Sunday, December 28, 2014

God With Us

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel—which, when translated, means, God with us.”(Matthew 1:23, AMP)
 
Today's Word:
In scripture, Jesus was called by many names according to His attributes. In today’s verse, He is called Emmanuel, which means God with us. He’s not far away; He’s looking down on us; He is closer than the air we breathe. That means you never have to be alone or feel afraid. You never have to wonder where God is! But, we have to do our part. In the natural, you can have someone sitting right next to you and never really know them. It’s the same way with God. We have to take time to acknowledge Him as Lord and talk to Him throughout the day. When you draw near to God, He will draw near to you! 

Today, take some time to meditate on this verse. Be aware of His presence around you. Praise Him and thank Him for being Emmanuel—God with us!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for being close to me today and giving me Your comfort and peace. I acknowledge You and yield my heart to You so that I can bring You glory in everything I do in Jesus Your Son’s name. Amen.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

He is Not Limited by Your Limitations

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"Is anything too hard for the LORD? …"  ( Genesis 18:14, NIV )
 
Today's Word:
If you could see what God has stored up for you, the people you’re going to meet, the places you’re going to go, the good breaks that are going to find you, you would be amazed. It’s going to be the surpassing greatness of God's favor. But too often, we make excuses. We come up with reasons why this is not going to happen for us. “Well, that sounds good, but I don’t have the training, the talent, the connections.” Or, “I come from the wrong family. I’m the wrong nationality. I'm too short. I'll never come into my garden.”

No, God is not limited by your circumstances, your family or who is against you. When God breathed His life into you, He put a blessing on you that overrides anything that comes against you! The blessings God has stored up for you cannot be stopped by people, bad breaks or injustice. God has the final say. Be encouraged today because God is taking you to a place of blessing. Don’t focus on your circumstances; focus on your God because He is not limited by your limitations!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for blessing me beyond what I can see. Thank You for empowering me to rise above my circumstances and any limitations to boldly embrace the blessing You have for me in Jesus Your Son’s name. Amen!

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Receive Grace

by Dave


Today's Scripture:
"It is through Him that we have received grace (God’s unmerited favor) and [our] apostleship to promote obedience to the faith and make disciples for His name’s sake among all the nations." 
( Romans 1:5 AMP )
Today's Word:
Do you want to see more of God’s favor in your life? Receive His grace. Grace is God’s favor, but it’s also His supernatural empowerment. When you have God’s grace and favor, it enables you to accomplish more and be more effective both in your own life and in building the kingdom of God.

This verse says that God’s grace enables us to promote obedience to the faith and make disciples among all nations. Maybe you can’t go to all nations today, but you can make a difference in the lives of the people around you. You can “promote faith” by being an example to others. God wants to empower you with His grace so that you can show love and encourage the people in your life—your coworkers, your family, your friends.

Receive His grace today by simply opening your heart and thanking Him for it. Thank Him for His grace that empowers you. Thank Him for a gift of faith in your life. Let Him empower you to walk forward in the favor and blessing He has prepared!
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for Your promise of grace in my life. Thank You for unmerited favor. I receive Your grace and power right now and invite Your love to flow through me today in Jesus Your Son’s name. Amen.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Eternal Glory

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."  ( 2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV )
 
Today's Word:
Troubles and trials are only temporary! In fact, this verse tells us they are momentary. Compared with eternity, our troubles won’t last long at all! When you stand strong in faith during the difficult times, you are building faith in your life and also achieving eternal glory.

If you are in the middle of tough times today, look to God. The Bible says that He is the Author and Finisher of your faith. He is the one who writes faith on your heart and then develops it to completion on the inside of you. Your part is to open your heart and choose those words of faith and victory. Remember, your words set the course for your life. As you remind yourself that your troubles are only momentary and declare your trust and hope in God, you will see His hand moving in your life. It won’t be long until you’re past those momentary troubles and experiencing His eternal glory!
 
Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your eternal glory at work in me. I cast my cares on You, knowing that my trials and troubles are temporary. Thank You for Your eternal blessing on every area of my life in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

How would God have you help?


For 14 years, L.I.F.E. Recovery International has been helping God's people break the chains of addiction, empowering them to become who God has called them to be. We can continue to do this, only with financial support from caring individuals like you.
 
You can help us continue on our mission to free God's children by making a one-time donation, by pledging a monthly donation, or by increasing your current monthly pledge.
 
