From: Joel Osteen Ministries
1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you."
This morning when you woke up, what was the first thing that went through your mind? Maybe you have a deadline to meet or a big appointment at work. Maybe you are facing a challenge or going through a difficulty in a relationship that seems to consume your thoughts.
Today, I want to encourage you; instead of focusing on what your circumstances have to offer, focus on what God has to offer you. His mercies are new every morning, and His compassion never fails. He has joy in store for you today, and He has peace in store for you today. He daily loads you with blessing!
The key to accessing these daily benefits is setting your focus in the right direction. You can’t wait to see how you feel, what kind of mood your spouse is in, what the traffic is like or what the stock market is doing. No, you have to choose to set your focus by saying, “This is going to be a great day. I am blessed! I know God is directing my steps; something good is going to happen to me today!”
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Spiritual Harassment
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
1 Peter 5:8 "Be alert! Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
In the spiritual realm we deal with spiritual harassment from Satan and his legions. The Bible says "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians. 6:12)
It is important to recognize when we are coming against these forces. Satan attempts to distract us from our calling and destiny in life. We often trivialize the reality of the spirit realm of evil.
Paul tells us we must set our minds to deal with the spiritual realm of evil when it impacts our lives. "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground." (Ephesians 6:13)
The next time you feel obstacles have been placed in your life designed to distract you from your God-ordained mission, remember Paul's words and stand firm in Christ.
1 Peter 5:8 "Be alert! Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
In the spiritual realm we deal with spiritual harassment from Satan and his legions. The Bible says "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians. 6:12)
It is important to recognize when we are coming against these forces. Satan attempts to distract us from our calling and destiny in life. We often trivialize the reality of the spirit realm of evil.
Paul tells us we must set our minds to deal with the spiritual realm of evil when it impacts our lives. "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground." (Ephesians 6:13)
The next time you feel obstacles have been placed in your life designed to distract you from your God-ordained mission, remember Paul's words and stand firm in Christ.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
We All Need A Guiding Light
From: Upper Room Devotionals - Cole Warner
Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
At 4:45, I left the house for my morning run. I live in the country; and the sources of light for my early morning runs are the moon, the stars, and lights from the farmers' yards. I had looked forward to running in the light of a full moon, but clouds blocked the light. I was more than a little disappointed. Being plunged into darkness left me with the dual challenge of seeing where I was running and making myself seen by early morning commuters.
Toward the end of my run, a break in the clouds allowed me to see the moon. It not only made the sky a beautiful patchwork of light and dark but also lit the way for me.
When we find ourselves plunged into darkness, we often feel trapped, separated, lost, fretful, anxious, and alone. We don't know where we are, and we are unable to get where we want to go. We need a guiding light.
That morning's glorious moonlight reminded me that we are never alone. In all circumstances, God walks with us in love, care, and concern. Even when darkness in our lives causes us to feel lost or disoriented, God searches us out and provides light to guide us home.
Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
At 4:45, I left the house for my morning run. I live in the country; and the sources of light for my early morning runs are the moon, the stars, and lights from the farmers' yards. I had looked forward to running in the light of a full moon, but clouds blocked the light. I was more than a little disappointed. Being plunged into darkness left me with the dual challenge of seeing where I was running and making myself seen by early morning commuters.
Toward the end of my run, a break in the clouds allowed me to see the moon. It not only made the sky a beautiful patchwork of light and dark but also lit the way for me.
When we find ourselves plunged into darkness, we often feel trapped, separated, lost, fretful, anxious, and alone. We don't know where we are, and we are unable to get where we want to go. We need a guiding light.
That morning's glorious moonlight reminded me that we are never alone. In all circumstances, God walks with us in love, care, and concern. Even when darkness in our lives causes us to feel lost or disoriented, God searches us out and provides light to guide us home.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Recipe For Success
From: Our Daily Bread Ministries
Joshua 1:8 "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night . . . . Then you will have good success."
