Thursday, July 31, 2014

Your Sun and Shield

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”  (Psalm 84:11, NIV.)
 
Today's Word:
God wants to pour out His favor and goodness in your life. He longs to be your sun and shield. What does that mean? The sun lights our way; it keeps us warm; it nourishes the plants of the earth so that we can have food. The entire earth is sustained by its relationship to the sun, and God wants to sustain you through your relationship with Him. He wants to be your shield of protection against all the fiery darts of the enemy, and He wants to light and direct your path.
 
Is there someone or something else you’ve been relying on for protection or direction? Why don’t you let go of whatever you’ve been leaning on and choose to lean of God. Open your heart and trust that He has great things for your future. Receive His favor, blessing and protection today because He is your sun and shield!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for directing and guiding me. Thank You for nourishing my heart and mind as I daily put my trust in You. Show me Your ways so that I can walk with You all the days of my life in Jesus’ name! Amen

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Mustard-Seed Faith

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea’ and it will obey you.”  (Luke 17:6. NIV.)
 
Today's Word:
A mustard seed is a very small thing. But when it’s planted, it grows into a huge tree. In the same way, Jesus is saying in this verse that a little bit of faith can bring tremendous results!
Think about this: As a believer, you already have enough faith on the inside of you to overcome any obstacle. It doesn’t matter if you grew up in church or not; it doesn’t matter what you know or don’t know; God wants to work in your life today. You may not see how things will work out, and that’s okay. All you have to do is believe God. With God, all things are possible!
 
Today, put your faith into action by declaring that your trust and hope are in Him. Thank Him for working behind the scenes in your life. Use your mustard-seed faith, and it will grow stronger and stronger. Always remember, you have everything you need when you have mustard-seed faith!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for mustard-seed faith. Thank You for equipping me to live in total victory. I choose to trust You, knowing that You have good things in store for my future in Jesus’ name. Amen

Monday, July 28, 2014

He Doesn't Need a Cloud

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“Is anything too hard for the LORD? . . .”  Genesis 18:14, NIV.
 
Today's Word:
One day, we were in the backyard on a beautiful, sunny day. We were just enjoying the blue sky when all of the sudden, out of nowhere, it began to rain even though there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. It was as blue as can be. The sun was out and very bright. But for about three minutes, there was this downpour. We thought, “Where in the world is this rain coming from?”
 
It was like God was saying, “I can make it rain whenever I want to. I can use a little cloud, a big cloud or no cloud. I’m God. I’m the All Powerful Creator of the universe. When I say rain, I don’t need a cloud. When I say healing, I don’t have to have medicine. When I say promotion, I don’t need your boss’s approval. When I say abundance, I don’t need a bank. I’m not limited by the natural. I’m a supernatural God.”
 
Whatever you are facing today, know that God has the answer no matter what things look like in the natural. Trust Him because He can make a way where there seems to be no way. He can make something out of nothing, and He doesn’t need a cloud to make it rain!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, I praise You today because You are worthy. I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I believe that You can make a way out of no way, and I look for Your rain of blessing in every area of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen

Saturday, July 26, 2014

His Ways are Higher

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  (Isaiah 55:9, NIV.)
 
Today's Word:
A lot of times, we have our own ideas about how things should work out in life. But God’s ways are not our ways. In scripture, God brought water out of a rock. Jesus told Peter to go catch a fish, open its mouth, and there was the money he needed for taxes. Another time, God caused a young lady named Mary to have a baby without knowing a man. He is God. He can use things we would expect, or He can make things happen another way.
 
With God, you don’t have to figure everything out. All you have to do is believe. In fact, it says in Proverbs, “Lean not to your own understanding.” Sometimes there is no logical solution. You’ve got to turn your mind off. If you’re constantly trying to figure it out, that’s just going to make you discouraged, depressed and frustrated. Just because you don’t see a way doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have a way. Remember, His ways are higher, and He is working behind the scenes for your good!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, I declare that my faith and trust are in You. I won’t try to figure everything out, but I will be still and listen for Your voice. I surrender my will to Yours. Thank You for Your faithfulness in my life in Jesus’ name! Amen!

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

The Power to Make a Change

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises."(Psalm 34:1, NLT).
 
Today's Word:
When you wake up in the morning, do you expect the goodness of God in your life? Do you set the tone of the day for success, favor and blessing?
 
