Kenneth Copeland: "Stick to Your Calling"

"Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God....
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our
works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in
Christ Jesus before the world began."
(2 Timothy 1:6,9)

Are you doing what God called you to do?

If you haven't ever thought about it before, that may sound like an odd
question to you. You may be tempted to shrug it off and say, "Oh, I'm not
really called to do anything. I'm not a pastor or a teacher or a minister of
any kind...I guess I'm just what you might call a little finger on the Body
of Christ."

Let me tell you something: No matter who you are, God has put a holy calling
in you. He's designed you and called you to meet a need in the Body of
Christ that nobody else can meet quite like you can.

You may be called to be so successful in business you can finance the gospel
worldwide. You may be called to a ministry of prayer and intercession. You
may be called to a ministry of healing right there in your own neighborhood.
But no matter what that calling is, it's important and you need to follow
it!

If you're like many believers I know, you may have let your life become so
overgrown with other things that you just don't have time to pursue your
calling. You may be so overwhelmed with the cares of life that you can't
imagine how you can fit in anything else.

Over the years, a pastor friend of mine got involved in so many different
areas of ministry that he was about to fold up physically under the strain
of it. The overload was actually about to kill him. Finally, the Lord spoke
to him one night and said, "John, it's not your calling that's nearly killed
you. It's everything else you've added to it."

I've had to deal with that in my own life. I've had to quit doing things
just because they need doing. I've had to discipline myself to sticking to
what I'm called to do.

Make up your mind to prayerfully trim away the extra things you've added to
your life. Stir up the gift God has placed inside you. Get back to what He
has called you to do.

After all, that calling is vital. It's holy...and it's yours. Don't ever let
it slip away from you.

Scripture Study: Acts 9:1-20

Gloria Copeland: "Go When You're Ready"

"With long life will I satisfy [you], and shew [you] my salvation." (Psalm 91:16)

Did you know that it's not God's will for you or anyone to die young? His will for you is to live the full number of your days. You ought to live 70 or 80 years, and if you are not satisfied, live a while longer! The Bible says that when Abraham died, he died at a good old age, full of years. That's the way it ought to be with all of us.

Some believers don't realize that and they've gotten themselves in a mess. When they get sick instead of just believing for healing, they start wondering if it's God's will for them to die. "Maybe He's ready to call me home," they think.

Don't ever entertain thoughts like that. If God has His way, He won't call you home until you're good and ready to come. The Apostle Paul understood that. In 2 Timothy 4:6-7, he said, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Paul didn't die until he and Jesus were ready for him to go.

Regardless of your age, if the devil is telling you God isn't going to heal you because it's time for you to go home, he is lying to you. God promises in Psalm 91:16 that if you are living under the shadow of the most High, He will satisfy you with long life. (That means that you are abiding in Him as Jesus taught in John 15.)

If you're not satisfied that you have finished your course yet on this earth, it's not time for you to die. So ignore the devil and keep right on living. Resist sickness and disease in the Name of Jesus. Stand on God's promise!

Then, when you're ready to go on to heaven, go! But go satisfied, healed, and ready! Go in victory shouting the words of that old joy-filled song--"Heaven is near and I can't stay here. Good-bye world, good-bye."

Scripture Study: Deuteronomy 34

Veronica Parker: Just a reminder!!

This is especially a good reminder as we enter a NEW YEAR!

Don't spend major time with minor people. If there are people in your life who continually disappoint you, break promises, stomp on your dreams, too judgmental, have different values and don't have your back during difficult times...that is not a friend.

To have a friend, be a friend. Sometimes in life as you grow, your friends will either grow or go. Surround yourself with people who reflect values, goals interests and lifestyle you have or want.

When I think of any of my successes, I am thankful to GOD from whom all blessings flow, and to my family and friends who continue to enrich my life. Over the years my phone book has changed because I changed for the better. At first you think you're going to be alone, but after a while, new people show up in your life who make your life so much sweeter and easier to endure.

