Monday, June 30, 2014

Drop Your Baggage

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"…let us strip off every weight that slows us down…"  (Hebrews 12:1, NLT).
 
Today's Word:
What’s happened in your past is not nearly as important as what is in your future. Where you’re going is much more significant than where you’ve been. But if you stay focused on the past, you’ll get stuck where you are. This is the reason a lot of people don’t have joy or enthusiasm for life. They’re dragging around all of this negative baggage from the past. Somebody offended them last week, and they’ve got that stuffed in their resentment bag. Last month, they lost their temper and said some things they shouldn’t have. They’ve got that in their guilt and condemnation bag. Ten years ago, they lost a loved one. They still don’t understand it. They’ve got that hurt and pain in their disappointment bag. They carry around their bag of regrets, all the things they wished they would have done differently.
 
Life is too short to live that way. Learn to travel light. Every morning when you first get up, forgive the people that did you wrong the day before. Forgive your spouse for what they said. At the start of the day, let go of the disappointments, the setbacks from yesterday. Start every morning fresh and new. God did not create you to carry around all that baggage. Let it go and move forward in the life of blessing He has in store for you!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, today I choose to travel light. I choose to shake off the past, shake off disappointment and forgive those who have hurt me. Heal my heart as I release everything that would try to hold me back in Jesus’ name! Amen

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Double Is Due To You!

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours."  (Isaiah 61:7, NIV).
 
Today's Word:
In the Old Testament, God’s people were going through a very difficult time. They were being held captive against their will and mistreated by other nations. God sent this word to encourage them and give them hope for their future. When the time came, God was faithful to His Word! 
 
Are you going through a difficult time today? Let this word bring you encouragement, too. We serve a God who goes above and beyond our expectations. He wants to give you double for your trouble. He wants to bring you restoration and make things even better than before.
 
If you are facing challenges today or going through a time of adversity, remember, it’s always darkest just before the dawn appears. Your days are destined to shine brighter because God is faithful. As you stay in faith and are obedient to His Word, you’ll receive double for your trouble and see God go above and beyond in every area of your life!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for directing and ordering my steps. I know that You will give me double for my trouble as I keep my heart and mind stayed on You in Jesus’ name. Amen

Thursday, June 26, 2014

How to Take Your Life Back

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"…take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
(2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV).
 
Today's Word:
Do you ever feel like things in your life are out of control? Usually that happens when we allow our circumstances to dictate our thoughts and attitudes. You might say, “Well, the economy is wreaking havoc on my business.” Or, “This relationship is just too far gone.” But today is the day to take your life back! We live in this natural realm, but as believers, we are not limited by this natural realm. We can tap into God’s supernatural power, but it starts by making every thought line up with the Word of God.
 
Take your life back by taking your thoughts back. Don’t allow the enemy to have access any longer. Instead, meditate on the Word of God daily and allow His truth to sink down deep into your spirit. Let His truth make you free.
 
Today, as you take captive every thought and boldly declare His promises over your life, you are setting yourself up for victory. You are positioning yourself to receive every spiritual blessing, and you are taking your life back!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for empowering me to live in victory today. I choose to take my life back by taking captive every thought and submitting it to You. Help me live a life that is pleasing to You, Jesus, today and every day in Jesus’ name, Amen

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Wait For It!

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarry, wait for it…"
(Habakkuk 2:3, KJV).
 
Today's Word:
God has an appointed time to fulfill the visions, dreams and desires in your heart. Just because it has taken a long time or because you’ve tried and failed doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. Don’t give up on those dreams! Don’t be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. Our God is a faithful God. No matter how long it’s been, no matter how impossible things look, if you’ll stay in faith, your set time is coming.
 
Remember, every dream that’s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God put it there. Not only that, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. Hold on to that vision today. Declare by faith, “My time is coming. God is working behind the scenes on my behalf. I will fulfill my destiny!” As you continue to hold on to that vision and speak life over your dreams, it won’t be long before you see them begin to take shape. You’ll see your faith grow, you’ll see your hope strengthen, and you’ll see yourself step into the destiny God has prepared for you!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for placing dreams and desires in my heart. I trust that You are at work to bring them to pass even when I can’t see it, even when it’s taking longer than I thought. I know that You are faithful, and I trust You completely in Jesus’ name, Amen

Friday, June 20, 2014

Don't Let Fear Stop You

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."          
(2 Timothy 1:7, NLT).
 
Today's Word:
God’s desire is that we continually progress, that we reach higher heights and go to new levels. Oftentimes, as soon as we make the decision to step out in faith and obey God, the enemy brings in fear to try to stop us. He’ll bring thoughts like, “What if you fail? What are other people going to think? You don’t have what it takes.” He’ll do his best to use fear to try to convince us to shrink back and stay where we are.
 