It doesn’t matter what happened yesterday, last week, last month or last year; today is a new day. This moment, you have the power to make a change in your life. Things may be bad all around you. People may be negative, complaining and discouraged, but don’t let that spirit rub off on you. Instead, choose to bless the Lord at all times. Let His praise continually be in your mouth. Remember, the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn shining brighter and brighter until the full day.
 
Stay determined to set the tone for each new day by speaking words of faith over your future. As you do, you’ll enlarge your vision and make room for God to do amazing things in every area of your life!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, I choose to bless You at all times. I choose to set the tone to receive Your favor, grace and mercy. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me and for giving me the power to make a change in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Monday, July 21, 2014

A Glimpse of Heaven

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10, NIV).
 
Today's Word:
God longs to give you a glimpse of heaven while you are here on earth. He wants to show you His plan and bring it to pass in your life. Have you ever thought about how God’s will is accomplished in heaven? In heaven, God’s will is automatic. There are no opposing forces, no doubt, no enemy or anything that would come against His will. On earth, His will is done in our lives, first, when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior; and then, we must choose to come into agreement with His will on a daily basis through our thoughts, our words and our actions. On earth, we have to stand against the forces of doubt and darkness. We have to refuse those negative, self-defeating thoughts.
 
As you open your heart to the Word of God and invite His will to be done in your life, you are coming into agreement with God. And when you get in agreement with God, there is power! As you declare what God says about you, you will experience all He has for you and see a glimpse of heaven in your life here on earth!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, I come to You today and invite Your will to be done in my life. Have Your way in my heart and let everything I do bring glory to You in Jesus name. Amen

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Christian Support Groups

by Bonnie

I remember the first time I walked into a support group.  I was overwhelmed at the possibility that I might be pressured to speak.  My heart pounded as I walked into a room full of women.  As we prayed, I realized they were just like me, in the same boat if you will.  We were all struggling with the same issue and wanted to feel better so badly that we would spend one night a week supporting each other, learning from each other and most importantly, learning how to have authentic friendships.  I know that might sound hooky but I lived many years with people around me that I called friends but did they really really know me?  We would have fun but I would not share ALL my hurts and struggles with them.  If you know you need help with an addiction or you are a spouse of an addict, L.I.F.E. Recovery International support groups are where real healing occurs!  Try us out...you won't be disappointed.  http://freedomeveryday.org/support-group.php

Monday, July 14, 2014

Words Matter

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed."  (Isaiah 50:4, NIV).
 
Today's Word:
Your words are important. They matter. Even more so, God’s Word matters. When your words become His Words, that’s when you’ll see an explosion of His goodness, favor and abundance in your everyday life! Not only that, there are people God has placed in your life who are waiting for you to speak God’s Word over them. It doesn’t help them if you just feel for them or think about them. God’s called us to speak His Word! Your spouse needs to hear you say that God’s hand is on them, His purposes are great and His favor is opening new doors and opportunities. Your children need to hear the promises of God from your mouth. Your friends and co-workers need to hear that God has great things in store for them.
 
A Pastor I knew used to say, “Your miracle is in your mouth.” Well, someone else’s miracle might be in your mouth, too! They may need to have your words of faith deposited in them in order to take that next step of victory. Don’t hold back! Keep speaking, keep declaring, keep praying because your words matter! Make your words line up with His Word and see His blessing over every area of your life!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, today I surrender my thoughts and words to You. Show me, by Your Spirit, what to speak over my life and over my friends and family. Thank You for using me in Jesus’ name. Amen

Friday, July 11, 2014

Choose Life and Blessing

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live."  (Deuteronomy 30:19, NKJV).
 
Today's Word:
Did you know that with your words you can either bless your future or curse your future? Your words have creative power. If you want to know what your life is going to be like five years from now, just listen to what you’re saying about yourself today!
 
Too many people go around saying, “I’ll never get well.” “I’ll never get out of debt.” “It’s flu season. I’ll probably get it.” “This marriage is never going to last.” Then they wonder why they don’t see things turn around. It’s because they’re calling defeat into their future. They’re calling in mediocrity. Don’t let that be you!
 
When you get up in the morning, no matter how you feel, no matter what things look like, instead of using your words to describe your situation, use your words to change your situation. Make a declaration of faith by saying, “This is going to be a great day. I have God’s favor. He’s directing my steps.” When you do that, you are choosing life and blessing. You are calling in favor, increase and opportunities, and you will move forward in the life of blessing He has for you!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, I commit my words to You today. I choose to speak good things over my life and bless my future. Keep me close to You and use me for Your glory in Jesus’ name. Amen

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Freedom in Contentment

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."  (Philippians 4:11, NIV).
 
