Thursday, January 4, 2007
Kenneth Copeland: "Let the World Know"
"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word. ...that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me." (John 17:20,22-23)
Over the years the Church has come up with all kinds of elaborate ways to evangelize the world. We get together and map out plans and strategies and raise money for it. But through it all, we rarely mention the plan that Jesus gave us.
Most believers don't even realize that He gave us the key to winning the world, but He did. He prayed about it right before He went to the Cross. He asked the Father to bring us into a place of such oneness with each other and with Him that the world would know that He had been sent from God.
If you and I and all the rest of the Body of Christ would get together and start loving each other, we'd evangelize the world so fast it would make your head swim. It's true. But until recently, we've been too busy scrapping with one another and getting our feelings hurt to give it much thought.
But, praise God, it's beginning to dawn on some folks now that we need to stop that stuff. We need to start treating Jesus' command that we love one another as a command instead of an alternative. We need to drop our silly arguments and be unified by the Spirit of God.
Do you want to take a step toward evangelizing the world today? Then start praying for oneness. Make up your mind that you're going to start loving your fellow believers instead of criticizing, complaining, and talking ugly about them.
Start confessing that the Church of God is going to rise up together in faith and love as one glorious Body driven by the power of Jesus Himself. We are, you know. Jesus prayed that it would happen, and the Holy Spirit is already bringing it to pass.
Satan would like to stop it, but he can't. It's far more powerful than he is--and it's going to blast a hole in his operation that's big enough to drive a train through. It's going to let the whole world know that Jesus truly is Lord!
Scripture Study: John 17:9-26
Over the years the Church has come up with all kinds of elaborate ways to evangelize the world. We get together and map out plans and strategies and raise money for it. But through it all, we rarely mention the plan that Jesus gave us.
Most believers don't even realize that He gave us the key to winning the world, but He did. He prayed about it right before He went to the Cross. He asked the Father to bring us into a place of such oneness with each other and with Him that the world would know that He had been sent from God.
If you and I and all the rest of the Body of Christ would get together and start loving each other, we'd evangelize the world so fast it would make your head swim. It's true. But until recently, we've been too busy scrapping with one another and getting our feelings hurt to give it much thought.
But, praise God, it's beginning to dawn on some folks now that we need to stop that stuff. We need to start treating Jesus' command that we love one another as a command instead of an alternative. We need to drop our silly arguments and be unified by the Spirit of God.
Do you want to take a step toward evangelizing the world today? Then start praying for oneness. Make up your mind that you're going to start loving your fellow believers instead of criticizing, complaining, and talking ugly about them.
Start confessing that the Church of God is going to rise up together in faith and love as one glorious Body driven by the power of Jesus Himself. We are, you know. Jesus prayed that it would happen, and the Holy Spirit is already bringing it to pass.
Satan would like to stop it, but he can't. It's far more powerful than he is--and it's going to blast a hole in his operation that's big enough to drive a train through. It's going to let the whole world know that Jesus truly is Lord!
Scripture Study: John 17:9-26
Normal Heroes
Joel Osteen
Today's Scripture
Great Bible characters didn't live a life of great exploits every day. They lived most of their lives the same way you do, taking care of the day-to-day things. Take the life of Noah, for instance. It must have been a great day for Noah when the rain finally started falling and his family raced onto the ark. And it was probably the high point of Noah's life when God brought him and his family safely to dry ground after months on the ark. But compared to the 120 long years it took Noah to build the ark, these brief chapters in his life were almost nothing. Noah had to keep his faith strong through all of those ordinary days while building the ark so that when God was ready to do something great through him, Noah was ready too. What does God want to do through you? Being faithful today is another step toward discovering His best.
A Prayer for Today
God, thank You for the examples of heroes in the Bible. Help me to be faithful in the things You have given me to do today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Scripture
"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Great Bible characters didn't live a life of great exploits every day. They lived most of their lives the same way you do, taking care of the day-to-day things. Take the life of Noah, for instance. It must have been a great day for Noah when the rain finally started falling and his family raced onto the ark. And it was probably the high point of Noah's life when God brought him and his family safely to dry ground after months on the ark. But compared to the 120 long years it took Noah to build the ark, these brief chapters in his life were almost nothing. Noah had to keep his faith strong through all of those ordinary days while building the ark so that when God was ready to do something great through him, Noah was ready too. What does God want to do through you? Being faithful today is another step toward discovering His best.