Please pray for L.I.F.E. Recovery, and ask God how He would have you support the ongoing work of this ministry.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

From the Desk of Bob and Johna Hale

It seems that each year more and more is happening here at L.I.F.E. Recovery. Some key accomplishments include launching new guide covers, updating L.I.F.E. Guide formatting based on feedback from recovery warriors in the field, and re-launching our website this month with a new look.

Several L.I.F.E. Guide covers have been updated to match the new branding we established last year. We strive to continue moving forward with our look and feel to match what those seeking recovery are looking for.

Looking back at L.I.F.E.’s 14th year, we continue to be amazed in what God is doing through this ministry. We have seen many touched as they entered recovery. We have helped those on the road to recovery move on to the next level in their lives.

As you know, L.I.F.E. Recovery is a 501(c)3 non-profit and while we do generate some revenue from the sales of our materials, we still depend heavily on tax-deductible donations.

Please pray about how God would have you financially support L.I.F.E. There are opportunities to pledge a monthly donation, or make a one-time year-end gift of support.

Anyone who makes a donation of $50 or more will receive a $10 e-certificate for use in 2015. Anyone who pledges a donation of $20 each month will receive a 10% discount off all purchases during 2015!


Thank you in advance for your financial support and your continued prayers for the ministry, and give praise to Him for His Grace upon those in addiction recovery.

In His Service,
Bob and Johna Hale    
President and Executive Director 


PS – Don’t forget that a $50 one-time gift gets you a $10 e-certificate for use in 2015. And a pledge of $20 monthly gets you 10% off all year long!

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Hidden in Him

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock."(Psalm 27:5, NIV)
 
Today's Word:
What a wonderful promise we have that when we seek God, when we serve Him with our whole hearts, He will hide us in His shelter. That means you can be so connected to Father God that you are untouchable and invisible to the enemy! You are hidden in Him! No matter what is happening around you, you can have strength, confidence and rest. Challenges may come your way, but you won’t be worried about them. You know that ultimately, things are going to work out for your good. You know that no weapon formed against you shall prosper.

People may be talking, trying to make you look bad, but you don’t even give it a second thought. You know that your future is too bright to be distracted. You know they don’t control your destiny. You just keep on being your best, walking in integrity, meditating on the Word and worshiping throughout the day so you can stay hidden in Him!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, I come to You today with an open and humble heart. I surrender every area of my life to You. Mold me into Your image and keep me hidden in You. I bless You and praise You today and always in Jesus Your Son’s name. Amen.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

The Way to Enter

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name."   (Psalm 100:4, NKJV)
 
Today's Word:
What an amazing privilege we have to enter boldly into His throne of grace. We serve a personal God who desires a relationship with us. We have access to Him 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! But notice that today’s verse tells us that we shouldn’t just come to Him any old way. We shouldn’t come empty-handed to the King of kings and the Lord of lords. What do we have to give that’s worthy of Almighty God? Our praise. Our thanksgiving. Our worship. We should always enter His gates with an offering of adoration from our hearts.

Praise isn’t just about singing songs on Sunday mornings. Praise is the expression of gratefulness to God for Who He is and all that He has done. Praise gets God’s attention. Praise is a powerful tool in the life of the believer because God inhabits the praises of His people! When we enter His presence the right way, He enters our circumstances; and when God shows up, the enemy must flee! Today, enter into His gates with thanksgiving and open the door for Him to move on your behalf!

Prayer for Today:
Father, You alone are worthy of my praise. Today I declare that You are good, and Your mercy endures forever! Have Your way in me by the power of Your Holy Spirit. I honor You today and submit every area of my life to You in Jesus Your Son’s name. Amen.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Ignore the Critics

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"When Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him."(Acts 11:2, NIV)
 
Today's Word:
One time, Jesus was in the temple. It was on the Sabbath, their day of rest. He saw a man with a withered hand. Jesus simply said, “Stretch forth your hand,” and immediately, the man was healed. The religious leaders, the Pharisees, were there and didn’t like Jesus. Even though He did something great, they ridiculed Him for doing it on the Sabbath, the day of rest.