The Bible says that fear is a spirit. It plays on our emotions and holds us back. But the good news is that we have power over fear! The Bible says that perfect love casts out all fear. When we receive God’s perfect love, we will have confidence about the future because we know His plans are for our good. I’ve heard it said that fear is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. Understand that fear is a lie. Today, choose to believe God’s Word and receive His love so that you can overcome fear and move forward into the good life He has prepared for you!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for taking me to new levels. I know You have equipped me with a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. Thank You for Your confidence as I renounce fear and press forward in victory in Jesus’ name. Amen

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Cast Your Cares

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
(1 Peter 5:7, NIV).
 
Today's Word:
God cares so much about you today. Not only does He love and care about you, He cares about the things that you care about as well. If you have concerns, worry or anxiety about something in your life today; finances, relationships, your job or anything else, know that your heavenly Father already has a plan to take care of those things for you. It’s a good plan, and He wants to show Himself strong on your behalf.
 
The scripture reminds us that the lilies of the field and the birds of the air are cared for, how much more will your heavenly Father take care of you? Today, cast all of your anxiety on Him by choosing to trust that He is going to take care of you. Refuse to dwell on your problems and don’t allow them to steal your peace and joy any longer. Instead, choose to meditate on His Word and confess God’s promises over your life. Cast your cares on Him and experience His peace, joy and blessing all the days of your life!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for caring for me. I choose today to cast my cares on You and trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I bless and magnify You in my life today and always in Jesus’ name. Amen


Monday, June 16, 2014

When You Feel Buried

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain."  (John 12:24, NKJV).
 
Today's Word:
We all face difficulties and challenges in life. But you have to remember, as a believer in Jesus, you have the life-giving seed of Almighty God on the inside of you. When you go through disappointments or tough times, you may feel like you’ve been buried. You may feel like you’re in a dark, lonely place. You may feel like it’s the end; but in reality, it’s only the beginning. The fact is, you haven’t been buried; you have been planted. That means you’re coming back. And not only are you coming back, but you’re coming back in increase, better and stronger than before!
 
In those tough times, you’ve got to draw the line in the sand. Make a declaration, “This difficulty is not going to bury me. This loss, this disappointment, this injustice is not going to cause me to give up on my dreams. I refuse to live in self-pity. I know I am a seed. That means I cannot be buried. I can only be planted. I may be down, but it’s only temporary. I know I’m not only coming back, I’m coming back even better than I was before!”
 
Prayer for Today:
Father in heaven, thank You for filling me with Your life-giving seed. I choose today to focus on the potential for my future. I know that I will overcome every obstacle by Your power that is at work in me in Jesus’ name. Amen

Friday, June 13, 2014

Give Life to Your Faith

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"…faith without works is dead."  (James 2:20, NKJV).
 
Today's Word:
Are you giving life to your faith? If we aren’t doing something that shows that we believe God, the Bible says that our faith is dead. Dead faith won’t accomplish anything. We have to give life to our faith by putting actions behind it. It doesn’t have to be anything big, just something that shows your faith in God. For example, I know people who are down and discouraged. They pray, “God, please get me out of this discouragement. God, give me my joy back. God, give me a new beginning.” And yes, prayer is important, but it’s only part of the process. What really causes God to act is when you do something about it—you get back up, dust yourself off, and say, “You know what? I’m not going to stay down. This is the day the Lord has made! I am going to be happy and have a great day.” That’s putting action behind your faith.
 
I encourage you today to let your actions give life to your faith. Show the world that you are trusting God’s Word. As you do, you’ll give life to your faith and step into new levels of His victory and blessing in every area of your life!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for Your Word that builds faith in my heart and refreshes my soul. I choose to put action behind my faith today. I choose to give life to my faith so that You can accomplish Your will in me in Jesus’ name. Amen

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Thoroughly Equipped

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"Every scripture is God-breathed...so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work."
(2 Timothy 3:16-17 AMP).
 
Today's Word:
God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfill your destiny through His Word. The Scripture tells us that as believers in Jesus Christ, we are anointed. The word “anointing” is the power of God which gives you courage, strength and ability. When you put the Word of God in you, you are receiving that anointing, you are building your faith, and you are being equipped for every good work.
 
The next time you start to wonder if you have what it takes, go to God’s Word and stir up your faith. Focus on His truth which says you are well able to do what He has called you to do. You can accomplish your goals. You have the ideas, the creativity, and talent to be successful. You can overcome every obstacle! You’ve been armed with strength for every battle; the forces that are with you are greater than the forces that are against you, and you are thoroughly equipped!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for equipping me. Thank You for empowering me. Help me stay focused on Your Word and Your plan for me today. I trust that You have equipped me and called me for Your purpose in Jesus’ name. Amen

Monday, June 9, 2014

In His Hand

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you…I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand…"  (Isaiah 41:10, AMP).
 