A Prayer for Today
God, thank You for the examples of heroes in the Bible. Help me to be faithful in the things You have given me to do today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
"2007 - The Year of the Open Door" (Part 3)
BVOV Audio Podcast
"2007 - The Year of the Open Door" (Part 3)
Kenneth Copeland and Leroy Thompson
Listen Here
"2007 - The Year of the Open Door" (Part 3)
Kenneth Copeland and Leroy Thompson
Listen Here
Joyce Meyer: "Overcoming Grief and Loneliness"
I am told that the number one problem facing people today is grief and loneliness. People encounter major losses in their lives; and sadly, many never get over them. When tragedy occurs and the hurt seems unbearable, Satan sees it as an opportunity to attempt to bring a family or an individual into permanent bondage.
The death of a loved one, divorce, or the severing of a close relationship can bring grief; and most people go through a grieving process. The key to victory is to understand the difference between a normal, balanced "grieving process" and a spirit of grief that will try to attach itself to the hurting person. One helps the grieving person get better with the passing of time; the other causes him to get worse and sink deeper and deeper into the pit of despair.
I believe that one of the reasons why people, especially Christians, get into bondage during these trying times is due to a lack of understanding about the "grieving process." The term simply describes a succession of events that may occur in a person's life when something or someone that means a lot to them is suddenly no longer there.
Obviously, all people do not experience the same things in the same degrees; but we do have emotions that can be wounded and bruised and must be healed. Healing is a process—unless God gives a miracle, which He does at times—but more frequently, He walks His children through things step by step.
Shock and denial are two of the first things a person may encounter when tragedy occurs. Actually, God uses these to protect us from devastation. To illustrate, consider an automobile's shock absorbers. They are designed to cushion the vehicle from unexpected bumps in the road. Without them, it would fall apart from the violence of the blows it encounters during its travels.
People are often the same way. We are traveling on the road of life, and most of us are not expecting bumps and potholes. Therefore, we are not ready for them when they suddenly show up. Our Holy Ghost-installed "shock absorbers" cushion the blow until we can readjust and adapt our thinking to accommodate the sudden change in the ride. Shock and denial are good if they are temporary; however, they become a major problem if people permanently refuse to face reality and to learn how to deal with them.
The next thing people may (and often do) feel is anger—at themselves. They begin to think of things they wish they would or would not have done that might have made the situation better or prevented it. Satan wants us to live in regrets. Who is alive that would not say, "I wish I hadn't done that!" or "I wish I had done this"? Satan seeks to place blame; and it is intended to throw a person into a lifetime of guilt, condemnation, and self-hatred.
The apostle Paul stated in Philippians 3:13, ...one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I like the phrase in the Amplified translation, "straining." This tells me that whenever I may have to "press on", there will be opposition from the enemy.
Endings always bring new beginnings.
Satan strives to keep us out of the new place that God has prepared. He wants to trap us in the past and causes us to live in permanent misery. Self-anger and self-blame will accomplish the devil's purpose.
People may also experience anger at the person who left them—even if they died. My aunt told me that after my uncle died, she would sometimes beat his pillow at night and yell, "Why did you leave me?" Obviously, her intellect knew that he did not purposely leave her, but her emotions were speaking. We must realize that emotions have a voice; and when they are wounded, they may react like a wounded animal. Wounded animals can be quite dangerous, and so can wounded emotions be, if they are followed.
The grieving person needs to be taught about this grieving process and some of the things he may experience. He must also be taught to place little or no value on his feelings—and not to follow them. For a person who has experienced a major loss, it is not the time to be making serious decisions nor the time to deal with other issues that may be anxiety producing or emotionally upsetting.
Anger at God is quite common. People frequently ask, "If God is good, all powerful, and full of love for us, why didn't He stop the thing that caused the pain?" Satan seeks to build a wall between God and the hurting person. He seizes the opportunity to say, "God is not good, and He cannot be trusted." However, we know that it is a lie. Satan is a liar and the father of lies. The truth is not in him according to the Word of God.
Verses 12 and 13 of James 1 states, Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one.
And verse 17 says, Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].
In other words, God is good; and He cannot be anything else. Furthermore, He is not one way one time and another way another time. He does not change. He is good, and that is the way He is. But what about the original question? Since God is good and all-powerful, why didn't He stop this thing before it brought all the hurt and pain?
To be very honest, these are questions for which we do not have completely sufficient answers.
I Corinthians 13:12 says, ...Now I know in part (imperfectly)... Trust always requires unanswered questions!
We want answers to everything, but we must come to the place where we are satisfied to know the One who knows and place our trust in Him. Being mad at God is foolish because He is the only One who can bring the needed help and comfort to the grieving or bereaved person.
Finally, people also get angry at the devil. This is normal and even good if the anger is properly expressed. The only way to repay the devil for hurt and devastation in our personal lives is to aggressively and vehemently do the works of Jesus. I receive much comfort and joy from Romans 12:21, ...overcome (master) evil with good.