No matter what you do, some people are not going to be for you. Even if you changed, met all their demands and did everything they asked, they would still find something wrong. But, we can all save a lot of heartache and pain by learning to ignore those critical voices. You don’t need those people’s approval. You don’t have to have them cheering you on. They may try to make you look bad, but if you will stay on the high road and let God fight your battles, the more they talk the more God will bless you. They may try to take you down, but God will use it to take you up. Keep focused on your future, keep focused on the Word and let His truth strengthen you to ignore the critics!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, today I set my heart and focus on You. I choose to ignore the critical voices that would try to distract me from Your plan. Help me to forgive those who come against me and always walk in love so that I can honor You in Jesus Your Son’s name. Amen

Friday, November 21, 2014

Be Still and Know

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God…’"  (Psalm 46:10, NIV)
 
Today's Word:
In our world today, most people are used to having constant activity: computers, cell phones, television, email, video games. There’s nothing wrong with any of that, but the Bible tells us that we need to stop and be still so we can focus on knowing God. This is especially true during the difficult times. When you are facing a challenge, it’s easy to want to run to a friend or talk about it with a co-worker. But at some point, you have to stop and say, “God, I rest in You. I know You have me in the palm of Your hand.”

Remember, our battles are spiritual battles. The people in your life aren’t the source of your problems, the forces of darkness are. When you choose to be still and know that the Greater One lives on the inside of you, you are putting yourself in a position of strength. So today, take time to be still before Him. Let His peace cover you. Let Him refresh you by His Spirit. Remember, the battles you face belong to the Lord. Be still before Him so you can see His hand of victory in every area of your life!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father in heaven, I humbly come before You. I choose to be still before You. Speak to my heart so I can know You more. Fill me with Your peace as I put my trust in You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Flourish Like a Palm Tree

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree…"  (Psalm 92:12, NIV)
 
Today's Word:
Have you ever seen a palm tree in the midst of a great storm? That tree may be bent so far over that it’s almost touching the ground, but when the wind finally stops, that palm tree bounces right back up. What’s interesting is that while that palm tree is hunched over under the pressure of the storm, it is actually becoming stronger. 

See, the reason God said we’d flourish like a palm tree is because He knew there would be difficult times. He knew things would come against us to try to steal our joy and victory. But God said, “You’re going to be like a palm tree because when the storms of life blow, you are going to come right back up stronger than before.” 

As you reflect on the events of your life, remember, the storms you have encountered have only made you stronger. You are wiser, you are more alive, and you are headed for victory. Your brightest days are right out in front of you! Always remember that with God on your side, you will flourish like a palm tree!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for making me strong in You. I trust that You are working in my life, even in the midst of the storms. Thank You for a new season of blessing as I keep my heart and mind focused on You in Jesus Your Son’s name! Amen.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Still Standing

by Dave

 
Today's Scripture:
"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."  (Psalm 40:2, NIV)
 
Today's Word:
All of us can look back at things that should have defeated us. Maybe a divorce or bad break should have taken you down, but look—you’re still standing! That addiction, that partying lifestyle should have killed you, but because of a praying loved one, you're still standing and becoming freer. Or, maybe you lost a loved one. You didn't think you could go on. You thought you'd seen your best days, but God breathed new life into you. He lifted you out of the pit and put a new song in your heart, and here you are today, still standing. 

When you go through difficult things, it’s an opportunity to see the goodness of God shine in the darkness. You see Him lift you up, restore you, promote you and heal you. When you have this history with God, you don't get discouraged by every difficulty. You don’t fall apart because of a disappointment. You don’t get upset because people are talking about you. You know that God brought you through in the past, and He is going to bring you through in the future! Rejoice today because you are still standing and headed to the place of total victory!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for lifting me out of my difficulty and for helping me stand on solid ground. I trust Your goodness. I know that You are faithful. Help me stay focused on Your victory in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Good Ground that Produces

by Dave
 
Today's Scripture:
"Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!"  (Matthew 13:8, NLT)
 
Today's Word:
In life, there are many kinds of seeds we can sow, but do you know what produces the best crop? The seed of God's Word planted on the soil of our hearts. The more of the Word you take into your heart, the more abundant the harvest will be. 

Our job, as believers, is to make sure we are good ground. The scripture tells us there are things that can choke the seed of the Word—the cares of this world and greed and selfishness act as thorns that stop the seed from growing. It also tells us that in order for the seed to take root, we need to stand strong during the difficult times when persecution and challenges come. 

