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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

“But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.”

Today’s Scripture

“But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.” (Psalm 77:11–12, NLT) Recall His Deeds Everyone has difficult days when things don’t go according to plan. These days can be frustrating and sometimes overwhelming. It’s during times like these that we have to be especially careful about what we think and say. The scripture tells us that our lives will go in the direction of our thoughts. Do you need to change your thoughts today? I love what the psalmist wrote here in Psalm 77. He was facing immense challenges when he cried out to God and said, “You know what? I’m going to focus on what God has done for me. I’m going to dwell on His goodness. I will recall His deeds to mind.” Today, don’t dwell on negative, self-defeating thoughts. Instead, recall His deeds to mind. Focus on what He’s done for you. Thank Him for the gift of life and salvation. Make a list of all His wonderful blessings. Let your thoughts turn toward Him today and recall His wonderful deeds! A Prayer for Today “Father, I bless Your holy name today! Thank You for the gift of life both now and in eternity. Thank You for loving me and setting me free. Help me to keep my mind on Your good deeds in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Today’s Scripture

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6, NIV) What Pleases God Do you know what pleases God? He’s not impressed by how much knowledge we have. He isn’t influenced by how many possessions we own. He’s not moved by our accomplishments; He is moved simply by our faith in Him. Faith is a gift. It’s not something that has to be contrived or worked up. The scripture tells us that everyone has been given a measure of faith. It also says that faith grows as we hear the Word of God. That’s why it’s so important to stay connected to a Bible-based church where the Word of God is being taught. It’s why we need to make time every day to read and study His Word because that’s how you feed your faith. The more you know His Word, the more you understand that God is good, and He rewards the people who seek after Him. Today, take time to feed your faith. Meditate on His Word and ask Him to illuminate your heart with His truth. Trust that He is good and has good things in store for your future because faith is what pleases God! A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You for giving me the gift of faith so that I can be pleasing to You. As I seek You and study Your Word, illuminate my heart with Your truth. Transform me into Your image and let everything I do bring glory to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

Today’s Scripture

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25, NIV) Be Generous Do you need refreshing today? So many people go around overwhelmed, tired, worn down, barely getting by. But that’s not God’s best. He wants us to prosper. He wants us to be refreshed. Here’s the key: be generous and refresh others. Is there someone at the office you can be a blessing to? Can you lighten someone’s load? Maybe a family member is going through a hard time. Can you help them out? Can you cook them a meal? Refreshing someone can be as simple as a smile or an encouraging word. Don’t wait until you feel like doing it, that day may never come! Do it because the Scripture tells us to. Do it because it blesses the Lord. Today, look for someone to be a blessing to. Step out and refresh others; live a life of generosity. As you do, you will be refreshed in return, and experience His blessing in every area of your life! A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy in my life. Thank You for blessing me so that I can be a blessing to others. Teach me to be generous. Show me how I can refresh others and bring glory to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”