People experiencing tragedy often go through stages of emotions expressed as sobbing and hysteria. These may come and go when least expected. Even people who are normally quite unemotional may experience a great deal of emotion during times of loss.
In general, people are afraid of emotions; and an uncontrolled display of these emotions is even more fearful. I encourage you to "fear not" because it will pass. Good understanding and a lot of help from the Holy Spirit will bring you through this kind of situation.
Confusion, disorientation, and fear are common. Depression and waves of overwhelming feelings are experienced by many, as well as, physical symptoms caused by the emotional stress, with which the wounded person is dealing. I believe the key word in these situations is balance.
The Bible talks of how King David was feeling depressed, but he resisted it. He did not sink into it, nor get into the pit of despair. He described how he felt, but he made a decision not to live by his feelings (read Psalm 42:5-11 and Psalm 143). People have often confided to me their discouragement from being made to feel (by others) that they had insufficient faith when they go through experiences like this.
I believe it often takes more faith to go through something victoriously than to be delivered from it. There are some that experience complete deliverance from grief after a great loss, but that does not happen to all people. There are others, and I might even say most of us, who go through very emotionally difficult times when tragic loss occurs. Those who are walking in faith come out of it, and they come out of it better than when they went in.
In closing, let me say, "Do not lose your hope!" If you are hurting right now due to a loss in your life, I want to say to you that a new beginning is in front of you. You may go through some things that you will never understand, but you can trust God to work them out for your good. What Satan intends for your harm, God can turn around for your good!
The death of a loved one, divorce, or the severing of a close relationship can bring grief; and most people go through a grieving process. The key to victory is to understand the difference between a normal, balanced "grieving process" and a spirit of grief that will try to attach itself to the hurting person. One helps the grieving person get better with the passing of time; the other causes him to get worse and sink deeper and deeper into the pit of despair.
I believe that one of the reasons why people, especially Christians, get into bondage during these trying times is due to a lack of understanding about the "grieving process." The term simply describes a succession of events that may occur in a person's life when something or someone that means a lot to them is suddenly no longer there.
Obviously, all people do not experience the same things in the same degrees; but we do have emotions that can be wounded and bruised and must be healed. Healing is a process—unless God gives a miracle, which He does at times—but more frequently, He walks His children through things step by step.
Shock and denial are two of the first things a person may encounter when tragedy occurs. Actually, God uses these to protect us from devastation. To illustrate, consider an automobile's shock absorbers. They are designed to cushion the vehicle from unexpected bumps in the road. Without them, it would fall apart from the violence of the blows it encounters during its travels.
People are often the same way. We are traveling on the road of life, and most of us are not expecting bumps and potholes. Therefore, we are not ready for them when they suddenly show up. Our Holy Ghost-installed "shock absorbers" cushion the blow until we can readjust and adapt our thinking to accommodate the sudden change in the ride. Shock and denial are good if they are temporary; however, they become a major problem if people permanently refuse to face reality and to learn how to deal with them.
The next thing people may (and often do) feel is anger—at themselves. They begin to think of things they wish they would or would not have done that might have made the situation better or prevented it. Satan wants us to live in regrets. Who is alive that would not say, "I wish I hadn't done that!" or "I wish I had done this"? Satan seeks to place blame; and it is intended to throw a person into a lifetime of guilt, condemnation, and self-hatred.
The apostle Paul stated in Philippians 3:13, ...one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I like the phrase in the Amplified translation, "straining." This tells me that whenever I may have to "press on", there will be opposition from the enemy.
Endings always bring new beginnings.
Satan strives to keep us out of the new place that God has prepared. He wants to trap us in the past and causes us to live in permanent misery. Self-anger and self-blame will accomplish the devil's purpose.
People may also experience anger at the person who left them—even if they died. My aunt told me that after my uncle died, she would sometimes beat his pillow at night and yell, "Why did you leave me?" Obviously, her intellect knew that he did not purposely leave her, but her emotions were speaking. We must realize that emotions have a voice; and when they are wounded, they may react like a wounded animal. Wounded animals can be quite dangerous, and so can wounded emotions be, if they are followed.
The grieving person needs to be taught about this grieving process and some of the things he may experience. He must also be taught to place little or no value on his feelings—and not to follow them. For a person who has experienced a major loss, it is not the time to be making serious decisions nor the time to deal with other issues that may be anxiety producing or emotionally upsetting.
Anger at God is quite common. People frequently ask, "If God is good, all powerful, and full of love for us, why didn't He stop the thing that caused the pain?" Satan seeks to build a wall between God and the hurting person. He seizes the opportunity to say, "God is not good, and He cannot be trusted." However, we know that it is a lie. Satan is a liar and the father of lies. The truth is not in him according to the Word of God.