Remember what your elders used to say, "Birds of a feather flock together. If you're an eagle, do yourself a favor, don't hang around chickens: Chickens Can't Fly!

I love the Lord and I thank HIM for all that he does in my life everyday and in every way. I do love Jesus and HE is my source of existence. HE keeps me functioning each and everyday and without Him, I would and will be nothing.

Remember this: Be Positive - Be Progressive - Take the time to make a positive difference in someone's life and remember this also: you walk by faith, not by sight!!!

Today, I wish you a day of extraordinary miracles!

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What gifts will you bring?

Joel Osteen

Today's Scripture

"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down to worship Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him gifts..." (Matthew 2:11)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Can you image how the wise men felt as they first looked upon our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! As part of their worship, they wanted to give Him gifts. They gave valuable presents to symbolize the love, honor, and appreciation in their hearts. In the same way, you can show your love and appreciation as you give gifts to others.

As you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during this holiday season, remember to show your love and appreciation to those around you. Not just through material gifts, but through words of love, kindness, and encouragement. Go out of your way to show honor to others, just like the wise men went out of their way to show honor to Jesus.

A Prayer for Today
God, I will give of myself this season and honor the people in my life with my love, kindness and appreciation. In doing so, I honor You. Thank you for the gift of Your precious son. In Jesus' Name - Amen.

Kenneth Copeland: Don't Just Sit There...Arise!

"Now four men who were lepers were at the entrance of the city's gate; and they said to one another, Why do we sit here until we die.... So they arose." (2 Kings 7:3,5, Amp)

No matter how bad the problem is you may be facing today, no matter how far under the circumstances you may be, in 24 hours you can be back on top!

"Oh, Brother Copeland, that would be impossible!"

That's what the Samaritans thought in 2 Kings 7. Their land was being ravaged by famine. Enemy troops had surrounded them and cut off all sourceof supply. Mothers were eating their own children just to survive.

But right in the middle of that, the Lord told the prophet Elisha that in 24 hours the whole situation would change. Flour and barley would sell for just a few pennies and there would be abundance for all.

What did God use to turn that situation around?

Four lepers! Four lepers who, instead of sitting around feeling sorry for themselves and waiting to die, decided to arise and take their chances in the enemy camp. When they got there, they found it abandoned. All the warriors had been frightened away by the angels of God, and they'd left enough food behind to feed all of Samaria!

Sometimes you and I are like the officials in that story. We get problem-centered instead of Word of God centered. We let ourselves be so surrounded with the loud voice of the world that the vision of our victory is pushed out of sight.

When that happens, faith and power begin to subside and life caves in on us from every side.

If that's happened to you, stop crying about it. Stop looking at your problem and feeling sorry for yourself. That won't change anything!

Just like He did for Elisha, God's given you a word. He's promised you victory. He's promised to make you an overcomer.

So don't just sit there till you die. Don't accept defeat. Rise up in faith. Stand up on God's Word and fight for your life. Get mad at Satan. Cast him out. Get mad at that sickness. Get angry with poverty and start giving.

Rise up and receive the deliverance of the Lord!

Scripture Study: 2 Kings 6:24-33 | 2 Kings 7:1-20

Kenneth Copeland: A Little Bit of Heaven on Earth

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another...even as Christ forgave you.
- (Colossians 3:12-13)

 

Living in a home filled with the love and the peace of God Himself is almost like living in heaven right here on earth. We all know that's true. And we long to live in such a home. Yet, time and time again, we shortchange our families. We spend our kindest words and our most winning smiles on those beyond our front door.

Have you ever wondered why?

The answer is simpler than you might suspect. Spiritually speaking, your family is under attack. You see, it is not only one of your most precious gifts, when it's operating in harmony, it's one of your most powerful resources. Satan knows that even if you don't--and he's out to destroy it.

His battle plan is simple. He will do everything he can to create strife in your home. He'll stir up feelings of self-pity and jealousy. He'll encourage you to nurse resentments and harbor bitterness. And through it all, his purpose remains the same, to divide and destroy your home.