Today's Word:
We all face situations in life that feel out of control. During times like these, it’s easy to get discouraged and allow fear to creep in. But instead, why don’t you focus on the fact that God is holding you in the palm of His hand. There is nothing too difficult for Him; nothing is impossible, nothing is beyond His ability. When God holds you in His hand, you are safe. You are cared for. In His hand, there is victory. In His hand, there is strength. In His hand, there is provision. In His hand is everything you need!
 
No matter what you may be going through today, you can trust that God is for you. Instead of getting down and depressed over your circumstances, look up and get a vision of God turning that situation around. Let faith arise in your heart and focus on His favor, promotion and blessing. See yourself in the palm of His hand, and see the victory and blessing He has prepared for you!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for helping me and holding me in Your victorious right hand. I choose to trust You even when things don’t make sense, even when things seem beyond my control. I release my cares to You knowing that You work all things together for my good in Jesus’ name. Amen

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Keep Faith Alive

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God."
(Romans 4:20, AMP).
 
Today's Word:
Scripture tells us that faith without works is dead. In other words, if the faith inside of us doesn’t get expression through our actions and words, it will no longer be alive. If we don’t use it, we will lose it, so to speak. We have to step out in faith in order to keep faith alive.
 
Every person has been given a measure of faith by God. When we hear the truth of God’s Word, we receive more faith. That’s why it’s so important to put the Word of God inside of you because when you do, you are building your faith. To keep that faith alive and thriving, we have to put it to use. One way to put your faith into action is through praise and worship. Praise is a supernatural force that causes you to stand strong in faith even when your thoughts or circumstances are coming against the truth. Praise keeps your thoughts going in the right direction. It’s hard to be negative when you are declaring the goodness of God!
 
Today, let praise make you stable and strong. Put that faith in your heart into action. Look for reasons to thank God. As you do, you’ll feel that inner strength and be empowered to move forward into victory all the days of your life.
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, I thank You for life. I thank You for breath. I thank You for provision, healing, strength and joy. Today I choose to put my faith in action by praising You throughout the day in Jesus’ name. Amen

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Faith Opens the Door

by Dave

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:
Do you desire to see more of God’s favor in your life today? Faith is what opens the door to favor. The Scripture tells us that faith pleases God. It also 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. Do you believe that God has blessings in store for you, right now? Do you believe He wants to pour out His favor on you, today? Don’t go around thinking that the blessing is far off. Stay in faith because faith is now, and it opens the door to His abundance all the days of your life!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for the gift of faith. I choose to believe Your Word which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Show me how to continue to grow in faith so I can be pleasing to You in every area of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Abundance

by Dave

 Today's Scripture:
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap…”  (Luke 6:38, NIV.)
 
Today's Word:
Our God is a God of abundance! He wants to pour out His abundance on you until you are so full that you are running over! But, notice how today’s verse starts. It says, “Give and it will be given to you.” That’s because your giving sets the blessing of God into motion in your life. When you give, you plant a seed. If you were to plant an apple seed, you wouldn’t just grow one single fruit. No, that one seed grows into a tree that produces an abundance of apples! That’s what happens when you obey God in your giving. You get an abundant harvest in return. You reap so much that you have to give it away, and the cycle just keeps repeating itself!
 
Is there something the Lord is telling you to give today? What do you have in your hand that you can bless someone else with? It can be financial or material, but take a step of faith today and open the door to His abundance in every area of your life!

Monday, June 2, 2014

Stretch to a New Level

by Dave
 
Today's Scripture:
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory…"
(2 Corinthians 3:18, NKJV).
 
Today's Word:
Today, if you’re not seeing in your life what God promised in your spirit, then you aren’t finished yet! What you see is only temporary. It’s time to keep moving forward. Don’t put your stakes down; don’t settle here. If where you’re living doesn’t match what God put in your spirit, be grateful, keep a good attitude, but keep stretching to a new level. If the medical report doesn’t agree with what God says about you, don’t accept it as the way it’s always going to be. Your attitude should be, “This is just a season that I’m passing through. I’m coming into health, wholeness and victory.”
 
Maybe it’s even something good. God has blessed you: a family, a job, health. You’ve seen His favor, but you know there are greater levels in front of you. It’s easy to think, “I’m happy. I have no complaints. God has been good to me.” But, I’ve learned that good is the enemy of great. You may be doing good. You’re using your gifts, but deep down you know you have more in you. Don’t let good be an excuse to keep you from God’s best. Stir up your greatness and stretch into a new level!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for taking me from glory to glory. I trust that You are leading me on a journey of faith. I trust that You are bringing to pass every dream and every desire You’ve placed in my heart in Jesus’ name! Amen!