Verses 12 and 13 of James 1 states, Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one.
And verse 17 says, Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].
In other words, God is good; and He cannot be anything else. Furthermore, He is not one way one time and another way another time. He does not change. He is good, and that is the way He is. But what about the original question? Since God is good and all-powerful, why didn't He stop this thing before it brought all the hurt and pain?
To be very honest, these are questions for which we do not have completely sufficient answers.
I Corinthians 13:12 says, ...Now I know in part (imperfectly)... Trust always requires unanswered questions!
We want answers to everything, but we must come to the place where we are satisfied to know the One who knows and place our trust in Him. Being mad at God is foolish because He is the only One who can bring the needed help and comfort to the grieving or bereaved person.
Finally, people also get angry at the devil. This is normal and even good if the anger is properly expressed. The only way to repay the devil for hurt and devastation in our personal lives is to aggressively and vehemently do the works of Jesus. I receive much comfort and joy from Romans 12:21, ...overcome (master) evil with good.
People experiencing tragedy often go through stages of emotions expressed as sobbing and hysteria. These may come and go when least expected. Even people who are normally quite unemotional may experience a great deal of emotion during times of loss.
In general, people are afraid of emotions; and an uncontrolled display of these emotions is even more fearful. I encourage you to "fear not" because it will pass. Good understanding and a lot of help from the Holy Spirit will bring you through this kind of situation.
Confusion, disorientation, and fear are common. Depression and waves of overwhelming feelings are experienced by many, as well as, physical symptoms caused by the emotional stress, with which the wounded person is dealing. I believe the key word in these situations is balance.
The Bible talks of how King David was feeling depressed, but he resisted it. He did not sink into it, nor get into the pit of despair. He described how he felt, but he made a decision not to live by his feelings (read Psalm 42:5-11 and Psalm 143). People have often confided to me their discouragement from being made to feel (by others) that they had insufficient faith when they go through experiences like this.
I believe it often takes more faith to go through something victoriously than to be delivered from it. There are some that experience complete deliverance from grief after a great loss, but that does not happen to all people. There are others, and I might even say most of us, who go through very emotionally difficult times when tragic loss occurs. Those who are walking in faith come out of it, and they come out of it better than when they went in.
In closing, let me say, "Do not lose your hope!" If you are hurting right now due to a loss in your life, I want to say to you that a new beginning is in front of you. You may go through some things that you will never understand, but you can trust God to work them out for your good. What Satan intends for your harm, God can turn around for your good!
Kenneth Copeland: "Be a Blessing"
"Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad, and say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, Who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant." (Psalm 35:27, Amp)
If traditional religion has taught you that God wants you poor and oppressed, I have good news for you today. The Bible says, "God takes pleasure" in your prosperity. God wants you to prosper!
Not just in the financial realm but in every area of your life...spirit, soul, and body.
No matter where you are or who you are, God wants to see you delivered from every adverse situation.
Why? Because He loves you and He has a job for you to do. He wants you to help meet the needs of mankind and He's smart enough to know that you can't give away what you don't have. You can't give to spread the gospel or buy food for the hungry when you're broke. You can't go out laying hands on the sick when you're lying in a hospital bed. You can't minister joy to others when you're being held captive by depression. No! You have to be blessed to be a blessing.
If you really want to tap into the riches of God today, make up your mind to be a blessing to others, and before you know it, you'll be receiving more from God than you ever dreamed.
That's what happened to me. I decided years ago, first and foremost, to be a giver. I developed a lifestyle of giving. Today, I literally "live to give." And I don't mind telling you, God dumps blessings on me by the truckload!
He'll do the same for you if you'll become His servant--if you'll lay down your time and your money and your love for those who need it. Become a giver--and God will take pleasure in prospering you!
Scripture Study: "Genesis 12:1-4,Genesis 13:1-4"
If traditional religion has taught you that God wants you poor and oppressed, I have good news for you today. The Bible says, "God takes pleasure" in your prosperity. God wants you to prosper!
Not just in the financial realm but in every area of your life...spirit, soul, and body.
No matter where you are or who you are, God wants to see you delivered from every adverse situation.
Why? Because He loves you and He has a job for you to do. He wants you to help meet the needs of mankind and He's smart enough to know that you can't give away what you don't have. You can't give to spread the gospel or buy food for the hungry when you're broke. You can't go out laying hands on the sick when you're lying in a hospital bed. You can't minister joy to others when you're being held captive by depression. No! You have to be blessed to be a blessing.
If you really want to tap into the riches of God today, make up your mind to be a blessing to others, and before you know it, you'll be receiving more from God than you ever dreamed.
That's what happened to me. I decided years ago, first and foremost, to be a giver. I developed a lifestyle of giving. Today, I literally "live to give." And I don't mind telling you, God dumps blessings on me by the truckload!
