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."

Visits from God

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"…And God has visited His people [in order to help and care for and provide for them]!"
(Luke 7:16, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Every person has times of visitation from the Lord. These are the times when God distinctly intervenes in our lives to bring us help, direction, care, and provision. He's ordained special times to pour out His love, favor, and blessing. It may be through a person we meet, an unexpected promotion, or supernatural favor so that in a split second we are thrust years ahead. These marked moments in our lives keep us on the course of our destiny.

When you really understand this point, you don't have to be frustrated because things aren't happening as fast as you'd like. You don't have to worry about how things will turn out. All you have to do is stay in faith, knowing that God is directing your steps. As long as we keep believing, our marked moments are on their way. Don't allow the enemy to steal your joy or distract you by getting you focused in the wrong direction. Remember, God is on your side, and He is leading you and guiding you in the path of victory in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, thank You for Your divine favor and direction on my life. I choose to release my cares today and trust wholeheartedly in You. Teach me to recognize those marked moments so that I can give all the glory and praise to You! In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Marked Moments

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"…time and chance happen to them all"
(Ecclesiastes 9:11, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God created every one of us to be successful. Before the foundation of the world, He laid out an exact plan for our lives. In this plan, He has marked moments that are going to come across your path. These moments are not ordinary. They are destiny-altering moments. They are designed to thrust you years ahead.

Today's verse says that time and chance comes together for every person. That means you'll have opportunities to meet the right people, opportunities to advance in your career, and opportunities to fulfill your dreams. God has already prearranged times of increase, promotion, and blessing. You may not be seeing a lot of good breaks right now, but let me encourage you; in your future there are seasons of favor and increase! God has ordained moments in the supernatural to help you get ahead.

I encourage you today to see with your eyes of faith the good things God has in store for your future. Thank Him for what He's doing and what He's about to do. Thank Him for divine connections and marked moments, and thank Him for fulfilling every dream and desire He's placed within your heart!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, thank You for marked moments and divine opportunities in my life. I trust that You are working behind the scenes no matter what the circumstances look like. I choose today to keep my heart and mind focused on Your goodness, knowing that You are a rewarder of the people who diligently seek after You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Out of the Pit

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on the solid ground and steadied me as I walked along"
(Psalm 40:2, NLT)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Do you feel like you are in a pit today? That pit can be frustration or disappointment or a feeling of discouragement, despair, or hopelessness. And maybe you can’t see a way out, but you’ve got to know that God is still with you, and He will make a way where there seems to be no way.

Remember, God will never waste anything you go through in life. If you’ll keep the right attitude, He’ll turn that situation around for your good. It doesn’t matter how you got there, whether it was by your own poor choices or maybe someone else treated you unfairly, God wants to use that situation to do a work in you. He’ll take that evil and turn it around for your good. You may be uncomfortable at times, but you’ve got to know you are growing, and God is building your character.

Today, make the decision to shake off any negative, self-defeating mindsets. Choose to cooperate with God. Trust that He is preparing you for promotion. As you keep an attitude of faith, expectancy, and thanksgiving, He will lift you up and set you on the solid path of victory He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, today I lift my eyes to You, for my help comes from You. Thank You for doing a work in my life. Thank You for using every situation in my life for my good. I bless You today no matter what is going on around me, knowing that You have a good plan for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."

Begin Again

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!…"
(Revelation 21:5, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Can you remember the time when you first discovered a big dream in your heart? Maybe you were determined to excel in your career, or excel as a parent; or even excel in your walk with the Lord. You probably started out strong, but maybe things got a little difficult and didn't happen as quickly as you would have liked. At that point many people decide, "Let's just settle here. It's not exactly what we wanted, but at least, it's good enough."

Friend, I want to remind you today that you were made for more than good enough! Maybe things haven't worked out the way you planned, but now is not the time to stop and settle. Now is the time to dig your heals in and begin again. And even if that dream has died—it's time to dream another dream. God has so much for you in your future.

If you've settled in any area of your life, take that first step by declaring, "I am not going to settle for mediocrity. I am made for so much more! Things may be difficult, but I am pressing forward. I'm going to keep believing, and I'm going to make it all the way in to my Promised Land!"