Today's Word:
In life, sometimes it’s easy to get so focused on our dreams and goals that we tune out everything else. We can get to the point where we’re not going to be happy until we see those things happen. But I’ve found that if we have to have something in order to be happy, our lives are out of balance. When our goals and dreams start to frustrate us, and we lose our peace and don’t enjoy life, that’s a clear sign that we’re holding on too tightly. What’s the solution? You’ve got to release it. Freedom comes when you say, “God, I’m turning it all over to You. You know my desires and what’s best for me. I’m choosing to trust You and Your timing.”
 
When we learn to be content whatever the circumstances, it takes away the power of the enemy. It takes away his ability to frustrate us. Not only that, but by our actions, we are showing our faith in God. When you choose to trust His timing, you can live in peace, you can live in joy, and you can rest in Him knowing that He has good things in store for your future. Today, find freedom in contentment and rest in His everlasting peace.
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, today I choose to trust You. I release frustration over the dreams and desires in my heart because You know what’s best for me. I choose to trust Your timing knowing that You are faithful. I will bless You in all things in Jesus’ name. Amen

Monday, July 7, 2014

Freedom in Forgetting

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."  (Isaiah 43:18, NIV).
 
Today's Word:
The Bible tells us that every person, no matter how much faith they have or how good they are, will face disappointments. It may be something simple like not getting a promotion you hoped for, or not closing a business deal you worked so hard on. Maybe you didn’t qualify for a house you really wanted, or maybe something more serious happened like a relationship not working out, or some kind of illness in your body. Whatever it may be, the reality is that we’re all going to suffer some setbacks. No matter what has happened, one of the main keys to overcoming disappointments is learning to let go of the past.
 
If you feel “stuck” today, you may want to examine what you’re holding on to. Be willing to let go of past disappointments by choosing forgiveness. Who hurt you? Who wronged you? Release it to God. Do you need to forgive yourself? Do you need to receive God’s forgiveness? Let go of the past so you can overcome disappointments and experience the bright future God has in store for you! There is freedom in forgetting!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, search my heart and mind today. Show me any area where I may be holding on to the past. Help me receive Your forgiveness so that I can extend forgiveness to others and forget the former things and move forward in Your blessing in Jesus’ name. Amen

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Stand for Freedom

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"You have been set free from sin…"  (Romans 6:18, NIV).
 
Today's Word:
Friday in America, we celebrate Independence Day. July 4, 1776 was the day America declared its independence, but the battle for freedom went on until 1783—seven years later. Even though the people declared their freedom in 1776, they had to stand and fight for many years before the British would accept and recognized the United States of America.

In the same way, we have to declare our freedom and be determined to stand against the opposing forces of darkness in our lives. We have to declare our freedom from addiction, poverty, sickness and lack. We have to stand and fight until we fully experience His freedom and the peace that He has promised.

Do you know what the early colonists did once they signed the Declaration of Independence? They read it out loud in public. They published it in the newspaper. They spread the word. They continued to declare and celebrate even though they were in the midst of the battle. Today, no matter what battle you may be facing, declare that you are free, stand for freedom, and celebrate your freedom because the victory is on the way!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for setting me free in every area of my life. I declare today that nothing can hold me back. I declare that You have set me free! Thank You for freedom and victory in every area of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

The Blessing of Forgiveness

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered."
(Psalm 32:1, NIV).
 
Today's Word:
The Bible is filled with keys to obtaining God’s promise of blessing. In Psalm 32, it says that you are blessed when your transgressions, or sins, are forgiven. See, God extends forgiveness to everyone, but we have to do our part to receive the forgiveness. We have to repent, or change our ways, with open hearts. The Bible also tells us that if we don’t forgive others, we cannot be forgiven.

Is there anyone in your life today that you need to forgive? Is there someone who has hurt or wronged you? Make the decision to forgive so that you can walk in the blessing of God’s forgiveness for you. Forgiveness doesn’t condone wrong behavior. It simply releases the person from the debt they owe you so that God can release you from the debt you owe from your own transgressions. When you make the choice to forgive and allow God to heal your heart, you will be able to receive His forgiveness for you, and you will walk in His abundant blessing all the days of your life!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for the promise of blessing in my life. I open my heart to You and ask that You cleanse me of anything that isn’t pleasing to You. Search me and show me if there is any unforgiveness in my heart so that I can release it and walk in Your blessing for me today in Jesus’ name. Amen