Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Born into Privilege

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared...”
(1 John 3:2, ESV.)
 
Today's Word:
What if you had been born to the Rockefeller family? You’d expect to have some advantages, wouldn’t you? If you were born into the Kennedy family or the Bill Gates family, you’d probably get preferential treatment. You’d expect things that other people may not expect.
 
The good news today is that when you receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, you are born again into the right family! You come from a royal bloodline. Your Father owns everything. He has special connections. Now you need to hold your head up high and start expecting to stand out from the crowd. Start expecting good breaks, divine connections and opportunities to come your way. You have favor because of who your Father is. You are born into privilege, so expect His abundant favor on your life today!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for receiving me into Your family. Thank You for pouring out Your abundant blessing on me. I love You and bless You because You are good and Your mercy endures forever in Jesus’ name. Amen

Saturday, April 26, 2014

What is God Telling You to Do?

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“…And as they went, they were cured and made clean.” (Luke 17:14, AMP.)
 
Today's Word:
One time in the Scripture, there were ten lepers who saw Jesus. They hollered out, “Jesus! Have mercy on us and make us whole!” Jesus could have healed them right then, but instead, He asked them to do something to express their faith. He said, “Go show yourself to the Priest, and you will be made whole.”
 
It’s interesting that those lepers were not supposed to be around other people. They had to live in colonies because they were contagious and considered unclean. I’m sure they debated among themselves, “Do you really think we should go? I don’t look any better. It’s just going to be a waste of our time.” But they dared to put action behind their faith. They decided, “Jesus said if we go, we will be well. Let’s go. Let’s take a step of faith.” The Scripture says, “As they went, they were made whole.”
 
Friend, what is God telling you to do in your heart today? Take a step of faith. Put action behind faith. As you step out and show that you trust what God is telling you to do, He will do mighty things in your life as well.
 


Thursday, April 24, 2014

He is Risen!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
“…He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen…”
(Matthew 28:6, NLT.)

TODAY'S WORD:
We have a reason to celebrate every day of the year because we serve a God who is alive and filled with resurrection power! Not only did He resurrect Jesus from the dead, but He wants to extend His resurrection power into every single area of your life today!
 
Maybe you have a dream to get out of debt, to pay off your house or be free from that burden of lack, but it looks like it’s impossible. Business is slow. The economy is down. You’ve gone as far as your education allows. But God is saying, “I’m not limited by those things. I’ve got resurrection power. I can give you one break that will thrust you to a new level. I can open up doors that no man can shut. I can bring talent out of you that you didn’t know you had. I can cause people, for no reason, to go out of their way to want to be good to you.”
 
Your part is to keep believing, knowing that He wants to bring you into supernatural increase. Remember, He is risen, He is alive, and He is faithful to His Word. Trust Him today and let His resurrection power work in every area of your life!

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

It Is Finished

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”  (Philippians 1:6, NLT.)
 
Today's Word:
It’s interesting that the last thing Jesus said on the cross was “it is finished.” It certainly looked like the end. It looked like it was over. But I believe that wasn’t just a statement of fact; it was a statement of faith. He was saying to His Father, “I’ve done My part. I’ve fulfilled My destiny. Now I’ve got total trust and confidence in You that You are going to finish what You started.” Even though it looked like the end, in reality, it was only the beginning.
 
Remember this when things look dark in your own life, when things aren’t going your way. Dare to make that declaration of faith just like Jesus. “It is finished.” What you’re really saying is, “God, I know You are going to turn this situation around. I know You are going to heal my body. I know You are going to restore my family. I know You are going to give me the breaks that I need.” Don’t go around complaining. Speak victory over your circumstances. Trust that He is faithful and He will finish what He’s started in you!

Monday, April 21, 2014

Now Faith

Today's Scripture:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
(Hebrews 11:1, KJV.)
 