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, thank You for this new day. Thank You for the opportunity to begin again. I choose to press forward and keep believing for the dreams and desires You’ve placed in my heart. I trust You today with everything that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

He Will Multiply You

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"And I will make My covenant (solemn pledge) between Me and you and will multiply you exceedingly"
(Genesis 17:2, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God is in the multiplication business. It doesn't matter what your need is today, God wants to increase you.

One time in the Old Testament, God simply multiplied the sound of four men's footsteps and caused them to sound like a mighty army. When their enemies heard them coming, they took off running. Thousands of people, thousands of troops running for their lives, scared to death, thinking they were being attacked by a massive army, when in fact, it was just four people.

Friend, God can make you seem bigger than you really are. He can make you look more powerful. He knows how to multiply your influence, your strength, your talent. He can multiply your income or whatever else you need! You don't have to figure it all out. All you have to do is believe. If you will release your faith and get up every day expecting God's far and beyond favor, then you're going to see God show up and do amazing things. He’ll bless you beyond your wildest dreams and multiply you in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for Your promise to bless and multiply me. Direct my steps and keep me close to You as I stand in faith for the good things You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."

Whose Report Will You Believe?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"I have heard a report from the Lord…"
(Jeremiah 49:14, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Every day we get "reports" from the news, our experiences, our friends and family, and many other sources. We also get reports from the Word of God, which oftentimes, contradicts what others are saying. That's when we have a choice: do we believe what we hear in the natural, or do we believe the report of the Lord?

Friend, we serve a supernatural God! Just because we don't see a way doesn't mean that He doesn't have a way. God can bring one opportunity across your path that will thrust you to a new level. He has explosive blessings that can blast you out of debt and into abundance. "Well, I don't think I'll ever get well. You should see what the medical report says about me." No, that may be true according to medical science, but we have another report and it says, "You will live and not die. God is restoring health unto you." With men it may be impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Choose today to believe the report of the Lord. Stand strong no matter what is going on around you knowing that He is leading you into victory in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, I choose to believe Your Word above all else. I know that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf, and You will cause me to triumph. Help me to tune out the negative voices of the world so that I can focus on Your goodness all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Possess Your Promised Land

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"The Lord your God will thrust them out from before you and drive them out of your sight, and you shall possess their land, as the Lord your God promised you"
(Joshua 23:5, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

We all have giants or obstacles that try to keep us from possessing what God has promised. We have two choices: we can quit and live in mediocrity, or we can fight and take hold of the victory.

In the Bible, the children of Israel were camped right next door to their Promised Land. God had already told them He would give them the victory; all they had to do was go in and fight for the land. But, when they heard how big their opponents were, they had such a weak, defeated mentality that they just gave up. Their attitude was, "What's the use even trying? We'll never defeat those people. We might as well just stay out here in the wilderness." They settled for mediocrity because they weren't willing to fight.

Father, today I come to You believing that You have given me the victory. I will not focus on the obstacles before me; instead, I will focus on You because You promised to make a way for me. Help me to stand strong and keep my heart and mind focused on the victory You have in store for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, thank You for Your grace and mercy in my life. Thank You for believing in me, for giving me a hope and a future. Today I choose to stretch; I choose increase; I choose to rise up higher so that I can be all You’ve created me to be. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Keep Stretching

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back…"
(Isaiah, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Are you just barely getting by in an area of your life, or are you enjoying the abundant life God has for you? God wants you to constantly be increasing. He wants you to be happy in your marriage. He wants you to enjoy your work. He wants you to be continually rising to new heights. If you're in sales, God wants you to lead that company. If you're an athlete, God wants you to set new records. If you're a mom, God wants you to be the best mom that you can possibly be.