Without God’s instructions, Joshua would have failed at leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. The first step was to "be strong and of good courage." (Joshua 1:6) Next, he was to continually meditate on the Book of the Law, and finally, he was to do everything it said. As long as Joshua followed the directions, God promised him "good success."
God’s "recipe for success" can work for us too, but His idea of success has little to do with money, popularity, or even good health. In the original Hebrew, "then you will have good success" means "then you will act wisely."
Just as God called Joshua to walk in wisdom, He wants us to "walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise." (Ephesians 5:15) As we take courage in the Lord, feast on His Word, and obey Him, we have a recipe for godly success that’s better than anything we could cook up on our own.
Joshua 1:8 "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night . . . . Then you will have good success."
Without God’s instructions, Joshua would have failed at leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. The first step was to "be strong and of good courage." (Joshua 1:6) Next, he was to continually meditate on the Book of the Law, and finally, he was to do everything it said. As long as Joshua followed the directions, God promised him "good success."
God’s "recipe for success" can work for us too, but His idea of success has little to do with money, popularity, or even good health. In the original Hebrew, "then you will have good success" means "then you will act wisely."
Just as God called Joshua to walk in wisdom, He wants us to "walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise." (Ephesians 5:15) As we take courage in the Lord, feast on His Word, and obey Him, we have a recipe for godly success that’s better than anything we could cook up on our own.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Obstacles - Character Builders
From: New Life Devotionals - Steve Arterburn
Jonah 2:6 "To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But You brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God."
Don't grumble about the obstacles in your path—look at them as character builders. Find a way to move them, or pray your way through them. Call to mind the words of the great American educator Booker T. Washington, who said: "I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed."
Don't be afraid to ask for help. People are surprisingly generous with advice. And remember to be thankful. You may meet a mentor who will encourage you for years to come.
The main thing, however, is not to throw in the towel when you encounter bumps in the road. Remember, when you're traveling up a mountain, it's the bumps you climb on.
Jonah 2:6 "To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But You brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God."
Don't grumble about the obstacles in your path—look at them as character builders. Find a way to move them, or pray your way through them. Call to mind the words of the great American educator Booker T. Washington, who said: "I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed."
Don't be afraid to ask for help. People are surprisingly generous with advice. And remember to be thankful. You may meet a mentor who will encourage you for years to come.
The main thing, however, is not to throw in the towel when you encounter bumps in the road. Remember, when you're traveling up a mountain, it's the bumps you climb on.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Perseverance
From: Today God Is First - Os Hillman
Romans 5:2-4 "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Perseverance is the key to every great accomplishment because nothing of lasting value has ever been achieved without it. Industrialist Henry Ford is one of the great success stories of American history, but he failed in business five times before he succeeded. A Ford Motor Company employee once asked his boss the secret of success, and Henry Ford replied, "When you start a thing, don't quit until you finish it."
The path ahead of you is strewn with obstacles. People will oppose you. There will be financial setbacks, time pressures, illnesses and misfortunes. Some of the biggest obstacles will be inside of you: self-doubt, insecurity, procrastination, and worry. You must give yourself permission to succeed.
When we persevere through adversity, we win the approval of our Lord Jesus Christ, who told the suffering church at Ephesus, "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. . . . You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary" (Rev. 2:2-3). That, I'm sure, is the same commendation Joseph received from God when he passed the perseverance test.
Perseverance is a refusal to quit. It's falling down 100 times and getting back up 100 times. We need to remember that perseverance is not a matter of forcing doors to open; it's standing in front of the doors as long as it takes before God chooses to open them.
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. The race doesn't go to the swiftest, but to those who don't give up. We need endurance in order to deal with the stress of adversity. We must maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of rest. People give up or give out when they feel depleted - when they physically, emotionally and spiritually run out of gas.
When going through adversity, watch out for pessimists, blamers and toxic personalities. Beware of people who try to talk you out of your dreams and goals. Spend time with optimists and encouragers. Seek out people of faith. Persevere to the end.