Today's Word:
Are you hungry for more of God in your life today? The scripture tells us that faith opens the door for Him to move on our behalf. Faith is what pleases Him. It gives substance to the things we hope for and makes them tangible. We’ve all been given a measure of faith, but it’s up to each of us to put it into action. Notice today’s verse starts by saying, “Now faith.” It’s not “later” faith or “one day” faith. We have to have faith for today, right now.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Same Spirit

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you.”  (Romans 8:11, AMP.)
 
Today's Word:
When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit makes His home inside of you. That’s the same Spirit and the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. That resurrection power can bring back health, strength and life to your physical body, and it can bring back life to your hopes and dreams. In fact, it can bring life to any area that may seem dormant on the inside of you!
 
The next time you feel overwhelmed by sickness, challenges or despair, remember, as a believer in Jesus, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you! You may have been burdened by an addiction, fear, worry or sickness, but there’s nothing that can stand against the power of God! Rise up and declare by faith, “He whom the Son sets free is free indeed. I am restored and healed because the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in me!”

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Can God See Your Faith?

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“And when he saw their faith…”   (Luke 5:20, KJV.)
 
Today's Word:
Do you know what moves the hand of God? This may surprise you, but God is not moved by complaining and self-pity. He’s not even moved by our needs. Yes, He is concerned about our needs; and yes, He wants to meet our needs, but we have to do our part and invite Him to work in our lives by exercising our faith.
 
When Jesus walked the earth, oftentimes right before He healed someone, the Bible says, “When He saw their faith…” So I ask you today, can God see your faith?
 
When God sees you doing everything you can to get well; when He sees you getting to work a little earlier because you really want that promotion; when He sees you bypass the cookie jar because you’ve been believing to lose weight; when He sees you bite your tongue to keep the peace in your house; when He sees you help others when you really need more help than they do; when God sees your faith, that’s when extraordinary things will begin to happen. Faith opens the door for God to move. So demonstrate your faith today and watch the hand of God move in every area of your life!

Monday, April 14, 2014

The Sin Cliff

by Bonnie

It is spring, although in Florida it feels like summer.  I sit in the kitchen and look out the window at the beautiful multicolored sky as the sun is setting for the evening.  It was a good day.  Not much out of the ordinary, just a good day.  I savor the good days more after having so many bad days clumped so close together.  Trials are never fun and consequences for our sin are horrible.  We jump so quickly off the side of the sin cliff.  The jumping part isn’t very painful most of the time.  It involves a sense of feel good…a high.  But that high doesn’t last.  The fall gets heavy.  Sometimes with conviction, shame, or regret.  Some of us fall for a long period of time.  Others not so long.  The amount of time isn’t the issue.  The issue is we jumped. 
 
Anyone could have warned me but I’m not sure I would have listened.  My decisions were selfish and now climbing out is excruciating.  Not only does my sin affect me, it affects someone I love and treasure.  He didn’t deserve my betrayal.  He didn’t deserve to feel un-chosen, rejected or abandoned, but he does.  This particular cliff jump was from years and years ago.  I am now free from the secret but three and a half months into the rebuilding of my marriage (again) some days are still tough.  The uphill climb is more difficult than the free fall but I’m thankful that I’m climbing and not still buried down there.  Thankful that God doesn’t see us as too far gone to reach.  Thankful for His forgiveness and tender mercies.  Thankful for a husband who didn’t run away.

Stir Up Your Dreams

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you…”(2 Timothy 1:6, NKJV.)
 
Today's Word:
Do you need some freshness in your life today? It’s probably time to stir up what God has placed on the inside of you. It’s time to stir up those gifts, stir up those dreams, stir up those talents inside. Start stretching yourself. This doesn’t just mean making New Year’s resolutions; this means tapping into the destiny God has placed in your heart.
 
