Monday, March 14, 2016

He Collects Your Tears

Today’s Scripture
“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”
(Psalm 56:8, NLT)
He Collects Your Tears
Do you know how important you are to God? He cares so much about every detail of your life. He cares about your thoughts, feelings and emotions. In fact, what you are going through is so important to Him that He records every sorrow and collects every tear you’ve shed. Why would God record your sorrows and collect your tears? Because He loves you so much, and He is your vindicator. He’s keeping account of every wrong that’s ever been done to you so that He can make up for every single one of them. He wants to restore everything that has ever been stolen. He wants to heal every single hurt and pain. He sees the longings and desires of your heart, and you can rest knowing that He is working things out for your good!
Today, know that you are valuable to Him. He has your best interest at heart. He is working to bring restoration and peace to you. Keep standing, keep believing and keep doing the right thing because the One who collects your tears will restore every broken place in your life!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for loving me and setting me free. Thank You for being my vindicator. I choose to release every hurt, pain and sorrow, knowing that You will make all things new in Your time in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Be Still

Today’s Scripture
“Be still, and know that I am God...”
(Psalm 46:10, NIV)
Be Still
Our culture today has gotten used to having constant activity: computers, cell phones, television, email, video games. There’s nothing wrong with any of that stuff, but the Bible tells us that we need to stop and be still so we can focus on knowing God. I’ve found this to be true especially during the difficult times. When you are facing a challenge, it’s easy to want to run to a friend or talk about it with a co-worker. But at some point, you have to stop and say, “God, I rest in You. I know You have me in the palm of Your hand.”
Remember, your battles are spiritual battles. The people in your life aren’t the source of your problems, the forces of darkness are. When you choose to be still and know that the Greater One lives on the inside of you, you are putting yourself in a position of strength. Everyday, take time to be still before Him. Let His peace cover you. Let Him refresh you by His Spirit. Remember, the battles you face belong to the Lord!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, I humbly come before You. I choose to be still before You. Speak to my heart so that I can know You more. Fill me with Your peace as I put my trust in You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Your Appointed Time

Today’s Scripture
“For the vision is yet for an appointed time...though it tarry, wait for it...”
(Habakkuk 2:3, KJV)
Your Appointed Time
God has an appointed time to fulfill the dreams and desires in your heart. Just because it has taken a long time or because you've tried and failed doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. Don’t give up on those dreams! Don’t be complacent about pursuing what God has deposited into your heart. Our God is a faithful God. No matter how long it’s been, no matter how impossible things look, if you’ll stay in faith, your set time is coming.
Remember, every dream that’s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God put it there. Not only that, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. Declare by faith, “My time is coming. God is working behind the scenes on my behalf. I will fulfill my destiny!” As you continue to hold on to that vision and speak life over your dreams, it won’t be long before you will see them begin to take shape. You’ll see your faith grow, you’ll see your hope strengthen, and you’ll see yourself step into the destiny God has prepared for you!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, I receive Your Word which is life and health to me today. I ask that You ignite my heart with Your holy fire so that I can pursue Your perfect plan for my life. Make my thoughts and words agreeable to Your will so I can see my dreams come to pass in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Thursday, March 10, 2016

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.”

Saturday, March 5, 2016

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.”

Friday, March 4, 2016

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.”

Thursday, March 3, 2016

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.”