When God's people get in harmony with each other, miracles start to happen. Their agreement creates an atmosphere in which God's supernatural, miracle-working power is free to flow! So Satan is constantly tempting us to spoil that atmosphere, to foul things up by being at odds with each other. All too often we fall prey to his tactics simply because we don't realize just how dangerous strife really is. One close look at the Word of God will solve that problem, however. James 3:16 says, "Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work."

Don't open the door of your home to Satan by allowing your family the "luxury" of a few quarrels.

Stop the destruction before it starts. Anchor yourself to God's Word. Find out what He has to say about the power of agreement. Stop looking at your family from your own limited perspective and start seeing it as God sees it--as a powerhouse! That way you won't drift helplessly into an argument every time a gust of emotion blows through your home.

Determine right now not to let the devil have your family. Instead, pray for them, support them and love them. Bring them together, so you can all enjoy a little bit of heaven on earth.

 

Scripture Reading:  Colossians 3:12-25

 

Wise Men Know Joy

Joel Osteen

Today's Scripture

". . . and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him." (Matthew 2:9b-11a)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
The three wise men traveled a considerable distance to see the great king whose arrival the Bible foretold would be heralded by a bright star shining in the east. When they found Him, they rejoiced exceedingly. The Bible says they had "great joy."

Those men were so happy they couldn't hide it. In fact, God warned them in a dream to take the long way home to avoid being seen by Herod's men. Can you imagine that one look at their faces, and Herod would have known that they had been in the presence of the Messiah?

How about you? Can people tell by looking at your face that you have met Jesus? Let this be an encouragement to you to smile more, especially during this Christmas season. Don't allow the pressures and busyness of the holidays to steal your joy. Let those around you – your family, your friends, and those who don't know Jesus – see Him in your face. Your smile is contagious, and the outward expression of your joy will bring glory to God.

The angel declared; "I bring you good tidings of great joy." Let your face, and your heart, reflect the real joy of Christmas

A Prayer for Today
God, how can I not smile and feel complete joy in the presence of Your spirit? I am going to stay focused on the reason for this season. I will bask in the glory of the Christ child's birth and to share my joy with those around me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Fall on your knees

Joel Osteen

Today's Scripture

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:14)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Christmas time is a good opportunity to share with others your excitement and to share the good news: Because Christ came to earth, you are free!

You can experience true peace and goodwill only when you have His Spirit in your life. "And His name shall be called Emmanuel, God with us."

Today, give Him praise as the multitude of heavenly host did on the day He arrived. As you glorify and worship Him this Christmas season, you will be filled with His love, peace, and joy. He is able to meet all your needs today.

God Bless You.

A Prayer for Today
God, it's easy for the true meaning of Christmas to get lost in the busyness of the season. Help me to experience Christmas with the wonder of a child. Just as the wise men did so long ago, I will fall down on my knees and worship the Christ child. Thank you for the gift of Your son.

If God brought you to it...

He’ll bring you through it.

I Thess. 5:24

All in God's Timing

Joel Osteen

Today's Scripture

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
This world is a fast, go-go place where people want things "my way, in my time and for my life." Many people think that the world will give them what they are trying to get . . . and that it's up to them to take what they want. But that's simply not true. Yes, you are called to action and you must go out there and live life, but God has blessings for you that He wants you to be patient and wait on. You can plan your whole life, all the way to the end, but the Bible says that the Lord determines your steps, not you. Give yourself over to Him and be patient and wait upon the Lord and His blessings!

A Prayer for Today
God, help me not to be impatient, but to wait upon You and what You want to bless me with. Give me the strength not to give in to the way the world runs life, because I know that You have all of my steps designed. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

God enjoys blessing His children. He wants to do wonderful things in your life and in every area where you have influence. To truly experience His blessings and His favor, choose to serve Him daily.

Lakewood Church: www.lakewood.cc | Joel Osteen Ministries: www.joelosteen.com