Scripture tells us that without vision, people perish. If you don’t have a dream, you’re not really living the way God intends; you’re merely existing. Maybe at one time you had a dream, but you went through some disappointments or setbacks. Things didn’t turn out the way you planned. But here’s a key: when one dream dies, dream another dream. Just because it didn’t work out the way you had it planned doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have another plan. You cannot allow one disappointment or even a series of disappointments to convince you that your dream is over. It’s time to dig your heels in and hold on to the promises in your heart. As you stir up those God-given dreams and desires, He’ll pour out His favor and blessings and fulfill every desire in your heart!

Friday, April 11, 2014

Is Anything too Hard for Him?

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”
(Jeremiah 32:27, NIV.)
 
Today's Word:
A friend of mine has a son who got his driver’s license a while back and really wanted a car. His father said to him, “Let’s believe that God will give you a car.” The son said, “Dad, God is not going to give me a car. You can buy me a car.” He said, “No, let’s pray.”
 
They asked God to somehow make a way for the son to have a car. The young man had one in mind, but he would have been happy with anything. A couple of months later, this man’s employer called him in and said, “For the last two years, we’ve made a mistake on your paycheck. We’ve been underpaying you.” When they handed him the check for the back pay, it was $500 more than the car they had been hoping to buy.
 
The Scripture says, “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” There is no telling what God will do if you’ll dare to believe Him. Why don’t you stretch your faith today? Give God something to work with. Declare His Word, meditate on His promises, and put Him first because nothing is too hard for Him!

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Preferential Treatment

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life…”  (Psalm 30:5, NKJV.)
 
Today's Word:
Most of the time, we think, “Oh, God’s got bigger things to deal with than me. He’s not interested in what’s bothering me.” No, you are God’s biggest deal. He wants to make you an example of His goodness. When you keep God first place, when you honor Him with your life, God puts something on you that causes you to stand out from the crowd; something that gives you an advantage. It causes good breaks and opportunities to be attracted to you. It’s called the favor of God!
 
The word “favor” means “to assist, to provide with advantages, to receive preferential treatment.” The favor of God will cause you to be promoted even though you weren’t the most qualified. God’s favor will cause your children to get the best teachers in school. It will help you find the best deals at the mall. It will put you at the right place at the right time. God is saying to you what He said to Abraham, “I’m going to assist you. I’m going to provide you with advantages. I’m going to cause you to receive preferential treatment.” Believe it and receive it for today and all the days of your life!

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Hearing His Voice

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“If only you carefully listen to the voice of the Lord your God…”  (Deuteronomy 15:5, AMP.)
 
Today's Word:
All through the day, there are two voices that compete for our attention – the voice of faith and the voice of defeat. You’ll hear a voice saying, “You’ll never rise any higher. You don’t have what it takes. You’ve reached your limit.” But if you listen carefully, you’ll hear another voice saying, “You are well able. You can do all things through Christ. Your best days are still up ahead.” You are the one who gets to choose which voice has power in your life.
 
The moment you verbalize a thought, you give it the right to come to pass. When you speak faith, you’re in agreement with God. When you speak defeat, you’re in agreement with the enemy. God-talk brings God on the scene. Enemy-talk brings the enemy on the scene.
 
Why don’t you get in agreement with God today? The negative voice may be louder, but you can override it. You can take away all of its power by simply choosing the voice of faith. Choose to declare favor, blessing and increase over your life so that you can walk in the victory the Lord has in store for you.

Monday, April 7, 2014

Eat Your Fruit

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”  (Proverbs 18:21, NASB.)
 
Today's Word:
Did you know that your words produce fruit in your life that you will partake of in the future? If you aren’t where you want to be in life today, could it be because of the words you’ve spoken in the past? Have you said things like, “I’ll never rise any higher; I’ve gone as far as I can go?” Or maybe you’ve said, “I’ll never break this addiction. I’ve had it too long. It’s too hard.” And now you are eating the fruit of your words. You’re still in the same place.
 