If you have hard or dry places in your heart today, God wants to soften those areas. He promised in Ezekiel that He will take out the stony, hard heart and replace it with a new heart, a heart that is good ground and open to Him. This is the heart that will produce an abundant harvest of blessing in every area of your life!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for the seed of the Word which is alive and growing in my heart. Search my heart and mind today. Have Your way in me. Use me for Your glory and produce a harvest in me in Jesus Your Son’s name. Amen

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Know His Kindness

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"…God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance." (Romans 2:4, NIV)
 
Today's Word:
In the natural, when we’ve wronged someone, sometimes it’s easier to avoid them than to face potential rejection. People unconsciously do the same thing to God. They think He’s mad at them or disappointed in them or that He is waiting to punish them because of their past sins and mistakes. But God isn’t like that. He’s not mad at you; He’s madly in love with you! He won’t reject anyone who comes to Him! He’s not waiting to punish you—Jesus already took your punishment on the cross 2,000 years ago! Now, He’s waiting for you to receive His gift of grace. He’s waiting with arms wide open today.

It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done, His kindness leads us to repentance. Don’t let fear or condemnation hold you back. That’s a lie from the enemy. Turn to Him. Experience His goodness. Trust His faithfulness. He’s promised that He’ll never leave you nor forsake you. Don’t wait another minute—He is ready and waiting for you to come and know His kindness today!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for loving me today. Thank You for Your kindness. I come to You and let go of anything that stands in the way of You. Draw me close to You and have Your way in my heart in Jesus Your Son’s name. Amen.

Monday, October 13, 2014

Heaven's Currency



Today's Scripture:
"And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive."
(Matthew 21:22, AMP)

Today's Word:
In the natural realm, we exchange money for the things we want and need. But in the spiritual realm, faith is what we exchange. The Bible tells us that when you pray, have faith, and you will receive it. Faith moves mountains. Faith pleases God. Faith is what opens spiritual doors. What is faith? It’s believing in God and His goodness. It’s knowing that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Faith is believing that the promises of God are true. It’s obeying His Word. Faith causes you to act.

Where does faith come from? It’s a gift from God. Everyone is given a measure of faith, but we have to steward it and help it grow. Romans tell us that faith grows by hearing the Word of God. The more you hear the Word of God, the more your faith will grow. The more your faith grows, the more you will see the promises of God come to pass in every area of your life. Remember, faith is heaven’s currency. So invest your faith by investing time in His Word!

Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for giving me a measure of faith. Thank You for the gift of Your Word which is a light to my path and helps me grow in You. I choose to set my heart and mind on Your Word and listen as You speak Your truth to my heart in Jesus Your Son’s name, Amen!

Monday, October 6, 2014

Faith of a Child

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 18:3, NIV)
 
Today's Word:
Think about the faith of a child. They believe whatever they are told. They have a constant expectancy in their hearts. They keep on asking for what they desire and believe they will receive it! 

Scripture says that we must become like little children in our faith. What does that mean? That means we need to have complete reliance on God. We need to trust what He says. We should wake up every day with expectancy in our hearts thinking, “I can’t wait to see what God is going to do today…Today, I could get a good break…Today, I could be a blessing to someone in need.” 

When you go out with the faith of a child, you stay determined no matter what happens. No matter what things look like, you know that God will be faithful to His Word. You keep asking until you get an answer, and you are filled with joy until you see it come to pass!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, I come to You with the faith of a child asking in faith because You are faithful. I believe and receive every good and perfect gift which comes from You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Send it Today

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity."  (Psalm 118:24-25, NKJV)
 
Today's Word:
In scripture, David said, “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” We quote this verse often, but the next verse is very interesting. He goes on to pray, “Oh, Lord, I beseech You, send prosperity now.” He could have said, “Send it tomorrow. Send it next week. Send it, God, at least by December when my taxes are due.” No, David was bold. He had a lot of nerve. He said, “God, I’m asking You to do it for me today.”

How many people have ever prayed that prayer? You might say, “Oh, I can’t be that bold. I can’t ask God to do it right now. I can’t put my timetable on it. Surely, God wouldn’t do it today.” No, you have not because you ask not. And if it’s not God’s best, you don’t have to worry. Our asking is not going to override God’s plan. But if we never ask, how do we know it’s not happening because we’re not asking? It’s better to be bold and say, “God, these are the dreams You have placed in my heart. This is what I’m pursuing. I know You are a now God. So God, I’m asking You to give me favor and send it today!”
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for this day that You have made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. I ask that You send prosperity now. Send healing now. Send deliverance today. Move mightily in my life as I rejoice in You in Jesus’ name! Amen.