that I can make wise decisions in everything I do. I bless You today and always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

White As Snow

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

“…though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…”
(Isaiah 1:18, NKJ).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Isn’t it good to know that we serve a God who wants to make us new? Because of Jesus, no matter what has happened in the past, we can be made pure again and white as snow! You might be thinking, “Oh Joel, you don’t know what I’ve done. You don’t know what I’ve said. You don’t know how I’ve acted. I don’t even know if I can forgive myself.” Friend, you have to understand that when we come to God and repent of our sins, the Bible says that He takes those sins and casts them as far as the east is from the west. And by choice, He remembers them no more.

He’s not ever going to bring up your sin again. He’s not going to hold it over your head. In His mind, it’s as if it never happened. And if God has forgotten your sins, if He sees you “white as snow”, why don’t you start seeing yourself that way? You don’t have to live in condemnation over the past any longer. You are a child of the most High God. You are pure; you are new. Embrace His mercy so you can move forward into the abundant life He has for you.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for forgiving me. Thank You for making me new and pure. Help me to see myself and others the way you see us. Help me to stay focused on the good plan You have for my future. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.