He'll do the same for you if you'll become His servant--if you'll lay down your time and your money and your love for those who need it. Become a giver--and God will take pleasure in prospering you!
Scripture Study: "Genesis 12:1-4,Genesis 13:1-4"
Slow Down and Enjoy the Journey
Joel Osteen
Today's Scripture
Everyone wants to live joyful and victorious lives. That's what God wants for you, too, and He knows the best way to get you there. But He also wants you to enjoy the trip! Here are two things to remember today that will help you slow down and enjoy this day God has given you. First, God is in control! He is directing your steps according to His plan. Second, God has your best interest in mind at all times. That means His plan for you is good, one that is designed to help you be the person He created you to be. So relax and enjoy the journey! Let God take you where He wants you to be in His timing, not yours. Remember, God is never late!
A Prayer for Today
God, thank You that You have my best in mind. Give me patience as I wait upon Your timing and make the journey one step at a time. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Scripture
"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Everyone wants to live joyful and victorious lives. That's what God wants for you, too, and He knows the best way to get you there. But He also wants you to enjoy the trip! Here are two things to remember today that will help you slow down and enjoy this day God has given you. First, God is in control! He is directing your steps according to His plan. Second, God has your best interest in mind at all times. That means His plan for you is good, one that is designed to help you be the person He created you to be. So relax and enjoy the journey! Let God take you where He wants you to be in His timing, not yours. Remember, God is never late!
A Prayer for Today
God, thank You that You have my best in mind. Give me patience as I wait upon Your timing and make the journey one step at a time. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Kenneth Copeland: "Look Up!"
"Consider [Jesus] that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." (Hebrews 12:3)
Look up...because in times like these, your very life may depend on it.
Some time ago, the Lord showed me that a spirit of weariness is trying to work its way into our lives these days through all the pressure and bad news that surrounds us. It's working to get our eyes off the Word of God by bombarding us with negative forces. It's trying to get us to look down at defeat instead of up at Jesus.
If you let that happen, your spirit man will begin to lose his dominion. And the Word tells us what the results of that is. It says you will "be wearied and faint in your minds."
Jesus put it this way in Mark 4. He said that when the cares of this world enter into your heart and mind, they'll choke the Word and cause it to become unfruitful. And since your faith is the product of the Word, that means your faith will wither. Once that happens, you're headed for disaster.
What can you do to stop this chain reaction of weariness?
Look up! Get your eyes back on Jesus. I remember on the field of athletic competition that when an opponent allowed himself to drop his head, he was no longer dangerous. He could be very easily defeated. So keep your head up. Keep considering Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith. Consider Him instead of the cares of this world. Consider what God says in His Word. Be moved by the thoughts of God. Let His thoughts become your thoughts.
Look up! Get your eyes off the circumstances around you and onto your heavenly source. Don't be afraid you're going to lose everything. God is your Source, not the world. He can take care of you regardless of what happens around you.
If you've gotten weary lately, begin to lift your eyes. Raise your head up instead of looking down. God is up. Jesus is up. The devil is down--under your feet. Look up!
Scripture Study: Isaiah 40:21-31
Look up...because in times like these, your very life may depend on it.
Some time ago, the Lord showed me that a spirit of weariness is trying to work its way into our lives these days through all the pressure and bad news that surrounds us. It's working to get our eyes off the Word of God by bombarding us with negative forces. It's trying to get us to look down at defeat instead of up at Jesus.
If you let that happen, your spirit man will begin to lose his dominion. And the Word tells us what the results of that is. It says you will "be wearied and faint in your minds."
Jesus put it this way in Mark 4. He said that when the cares of this world enter into your heart and mind, they'll choke the Word and cause it to become unfruitful. And since your faith is the product of the Word, that means your faith will wither. Once that happens, you're headed for disaster.
What can you do to stop this chain reaction of weariness?
Look up! Get your eyes back on Jesus. I remember on the field of athletic competition that when an opponent allowed himself to drop his head, he was no longer dangerous. He could be very easily defeated. So keep your head up. Keep considering Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith. Consider Him instead of the cares of this world. Consider what God says in His Word. Be moved by the thoughts of God. Let His thoughts become your thoughts.
Look up! Get your eyes off the circumstances around you and onto your heavenly source. Don't be afraid you're going to lose everything. God is your Source, not the world. He can take care of you regardless of what happens around you.
If you've gotten weary lately, begin to lift your eyes. Raise your head up instead of looking down. God is up. Jesus is up. The devil is down--under your feet. Look up!