Romans 5:2-4 "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Perseverance is the key to every great accomplishment because nothing of lasting value has ever been achieved without it. Industrialist Henry Ford is one of the great success stories of American history, but he failed in business five times before he succeeded. A Ford Motor Company employee once asked his boss the secret of success, and Henry Ford replied, "When you start a thing, don't quit until you finish it."
The path ahead of you is strewn with obstacles. People will oppose you. There will be financial setbacks, time pressures, illnesses and misfortunes. Some of the biggest obstacles will be inside of you: self-doubt, insecurity, procrastination, and worry. You must give yourself permission to succeed.
When we persevere through adversity, we win the approval of our Lord Jesus Christ, who told the suffering church at Ephesus, "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. . . . You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary" (Rev. 2:2-3). That, I'm sure, is the same commendation Joseph received from God when he passed the perseverance test.
Perseverance is a refusal to quit. It's falling down 100 times and getting back up 100 times. We need to remember that perseverance is not a matter of forcing doors to open; it's standing in front of the doors as long as it takes before God chooses to open them.
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. The race doesn't go to the swiftest, but to those who don't give up. We need endurance in order to deal with the stress of adversity. We must maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of rest. People give up or give out when they feel depleted - when they physically, emotionally and spiritually run out of gas.
When going through adversity, watch out for pessimists, blamers and toxic personalities. Beware of people who try to talk you out of your dreams and goals. Spend time with optimists and encouragers. Seek out people of faith. Persevere to the end.
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Most Important Growth
From: New Life Daily Devotionals - Steve Arterburn
Isaiah 40:31 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Chinese bamboo is one of the most remarkable plants on earth. Once a bamboo seed is planted it requires daily watering and care. But for five full years, the exterior shoot will grow less than an inch.
At the end of five years, however, the bamboo will perform an incredible feat. It will grow ninety feet in only ninety days! Now ask yourself this: When did the tree actually grow? Throughout the first five years, or during those last ninety days?
You may be like Chinese bamboo. You may be working, dreaming, planning, and persevering, yet feeling as if God's taking forever to flower your dream into any visible result.
Be patient. The most important growth is underground—hidden deep in your character. Those who wait upon the Lord won't be put to shame; and in due time, God will reveal everything He's grown in you.
Isaiah 40:31 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Chinese bamboo is one of the most remarkable plants on earth. Once a bamboo seed is planted it requires daily watering and care. But for five full years, the exterior shoot will grow less than an inch.
At the end of five years, however, the bamboo will perform an incredible feat. It will grow ninety feet in only ninety days! Now ask yourself this: When did the tree actually grow? Throughout the first five years, or during those last ninety days?
You may be like Chinese bamboo. You may be working, dreaming, planning, and persevering, yet feeling as if God's taking forever to flower your dream into any visible result.
Be patient. The most important growth is underground—hidden deep in your character. Those who wait upon the Lord won't be put to shame; and in due time, God will reveal everything He's grown in you.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Something Better
From: Boyd Bailey Ministries
Philippians 1:6 "I am sure of this much: that He who has begun the good work in you will carry it right through to completion, right up to the day of Christ Jesus."
Don’t give up. You may be facing a temporary setback, but God’s purposes will not be thwarted. It may seem as if your life is on hold and everything has come to a stand still. You have worked so hard to get to this point, but it looks like the opportunity has vanished. If so, God has something better.
What God initiates, He accomplishes. He hasn’t forgotten about you or your circumstances. He is on top of the situation. This is a temporary setback. This is a good time for you to catch your breath and reflect on the great things He has done so far. You have been running hard, so pause and prepare for the next stage of personal and professional growth.
Focus on God, not your distracters. He is the one who has led you this far and He is the one who will lead you through to completion. If everything were easy, we might take God’s blessings for granted or we might forgo gratitude to God.
Obstacles become opportunities; adversaries become advocates; critics become cheerleaders; enemies become emissaries. And setbacks become a tremendous springboard for God’s will.
