In Everything

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

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

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

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

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

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

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

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

Find a Reason

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

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

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

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

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

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

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

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

Finished with Fear

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

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

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

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

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

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

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

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