We serve a big God with big dreams and plans for your future. Maybe some things haven't worked out the way you thought they should because those plans were too small. Maybe it's time to stretch yourself further and get a bigger vision for your life. If you're not sure how to do that, start by asking God to increase your thinking. Ask Him to increase your capacity to receive from Him. Ask Him to enlarge your tent stakes; then watch and see what He will do in your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, thank You for Your grace and mercy in my life. Thank You for believing in me, for giving me a hope and a future. Today I choose to stretch; I choose increase; I choose to rise up higher so that I can be all You’ve created me to be. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Get Your Fire Back

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…"
(II Timothy 1:6, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

I believe that God has planted seeds of greatness on the inside of every one of us. We all have dreams and desires, things we want to accomplish; things we want to see changed. But so many times, life has a way of stealing our dreams. We go through disappointments, face adversity, things don't turn out as we would like. Too often, we just end up settling for second best. But God doesn't want us to settle for second best. He wants us to be determined, press on, and pursue the greatness that's on the inside. We should never let "good enough" be good enough!

I want to encourage you today to stir yourself up and get your fire back. Start speaking victory over your future. If one dream has died, dream another dream. Put yourself in a positive, faith-filled environment. Get around people of excellence who live passionately. Fan the flame that is in you so you can move forward into all God has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, I come to You today giving You my disappointments, setbacks, hurts, and broken dreams. I ask that You restore my passion and vision for the future. Let Your flame burn brightly in me now and forevermore. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Encourage Someone to Dream

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"The Lord had said to Abram, '… I will bless you … and you will be a blessing to others.'"
(Genesis 12:1-2, NLT)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Have you ever worked toward a dream, but felt worn out by the uphill climb? At times like this, you need encouragement–someone to remind you about what it will be like when you get to the finish line. God created us to need each other. You may be facing challenges that you can't overcome on your own; having a friend to walk with you in love can get you through those times. In the same way, you have something to share with others to help them along their journey. God has blessed your life in times of need, and He loves it when you turn that around and start to bless others. You can encourage others in their dreams and cheer them on as they go. When you believe in people, it gives their faith a boost. Your love and acts of kindness may be just what they needed to push on to victory.

Encourage someone today. Share in the dreams God has given them. As you seek to love and bless others, you will start to notice others encouraging you. Be grateful for the people God has put in your life. Praise Him for the help He supplies when you need it most and for opportunities He gives you to share in the successes of people around you.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, thank You for the people who are there to love and support me. Make me aware of opportunities to bless and encourage others. Help me to reflect Your love in everything I say and do. In Jesus' Name. Amen"

See the Whole Picture

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."
(Philippians 1:6, NLT)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

It's easy for people to let go of their dreams when all they see is what they're lacking or what's not happening for them. But God sees the whole picture when He looks at your dreams. He has equipped you for the victory, even though you sometimes can't see how you will win with what you have to work with right now. Remember that God is always at work in your life. He is giving you favor and opening doors of new opportunities, so keep looking and hoping; the things He has promised and planned for you will happen. As you put your confidence in God, He will continue to work in supernatural ways to guide you into all He has for you.

Are you looking at the whole picture today? Can you see how God is working to bring the right things together for your success? If you're not seeing things happen for you, don't give up on your dreams. Be confident in God's promises; He sees things that you can't see, and He will make sure that His plans for you are fulfilled. Hold on to your dreams today. Have faith in God – He wants to bring you the desires of your heart.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, today I have a renewed confidence in You. Help me to see my life the way You see it – whole and complete. Thank You for not only beginning a good work in me, but also finishing it. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Hold On to Your Dream

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful"
(Hebrews 10:23, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

At some point in life we all face hardships. It may be something physically or emotionally challenging. Or it may be a dream or an opportunity that we missed out on. Whatever your difficulty is, don't let it discourage you from believing in God's best. The enemy wants to keep you focused on everything negative that's happened, but don't let him steal the dreams God has given you. He knows that if he can deceive you into thinking things won't get better, you'll lose hope and give up.

There will always be obstacles trying to keep you from becoming all God's created you to be, but God has given you a promise for good and not harm. He has plans for better things ahead. It's important to believe God and keep an attitude of faith despite your circumstances.

