The Truth

From: Joel Osteen Ministries

John 8:31-32 "If you remain in My Word, you are truly My disciples; then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

Hebrews tells us that the Word of God is living and active; it’s powerful in our lives. God communicates to us through His written Word, the Bible, and He communicates with us through His spoken Word which can come in many ways. In scripture, God spoke to people through a burning bush, a still small voice, and even a donkey. Today, He may speak to your heart through a friend, a worship song, or something in creation.

One thing is for sure, when He does speak, your spirit knows it. There is confirmation in your inner self. God always speaks truth, and truth always sets you free!

God’s Word also protects you. When you hold His Word close to your heart, it acts like a shield around your heart. You hold His Word close to you by meditating on it, focusing on it, thinking about it and declaring it. As you allow His truth to sink into your spirit, it will empower you and change you. It will equip you to live the life He has prepared for you!

First Things First

From: New Life Daily Devotionals - Steve Arterburn

Mark 1:35 "Rising very early before dawn, He left and went off to a deserted place, where He prayed."

Each new day is a gift from God, and if you are wise, you will spend a few quiet moments each morning thanking the Giver. When you do, you’ll discover that time spent with God can lift your spirits and relieve your stress.

Warren Wiersbe writes, "Surrender your mind to the Lord at the beginning of each day." And that’s sound advice. When you begin each day with your head bowed and your heart lifted, you are reminded of God’s love, His protection, and His commandments. Then, you can align your priorities for the coming day with the teachings and commandments that God has placed upon your heart.

So, if you’ve acquired the unfortunate habit of trying to "squeeze" God into the corners of your life, it’s time to reshuffle the items on your to-do list by placing God first. And if you haven’t already done so, form the habit of spending quality time with your Father in heaven. He deserves it.

Seeking His Will

From: New Life Daily Devotionals

Job 42:2 "I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be hindered."

If you’re experiencing tough times, you may be asking yourself “What does God want me to do next?” Perhaps you’re pondering your future, uncertain of your plans, unsure of your next step. But even if you don’t have a clear plan for the next step of your life’s journey, you may rest assured that God does.

God has a plan for the universe, and He has a plan for you. He understands that plan as thoroughly and completely as He knows you. If you seek God’s will earnestly and prayerfully, He will make His plans known to you in His own time and in His own way.

Sometimes, God’s plans and purposes may seem unmistakably clear to you. If so, push ahead. But other times, He may lead you through the wilderness before He directs you to the Promised Land. So be patient and keep seeking His will for your life. When you do, you’ll be amazed at the marvelous things that an all-powerful, all-knowing God can do.

Spiritual Renewal

From: New Life Daily Devotionals - Steve Arterburn

Ezekiel 36:26 "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you."

Even the most inspired Christians can, from time to time, find themselves running on empty. The demands of daily life can drain us of our strength and rob us of the joy that is ours in Christ. When we find ourselves tired, discouraged, or worse, there is a source from which we can draw the power needed to recharge our spiritual batteries. That source is God.

God intends that His children lead joyous lives filled with peace. But sometimes peace seems very far away. It is then that we must turn to God for renewal, and when we do, He will restore us.

Are you tired or troubled or worried? Take the time—or, more accurately, make the time—to delve deeply into God’s Holy Word. Are you spiritually depleted? Call upon fellow believers to support you, and call upon Christ to renew your spirit and your life. When you do, you’ll discover that the Creator of the universe stands always ready and always able to create a new sense of joy in you.

Choices

From: Michael Youssef Ministries

 

Joshua 24:15 "...Decide today whom you will serve... As for me and my household we will serve the Lord."

 

Life is a series of choices. We can choose wisely or unwisely as we are confronted with decisions, temptations, and priorities. While some decisions are minor, others have eternal consequences. We must learn how to choose wisely because many decisions will determine the quality of our lives. Poor choices lead to a life of misery, while wise choices lead to peace and contentment.

 

God wants us to make life decisions based on what will have eternal benefits, what will bring Him glory, and what will expand our faith. One of the greatest choices we make is to obey Christ in all things. When we place our lives and futures and families and businesses in the hands of God, we can trust that He will take us to the places where His plans are to be found.

 

Sometimes we will make the wrong decision, but hopefully we will learn from our mistakes in order to make better choices in the future. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in making wise, eternal choices and to give you the strength to step out in faith.

God's Timing

From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."

If you've been praying for God to send you the right partner or for a better job, or to change the heart of a rebellious child, remember, whether He changes the situation or changes you, He will fulfil His purpose for you. God sees the big picture, and He loves you so much that He makes, "All things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28).

We talk about waiting on God. But He also waits on us until we're ready to receive...until we've made sufficient preparations in our heart...until we're free from resentment and discontent...until our maturity level is appropriate and our understanding elevated. Sometimes He waits until we think He's forgotten us just to test and grow our faith. Remember, "...With the Lord a day is like a thousand years..." (2 Peter 3:8).

Eternity is His backdrop and He can solve a problem in a minute, or in two generations. Isaiah says, "The Lord longs to be gracious to you...Blessed are all who wait for Him." (Isaiah 30:18) Wait! Don't get ahead of God and you'll experience His best.