Scripture Study: Isaiah 40:21-31
Enjoy Life
Joel Osteen
Today's Scripture
Many people never really manage to enjoy their lives. They spend day after day just going through the motions, hoping things will get better. Maybe you're one of them. If so, listen to this: Your life can be better. You can be the happy, healthy, victorious, and overcoming champion God made you to be! Everything you need to start enjoying life is already inside you. You just need a little help to bring it to the surface. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and help bring out the best in you—because it's already there!
A Prayer for Today
Lord, I know that You have promised to give me everything I need to live a joy-filled life. Thank You for Your blessings, and help me to live a life of joy beginning today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Scripture
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalm 23:6)Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Many people never really manage to enjoy their lives. They spend day after day just going through the motions, hoping things will get better. Maybe you're one of them. If so, listen to this: Your life can be better. You can be the happy, healthy, victorious, and overcoming champion God made you to be! Everything you need to start enjoying life is already inside you. You just need a little help to bring it to the surface. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and help bring out the best in you—because it's already there!
A Prayer for Today
Lord, I know that You have promised to give me everything I need to live a joy-filled life. Thank You for Your blessings, and help me to live a life of joy beginning today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, January 1, 2007
Creflo Dollar - Daily Devotional
"...May grace (spiritual blessing) and peace be given you in increasing abundance..." (1 Peter 1:2, AMP).
God wants to bless you with His grace and peace beyond what you could imagine. No matter what may be troubling you, lay hold of these things by faith and experience true spiritual blessings from the Lord.
God wants to bless you with His grace and peace beyond what you could imagine. No matter what may be troubling you, lay hold of these things by faith and experience true spiritual blessings from the Lord.
From Veronica: Prayer for For You for 2007
I pray that peace break into your house and that thieves will come to steal your debts. I pray the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.
I pray that love will stick to your face like Vaseline and laughter assault your lips! I ask God to cause your clothes to have the smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had, forget your home address! In simple words ...
I pray that love will stick to your face like Vaseline and laughter assault your lips! I ask God to cause your clothes to have the smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had, forget your home address! In simple words ...
May 2007 be the best year of your life!!!
This is the year of completion. It's done in Jesus Name!
Kenneth Copeland: "Happy New Year"
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)
Today people everywhere are gathering together to celebrate the first bright moments of the New Year.
Yet, for thousands of others, this day will be the toughest 24 hours of their lives. For those people, New Year's will serve only as a dim reminder of loneliness and loss. It will simply mark the beginning of another year of failure.
What about you? What's this year really going to be like for you?
You may appear to be happy enough. You may be passing out seasonal smiles and holiday greetings just like everybody else. But inside, you may hurt. You may be disappointed. You may even feel like you can't go on.
If so, I want you to know something. All of that can change in an instant. You can start your life over today and make this New Year's Day the most joyful day of your life!
How many times have you said to yourself, "If I could just start over, I'd do it all differently"? That doesn't have to be simply an idle wish. Jesus Christ has actually made it possible. That's His Christmas present to you. He paid the price for all your sins. He paid the penalty for all your mistakes.
That's the reason He came to earth. That's the reason He was born--so you could start over!
You may look at your life and say, "But I've made some terrible mistakes. I've done some despicable things." That doesn't matter. Jesus paid the price for them all!
How can you make a new start? Romans 10:9 says that "if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." It's as easy as saying, "Jesus, I'm turning my life over to You. From this day forward I'm Yours."
What better time to turn your life around than on this first day of the New Year. Right now, wherever you are, just give your life to Jesus. Then jump up and down and holler, "Praise God, I'm starting all over!" And find out what it really means to have a Happy New Year!
Scripture Study: Romans 10:1-13
Today people everywhere are gathering together to celebrate the first bright moments of the New Year.
Yet, for thousands of others, this day will be the toughest 24 hours of their lives. For those people, New Year's will serve only as a dim reminder of loneliness and loss. It will simply mark the beginning of another year of failure.
What about you? What's this year really going to be like for you?
You may appear to be happy enough. You may be passing out seasonal smiles and holiday greetings just like everybody else. But inside, you may hurt. You may be disappointed. You may even feel like you can't go on.
If so, I want you to know something. All of that can change in an instant. You can start your life over today and make this New Year's Day the most joyful day of your life!
How many times have you said to yourself, "If I could just start over, I'd do it all differently"? That doesn't have to be simply an idle wish. Jesus Christ has actually made it possible. That's His Christmas present to you. He paid the price for all your sins. He paid the penalty for all your mistakes.
That's the reason He came to earth. That's the reason He was born--so you could start over!
You may look at your life and say, "But I've made some terrible mistakes. I've done some despicable things." That doesn't matter. Jesus paid the price for them all!
How can you make a new start? Romans 10:9 says that "if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." It's as easy as saying, "Jesus, I'm turning my life over to You. From this day forward I'm Yours."