Choose today to hold on to God's promises no matter what your situation looks like. Refuse to give up on the plans He has made for your life. God knows what challenges you've faced, and He has a way to turn things around for your good. Start thanking and praising Him for what He's already done and what He will do.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, today I choose to believe in Your promises instead of what I see around me. I will not give up on the dreams You have given me because I know they will come true. Thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Take Action

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead"
(James 2:17, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Have you ever met a person who prayed one way and spoke another? One minute they’re believing for their dreams to come to pass, and the next minute they're talking about how they're never going to get where they want to be. What they haven't realized is that their actions aren't working together with their faith. This lack of consistency doesn't do our prayers any good. God wants our words, actions and beliefs to work in agreement. Putting the right actions behind our faith gets His attention.

What are you believing for? You can put some action behind your prayers by talking like your situation is going to turn around. When you do, you're not just praying and believing — you're expecting.

If you don't see anything happening, choose today to put some action behind your prayers. Start making some new announcements like, "I am blessed. Whatever I touch prospers. My best days are in front of me." Speak your faith with confidence. As you praise God for His faithfulness, your faith will grow stronger. You'll also find peace knowing that you're one day closer to seeing your dreams come to pass.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, search my heart today. Reveal any inconsistencies in my faith and actions. Starting today I choose to fully believe in all You have for me; I will walk by faith in every area of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Expect and Prepare

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"See how the farmer waits expectantly for the precious harvest from the land."
(James 5:7, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Too often people passively sit around waiting for their dreams to come true. As time goes by they begin to think things will never change for them, and the longer the wait, the more frustrated they feel. It's important to keep moving toward your dreams in faith and hope. Expecting God's best and making preparations to succeed will help you stay in faith during times of waiting. "Joel," you might ask, "How do I do that?" Have expectant faith. Start talking and acting like your dreams are going to happen. People may think that sounds strange, but don't let it bother you. God has given you a dream, and you may see things they don't see. As you settle it in your heart and mind that God is faithful, you'll get excited about His promises for you.

If you feel like you're in a holding pattern, don't get discouraged; God is working on your behalf. Put your trust in Him. Start making preparations for the dreams God has planned for you so you will be ready when they arrive. Take your faith to a higher level — go from believing to expecting — and God will bring you the desires of your heart at just the right time.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, thank You for what's to come. Help me go beyond believing to expecting my dreams to come to pass. Show me how to prepare for the things You have planned for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

The Secret Things

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"The secret things belong unto the Lord our God……"
(Deuteronomy 29:29, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Are you going through a situation in your life that you don't quite understand? During these seasons, it's natural to question things in your mind. But during these uncertain times, it's important to continue to put your trust in God.

We have to remember, God's ways are not our ways, and we don't always understand what He is trying to do in our lives. The Bible tells us that adversity will come, but God is the one who promises to lead us into victory.

Serving God means we're going to have some unanswered questions. You may never understand why a relationship ended sooner than you would have liked. You may never understand why you lost a loved one. You may never understand why you went through something difficult or why your prayers didn't get answered. But at some point, you have to decide to put your questions aside and go on with God. We have to decide to trust His character even when our circumstances don't make sense. Remember, He has promised He's going to turn that difficulty around and use it for your advantage. He is faithful to His Word, and you can be sure that He will fulfill every promise He's made to you.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, I choose to trust You with my unanswered questions. I choose to release any doubt and confusion to You. Help me to focus on Your Word which is truth that sets me free. Thank You for Your goodness and for the blessings You have in store for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Resist Fear

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined]…"
(I Peter 5:9, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

The very moment you first feel fear, you have to resist it and act against it. If you make the mistake of dwelling on your fears and start thinking about all the reasons why you can't do what God is telling you to do, then it won't be long before you develop a negative mindset that will make it much more difficult to overcome.

When God told David to go fight Goliath, the Bible says that David moved quickly toward the battlefield. In other words, he didn't think about it. He didn't allow fear to grip his heart and talk him out of it. He just did what God wanted him to do.

So many people today are just sitting on the sidelines of life. They have tremendous potential on the inside, but they keep letting the enemy talk them out of doing what God wants them to do. Every time they get a vision of victory for their life, the enemy brings fear; and they just swallow his lies hook, line, and sinker. Don't let that be you! Instead, obey quickly. Resist fear and boldly embrace everything the Lord has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, today I choose to resist fear. I choose Your Word. I choose Your love. I believe that with You, all things are possible. Thank You for giving me the power to live in victory in every area of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."