Words Have Power

From: Powerpoint Ministries - Jack Graham

 

Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech be always gracious and in good tatse, and strive to respond properly to all who address you."

 

I remember when I was young, we had a little saying that went, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” But as I’ve grown older, I’ve discovered that it’s not true. Words can be devastating. Gossip, slander, rumors, and innuendo can destroy a person’s life.

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, during his confirmation to the court, had many terrible things said about his character. At one point, he remarked, “I would have preferred an assassin’s bullet to these proceedings.” That’s how damaging words can be. Yet very often today, many people simply say whatever they think and don’t even consider how it makes others feel.

Words have power. So let your speech be full of grace. Pray that the Holy Spirit would give you the right words to say when they need to be said. And above all else, keep an attitude of love and welcome toward all who need to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ!

God's Goodness

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

 

Psalm 118:1 "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever."

 

Because He is God, He is good. There is nothing that soils the character of our Savior. The salvation we have in Jesus is good. The comfort we have in Christ is good. The wisdom we gain by applying God’s principles is good. His answers to prayer are good. His forgiveness is good.

 

Goodness gives off goodness. It rubs off on others. God’s goodness infects us so that we can infect others. We are “carriers” for Christ. We are good to others because God has been good to us. Our goodness does not discriminate. We are good to others even when they are undeserving. This is the nature of God’s goodness.

 

Be patient with the one who doesn’t deserve patience. Love the one who’s done nothing to deserve love. Forgive the one who doesn’t deserve forgiveness. This is good. This is what Jesus would do.

Be Passionate About It

From: Bob Gass Ministries

 

Romans 12:11 "Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."

 

You'll never have real success with anything until you become passionate about it. The Psalmist wrote, 'My heart is steadfast...' (Psalm 57:7). The word 'steadfast' means to have a commitment that's as strong as rock.

 

Henry Ford was passionate about automobiles. Thomas Edison was passionate about light. The Wright Brothers were passionate about flying. Paul was passionate about evangelism. You will be remembered in life for what you were passionate about.

 

When what you love begins to consume your mind, your thoughts, your conversation and your schedule - then you are headed for success. Find something you feel passionate about, something that energises you, something worthy of building your life around.

Political Wisdom

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

 

Psalm 119:125 "I am Your servant; give me discernment that I may know Your decrees."

 

A culture thrown into economic chaos especially needs principled men and women to step up, sacrifice, and make hard decisions. Wisdom in the middle of extreme uncertainty requires painful prescriptions to prevent further panic.

 

Politicians often face difficult circumstances and must determine what’s best for the whole in light of the long term. Pray for political leaders to look beyond themselves and only short-term relief, and into the perspective and principles of God found in Holy Scripture.

Indeed, political wisdom prays for intervention and understanding from the Almighty. Just laws follow political wisdom, does what’s right, as Christ defines right. Wise politicians keep their hand of faithfulness on the Bible’s principles, and their hearts submitted under the Lord’s authority. Presidents honor Him by never forgetting their inaugural sacred vow of, "So help me God."

Creating Space For God

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

 

Romans 12:2 "Do not conform yourselves to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you will be able to discern the will of God, what is good, pleasing and perfect."

 

How do we guard the mind from being governed by outside forces? How can we give our minds a break, so God can give us a break-through in our thinking? A good first step is to regularly free ourselves from being a slave to screens. Set up blocks of time when the computer, phone and television are turned off and ignored. Mental margin grows in a pared down schedule.

 

Outdoor physical activity provides mental gymnastics that stimulate different areas of brain engagement. Hence, mental margin does not mean mindlessness. But it does require creating space where the Lord can be heard and people’s emotions can be felt.

 

A full head has nothing to give, but one empty of self has capacity to know how to serve a loved one at their point of need. And above all else, allow the peace of God to guard your mind. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

Finding Victory In Hard Times

From: Bryant Wright Ministries

 

James 1:12 "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life."

All of us want things to go our way all the time, but we have to admit that life doesn't work like that. Hard times come. Relationships are damaged. Financial worries plague us. There are even times of war.
Yes, the clouds and the storms really do come.

Jesus said, "In this world, you will have trouble." But the good news is, He didn't stop there. He also said, "Take heart. I have overcome the world." Yes, trouble is a fact of life. But Jesus has given us a means of finding victory--the real victory--even in hard times.

Allow Him to provide all you need to face the good times and the bad. He's willing and able to provide triumph, even when things look the darkest. Put your trust in Jesus Christ.

Be Content

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Contentment is found by placing your hope in God. Hope in the Lord can never be taken from you. All hell can break loose, but He is there. If you can trust Him with your soul for eternity, you can trust Him during this incredibly brief time on earth. Hope feeds contentment the way an appetizing meal feeds a hungry body. When you lose hope you grow discontented.

Hope can be found in Jesus Christ, so don’t make it hard. He is not illusive or in hiding; He is available for you. Contentment’s hope is in God. If you place your hope in anything other than God, you set yourself up for major disappointment.

Sad are the discontented; glad are the content. Driven are the discontented; called are the content. Restless are the discontented; peaceful are the content. Addicted are the discontented; satisfied are the content. Pessimistic are the discontented; hopeful are the content. Be content and enjoy the outcome.