Be Devoted

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

(Romans 12:10, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Being devoted to something means you are loyal to it by giving of your time, affection and resources. What are you devoted to? Many people today are devoted to certain restaurants, television programs and even their cell phones. And there’s nothing wrong with any of that, but we have to examine our own hearts and see if we are being devoted to what God has called us to. Are you being devoted to the people God has placed in your life? Are you honoring others above yourself? The world’s system says to “look out for number one — yourself,” but God’s system says “look out for others, and I will look out for you.” Today, as you examine your own heart and life, ask the Lord to show you ways that you can honor others. One way is by being faithful to your word. Be a person of integrity and honor. As you live your life devoted to one another, you are honoring God. And He will repay you for your kindness and reward you in this life and in eternity!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, teach me to be a person of honor. Teach me to be devoted to others in a way that honors You. Fill me with Your love which lasts throughout eternity in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prewired to Be Imitators

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

(Ephesians 5:1–2, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Have you ever spent time with a small child or baby and had them mimic your every sound or action? To them it’s a fun game, but internally, they are learning by watching and copying everything you do. They just watch and do the same thing. That’s because we are all prewired to be imitators. Just like little children, we are all still imitators. So many people today end up imitating what they see in the world, on TV, in the news and magazines. But scripture tells us that we are to be imitators of God and follow His example of love. If you need to change your actions today, change what you are imitating by simply changing your focus. The more you focus on the Word, the more you will imitate God. And when you do things God’s way, you will get God’s results — peace, joy and blessing all the days of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I choose to put You first place in my life and imitate You. I set aside the things of the world and invite You to search my heart and mind. Give me Your heart of love and teach me to be an example of Your goodness in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hold Your Peace

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest.”

(Exodus 14:14, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

One time in scripture, when the Israelites were facing an impossible situation, God told them, “Hold your peace. Remain at rest, and I will fight your battles.” Notice there was a condition, something the Israelites had to do. It’s the same for us today. Hold your peace. That indicates something is trying to take it away — thoughts of worry, fear, anxiety. You might think, “What if it doesn’t happen? What am I going to do?” If you will just stay in peace, the Creator of the universe, the Most High God will go to work on your behalf. Remember, nothing can stand against our God. He has all power. He stopped the sun for Joshua. He closed the mouths of hungry lions for Daniel. Whatever you face in life, if you will just hold your peace and remain at rest, God promises He will fight your battles and lead you into everlasting victory!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I put my trust and hope in You. I choose to hold my peace knowing that You will fight my battles. Thank You for working all things out for my good in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Believe and Enter Rest

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Now we who have believed enter that rest...”

(Hebrews 4:3, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God desires for you to live in peace and rest no matter what is happening around you. When you believe God, you enter into His perfect rest. But if you are controlled by your circumstances, if you’re up when things are up and down when things don’t go your way, then life is going to be a roller coaster. God’s plan is for you to be stable, consistent, not moved by any of these things. Anytime you face adversity or hit a tough time, one of the best things you can do is simply stay calm and keep your peace. When you’re in peace, that’s a position of power. You’re saying with your actions, “God, I trust You. I know You are still on the throne. This may be difficult, but I know You are fighting my battles.” That’s what faith is — believing that God is who He says He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. When you believe God, you enter into rest and walk in peace and joy no matter what is happening around you.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for peace and rest as I put my trust in You. Today I declare that You are my King. I declare that You are faithful. I declare that my faith and trust is in You, knowing that You have a good plan in store for my future in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Give Your Faith a Target

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”

(Hebrews 11:1, NLT)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

So many people today are depressed and discouraged simply because they only focus on their present circumstances. They’re constantly dwelling on their problems, what they don’t have, and what’s wrong with them. They don’t realize it, but they’re allowing the enemy to steal their hope. This negative frame of mind is what keeps people from moving forward in life. Understand today that faith is confidence and assurance about the things we hope for according to the promises of God. Like an arrow, your faith points to the target of hope. If you don’t have hope, that arrow of faith will just drop to the ground. It won’t accomplish anything. But when you keep your hopes up, when you keep expecting and believing, it’s as if that target gets larger and larger — easier to hit! Choose today to live with an attitude of expectancy. Get your hopes up! Start by taking captive any negative thoughts you may have one at a time. As you focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness, you’ll feel that hope inside you growing. You’ll give your faith a target, and you’ll move confidently into the blessings and peace the Lord has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I surrender every thought to You. I choose to release my cares and concerns so I can focus on Your goodness in my life. Thank You for the gift of faith to see the impossible become possible as I continue to place my hope and confidence in You in Jesus’ name, Amen

Armloads of Blessings

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"It seemed like a dream, too good to be true, when God [gave us the victory]…Now, God, do it again… so those with heavy hearts will come out laughing, with armloads of blessing"
(Psalm 126, Message)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

When you have a heavy heart, when life deals you a difficult blow, God wants to turn things around in your favor. Not only does He want to bring you out, but He wants to bring you out with a smile and better off than you were before. He wants to give you the victory and fill you with armloads of blessings!

You might be thinking, “That sounds too good to be true. You don’t know my situation.” But understand, God wants to overwhelm you with His goodness. He wants you to feel like you are living in a dream. The scripture says that He delights in the prosperity of His people. In other words, it gives Him great joy to bless you. You can be certain that when you stand in faith, even when it’s difficult, God will reward you. He’ll fill you with His peace. He’ll give you supernatural strength. He’ll give you the grace you need to face those challenges. You can be sure that He’ll always lead you into victory and fill you with armloads of blessings!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for Your promise of victory and blessing. I choose to keep my heart and mind focused on You. Have Your way in me and lead me into the life of blessing You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.