What better time to turn your life around than on this first day of the New Year. Right now, wherever you are, just give your life to Jesus. Then jump up and down and holler, "Praise God, I'm starting all over!" And find out what it really means to have a Happy New Year!
Scripture Study: Romans 10:1-13
Just do it!
Joel Osteen
Today's Scripture
Fear not. That is the message David had for his son, Solomon. For many years, David wanted to build a temple for the Lord. But God told Him that specific job belonged to his son, Solomon. Solomon was young and inexperienced, and even though he knew he had a mandate from God, he was intimidated by the prospect of building a great house of worship, one that would be a dwelling place for the Most High. Your can probably understand his apprehension.
But his father David had some good advice for him. He told his son, "Forget your fear. God is bigger than your problems. He is bigger than the temple you are going to build. He is bigger than any adversity that you might face. So just get busy and do your part and God will do the rest."
Perhaps as this New Year approaches you have some changes that need to be made. Maybe you need a renovation in your marriage, finances, health, or emotions. Whatever your individual needs may be, notice the words of David, "Be strong and courageous, and do it. Fear not, be not dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you."
A Prayer for Today
God, I'm excited to see what You have planned for me this year. Whatever I face, I will not be intimidated. I will begin this year by seeing myself as You do – happy, healthy, and prosperous. Thank you for the gift of another year. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Today's Scripture
"Be strong and courageous, and do it. Fear not; be not dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail or forsake you until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord." (I Chronicles 28:20)Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Fear not. That is the message David had for his son, Solomon. For many years, David wanted to build a temple for the Lord. But God told Him that specific job belonged to his son, Solomon. Solomon was young and inexperienced, and even though he knew he had a mandate from God, he was intimidated by the prospect of building a great house of worship, one that would be a dwelling place for the Most High. Your can probably understand his apprehension.
But his father David had some good advice for him. He told his son, "Forget your fear. God is bigger than your problems. He is bigger than the temple you are going to build. He is bigger than any adversity that you might face. So just get busy and do your part and God will do the rest."
Perhaps as this New Year approaches you have some changes that need to be made. Maybe you need a renovation in your marriage, finances, health, or emotions. Whatever your individual needs may be, notice the words of David, "Be strong and courageous, and do it. Fear not, be not dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you."
A Prayer for Today
God, I'm excited to see what You have planned for me this year. Whatever I face, I will not be intimidated. I will begin this year by seeing myself as You do – happy, healthy, and prosperous. Thank you for the gift of another year. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Giving Your Dreams a New Beginning
Joel Osteen
AUDIO PODCAST
God has given you the potential for greatness. When life is unfair and pushes you down, you have to get back up, brush yourself off and let the past be the past. Then you can give new life to the dreams God has put in your heart.Joyce Meyer: "Biblical Confessions Over Your Life"
- I love all people, and I am loved by all people.
- I prosper in everything I put my hand to. I have prosperity in all areas of my life - spiritually, financially, mentally, and socially.
- All my children have lots of Christian friends, and God has set aside a Christian wife or husband for each of them.
- All my household are blessed in their deeds: we’re blessed when we come in and when we go out.
- I take good care of my body. I eat right, I look good, I feel good, and I weigh what God wants me to weigh.
- I operate in all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are tongues and interpretation of tongues, the working of miracles, discerning of spirits, the word of faith, the word of knowledge, the word of wisdom, healings, and prophecy.
- I know God’s voice, and I always obey what He tells me.
- The love of God has been shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost.
- I do all my work excellently and with great prudence – making the most of all of my time.
- I am creative because the Holy Spirit lives in me.
- I love to pray. I love to praise and worship God.
- I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. I will speak forth the righteousness of God all the day long.
- I have humbled myself, and God has exalted me.
- I am a giver. It is more blessed to give than to receive. I love to give! I have plenty of money to give away all the time.
- I cast all my care on the Lord for He cares for me.
- I don’t give the devil a foothold in my life. I resist the devil, and he has to flee from me.
- I don’t have a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.
- I am not afraid of the faces of man. I am not afraid of the anger of man.
- I am a new creature in Christ: old things have passed away, behold, all things are new.
- I have died and have been raised with Christ and am now seated in heavenly places.
- I am dead to sin and alive unto righteousness.
- I am a doer of the Word. I meditate on the Word all the day long.
- I am not passive about anything, but I deal with all things in my life immediately.
- I do not judge my sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus after the flesh. I am a spiritual man and am judged by no one.
- I take every thought captive unto the obedience of Jesus Christ, casting down every imagination, and every high and lofty thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.
- I am a responsible person. I enjoy responsibility, and I rise to every responsibility in Jesus.