Philippians 1:6 "I am sure of this much: that He who has begun the good work in you will carry it right through to completion, right up to the day of Christ Jesus."
Don’t give up. You may be facing a temporary setback, but God’s purposes will not be thwarted. It may seem as if your life is on hold and everything has come to a stand still. You have worked so hard to get to this point, but it looks like the opportunity has vanished. If so, God has something better.
What God initiates, He accomplishes. He hasn’t forgotten about you or your circumstances. He is on top of the situation. This is a temporary setback. This is a good time for you to catch your breath and reflect on the great things He has done so far. You have been running hard, so pause and prepare for the next stage of personal and professional growth.
Focus on God, not your distracters. He is the one who has led you this far and He is the one who will lead you through to completion. If everything were easy, we might take God’s blessings for granted or we might forgo gratitude to God.
Obstacles become opportunities; adversaries become advocates; critics become cheerleaders; enemies become emissaries. And setbacks become a tremendous springboard for God’s will.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The Right Foundation
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Matthew 7:24-25 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock."
When you are building anything, there is nothing more important than laying the right foundation first. If you don't get that right, nothing else will matter. Of course, the fun part is deciding what color paint you will use and how you will decorate. But is there a good foundation? If you don't get that right, everything else is a problem.
Jesus illustrates this with a story of two men who built houses. Apparently, they both had the same desire. They wanted a house they could live in with their families. They thought about the same thing. They were interested in the same thing. It would appear the houses were next to each other. Outwardly, they both looked great. But one was built on the right foundation, and the other was not.
Sometimes a faulty foundation in life becomes evident right away. But other times, it is more subtle. The breakdown happens over a period of time. A life that is leaning just a little today will one day experience a complete collapse, because it hasn't been built on the right foundation.
If you are building your life on the right foundation, it will stand the test of time.
Matthew 7:24-25 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock."
When you are building anything, there is nothing more important than laying the right foundation first. If you don't get that right, nothing else will matter. Of course, the fun part is deciding what color paint you will use and how you will decorate. But is there a good foundation? If you don't get that right, everything else is a problem.
Jesus illustrates this with a story of two men who built houses. Apparently, they both had the same desire. They wanted a house they could live in with their families. They thought about the same thing. They were interested in the same thing. It would appear the houses were next to each other. Outwardly, they both looked great. But one was built on the right foundation, and the other was not.
Sometimes a faulty foundation in life becomes evident right away. But other times, it is more subtle. The breakdown happens over a period of time. A life that is leaning just a little today will one day experience a complete collapse, because it hasn't been built on the right foundation.
If you are building your life on the right foundation, it will stand the test of time.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The "Word"
From: Ambassadors For Christ International
John 1:1,14 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory."
Why was Jesus referred to as "the Word"? Because He is God speaking to us—God wants you to know Him! Jesus expressed in word and action what God is really like.
The whole Bible is about God revealing Himself to people. Even in your own life, God is constantly reaching out to you, inviting you every day to live your life in close relationship with Him.
That's why He has given us the Bible, which is also called "the Word." God wants to be totally involved in your life today. He doesn't just want you to be a "committed Christian"; He wants to walk with you through your day on a relational level.
I encourage you to make your life a pursuit of God! When the Bible talks about "seeking God", this is what it means. It means that you look for any way, any opportunity to get to know God better on the personal level.
John 1:1,14 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory."
Why was Jesus referred to as "the Word"? Because He is God speaking to us—God wants you to know Him! Jesus expressed in word and action what God is really like.
The whole Bible is about God revealing Himself to people. Even in your own life, God is constantly reaching out to you, inviting you every day to live your life in close relationship with Him.
That's why He has given us the Bible, which is also called "the Word." God wants to be totally involved in your life today. He doesn't just want you to be a "committed Christian"; He wants to walk with you through your day on a relational level.
I encourage you to make your life a pursuit of God! When the Bible talks about "seeking God", this is what it means. It means that you look for any way, any opportunity to get to know God better on the personal level.
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