If you are ready to change your situation, then it’s time to change what you are saying about your situation. If you want a different harvest in your life, you have to change the seeds you are sowing. Start sowing words of faith and victory. Let your attitude be, “This may be the way it’s been in the past, but this is not the way it’s staying. I’m coming up higher. I may feel weak, but my declaration is that “I am strong.” When you sow seeds of life, you will reap life and move forward into the victory the Lord has in store for you!

Sunday, April 6, 2014

A Good and Spacious Land

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“So I have come down to rescue them…and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land…”  (Exodus 3:8, NIV.)
 
Today's Word:
Notice in today’s verse that God did not say He would bring His people into a small land; a little place, tight or crowded. No, receive this into your spirit: Just as God brought the children of Israel into a good and spacious land, so He will do the same for you! He wants to take you to the land of “more than enough,” a land of plenty of room flowing with increase, good breaks and opportunity. He wants you to live in a land where you not only have enough for yourself, but you’re so blessed that you can be a blessing to other people. 
 
If you’re not in a good and spacious place today, the challenge is: don’t settle where you are. This is not your permanent address! It’s only temporary. Keep standing, keep believing, keep pressing forward and walk into the good and spacious land God has in store for you!
 

Thursday, April 3, 2014

His Plan Will Stand

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand.”
(Proverbs 19:21, NKJV.)
 
Today's Word:
God is strategic. He has laid out an exact plan for our lives right down to the smallest details. He knows the people you need to meet in order to fulfill your destiny. He knows who is going to give you a good break and who is going to put in a good word for you. He knows when someone is going to need to be there to help you out of a difficult time. God has it all figured out. He is not vague or approximate. He is orchestrating your life right down to the very second, causing you to be at the right place at the right time so you can meet the right people that He has ordained before the foundation of the world.
 
You probably can look over your life and see how, time after time, God directed your steps to the exact moment. If you had been ten seconds earlier or ten seconds later, things would have played out differently. That’s God orchestrating His plan. That’s God ordering your steps. All you have to do is stay faithful to Him and follow His leading because in the end, His plan will stand!

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

It's No Surprise to God

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph…”
(2 Corinthians 2:14, AMP.)
 
Today's Word:
In life, we all have to deal with the unexpected. Just because we’re believers, just because we’re good people or doing the right thing doesn’t make us exempt from trouble. The scripture says, “The rain falls on the just and the unjust.” In times when something unexpected happens, or you find yourself facing a crisis, you don’t have to go into “panic mode” or fall apart emotionally. Remember, that crisis is no surprise to God. It may be unexpected to you, but God knows the end from the beginning. He has solutions to problems that you haven’t even had. He has equipped you for every battle, and He goes before you making your crooked places straight.
 
Today, focus on the fact that He is with you. Remember that He is walking with you and guiding you to a place of peace and victory. No matter what has happened, He will take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it around for your good! He always leads us in victory. So keep moving forward, trusting in the good plan He has for you!

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Just Passing Through

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“…He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake.”  (Psalm 23:3, NIV.)
 
Today's Word:
Are you in the land of “Just Enough?” Your needs are supplied. You’re grateful, but there’s nothing extra, nothing to accomplish your dreams. God is saying, “I did not breathe My life into you to live in the land of Barely Enough. I didn’t create you to live in the land of Just Enough.” Those are seasons. Those are tests. They are not permanent. Don’t put your stakes down. You are just passing through! It is only temporary. God has a Promised Land for you. He has a place of abundance, of more than enough where it’s flowing with provision. Not just one time, but continual increase, a land flowing with plenty!
 
Now if you’re in the land of “Barely Enough,” don’t you dare settle there. That is where you are; it is not who you are. That is your location. That is not your identity. You are a child of the Most High God. No matter what it looks like, you have this abundant mentality. Keep reminding yourself, “God takes pleasure in prospering me. I am the head and never the tail, and God is leading me in the path of blessing in every area of my life!”