- I have been set free. I am free to love, to worship, to trust with no fear of rejection or of being hurt.
- I have compassion and understanding for all people.
- I catch the devil in all of his deceitful lies. I cast them down and choose rather to believe the Word of God.
- I am Anointed by God for ministry. Alleluia!
- Work is good. I enjoy work. Glory!
- I have a teachable spirit.
- I do not think more highly of myself than I ought to in the flesh.
- Pain cannot successfully come against my body because Jesus bore all my pain.
- I am a teacher of the Word.
- I lay hands on the sick, and they recover.
- I do what I say I will do, and I get where I am going on time.
- I don’t hurry and rush; I do one thing at a time.
- God opens my mouth, and no man can shut it. God shuts my mouth, and no man can open it.
- The law of kindness is in my tongue. Gentleness is in my touch. Mercy and compassion is in my hearing.
- As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he; therefore, all of my thoughts are positive.
- I do not allow the devil to use my spirit as a garbage dump by meditating on negative things that he offers me.
- I am a believer not a doubter.
- No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper, but every tongue that rises against me in judgement, I shall show to be in the wrong.
- I am slow to speak, quick to hear, and slow to anger.
- I cast out devils and demons; nothing deadly can hurt me.
- I never bind a sister or brother with the words of my mouth.
- I am always a positive encouragement. I edify and build up; I never tear down or destroy.
- I will cry to God most high Who performs on my behalf and rewards me.
- My son (name) has a sweet personality, and he is not rebellious.
- I don’t speak negative things.
- My children love to pray and study the Word. They openly and boldly praise God.
- My children make right choices according to the Word of God.
- I am an obedient wife, and no rebellion operates in me.
- My husband is wise. He is the king and priest of our home. He makes Godly decisions.
- I use my time wisely. All of my prayer and study time is wisely spent.
- I walk in the spirit all of the time.
- My car is paid for.
- I am rich - very rich.
- I love to bless people and spread the Gospel.
- I am an intercessor.
- I receive speaking engagements in person, by phone, and/or by mail every day.
- My daughter (name) operates in Godly wisdom and discipline, and she is full of energy.
- I have a finished basement.
- I have a beautiful wedding ring.
- We have all the new furniture we need. We have a new car.
- I never get tired or grow weary when I study the Word, pray, minister, or praise God; but I am alert and full of energy. And as I study, I become more alert and more energized.
- I will to study the Word of God. I will to pray.
- My husband can see perfectly. By the stripes of Jesus, he is healed.
- I do not hate or walk in unforgiveness.
- I do not fear. I am not guilty.
Kenneth Copeland: "Don't Speak--Shout Your Victory!"
"From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised." (Psalm 113:3)
Praise God. Praise Him in the morning. Praise Him at noon. Praise Him at night. If you've never praised God in your life, then get started right now. Praise Him for freedom. Praise Him for healing and Calvary. Praise Him for the Name of Jesus.
You ought to be shouting your way to work and shouting your way back home! If there's anything the devil can't stand, it's praise.
If you've taken territory from the devil and he's coming against you to get it back, this is not the time to sit down and whine about how things aren't working out. It's not time to decide that God has taken His hand off your life.
It IS time to get into the Word and get yourself reanchored in God's promises. It is time to keep that promise constantly before your eyes and in your heart. It is time to pray the prayer of faith and take your stand on the basis of His provision. It is time to continue to do the things you know to do.
When Satan starts shaking your mountain, don't retreat and run for cover. Speak to the mountain with the authority you wield in the Name of Jesus Christ. Then, when you're done with that, start to praise and shout the victory.
You don't have to be afraid of Satan. He'll be afraid of you!
Scripture Study: Psalm 50:1-23
Praise God. Praise Him in the morning. Praise Him at noon. Praise Him at night. If you've never praised God in your life, then get started right now. Praise Him for freedom. Praise Him for healing and Calvary. Praise Him for the Name of Jesus.
You ought to be shouting your way to work and shouting your way back home! If there's anything the devil can't stand, it's praise.
If you've taken territory from the devil and he's coming against you to get it back, this is not the time to sit down and whine about how things aren't working out. It's not time to decide that God has taken His hand off your life.
It IS time to get into the Word and get yourself reanchored in God's promises. It is time to keep that promise constantly before your eyes and in your heart. It is time to pray the prayer of faith and take your stand on the basis of His provision. It is time to continue to do the things you know to do.
When Satan starts shaking your mountain, don't retreat and run for cover. Speak to the mountain with the authority you wield in the Name of Jesus Christ. Then, when you're done with that, start to praise and shout the victory.
You don't have to be afraid of Satan. He'll be afraid of you!
Scripture Study: Psalm 50:1-23
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