Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Close the Door on Fear

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"And do not give the Devil an opportunity to work."  (Ephesians 4:27, ISV)
 
Today's Word:
So many people today are living with less than God’s best because they’ve allowed fear to creep in and take root in their lives. Fear is the greatest weapon the enemy uses to try to hold us back. Fear is not from God. Scripture tells us that fear brings torment. It’s designed to paralyze us and keep us from God’s blessings. 

The good news is that God is greater than fear. His power in you is greater than any power that comes against you. But in order to walk in His power, you have to close the door on the enemy of fear. The enemy can’t have access to your life unless you open a door and give him access. That’s why we have to be careful about what we watch, what we listen to, what we read, and what we say. When we open ourselves to fear, we give the enemy opportunity. 

If you’ve allowed fear to steal from you in any area of life, today you can be free—you can be finished with fear! It starts by receiving God’s love and meditating on His promises. Meditate on His truth and speak His truth which sets you free! Surround yourself in God’s love and let Him lead you into victory as you close the door on fear.
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, I come to You in faith declaring that I am finished with fear. Thank You for giving me a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. Fill me with Your peace and joy today as I worship You and move forward in victory in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Nothing Will Be Impossible

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"…now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do."(Genesis 11:6 KJV)
 
Today's Word:
In the Old Testament, the people were trying to build a tower to the heavens. The scripture says, “Nothing they imagined was impossible to them.” Their imagination was so powerful that God had to send confusion to keep them from accomplishing something for the wrong purpose. 

That same principle is true today. If we can get our imagination working for the right purpose, if we will let God paint a new picture on the canvas of our heart and see ourselves as He sees us – strong, healthy, victorious – then we can rise higher and accomplish everything He’s put in our heart. It may look impossible, but if you can imagine it, if you can see it through your eyes of faith, God is saying, “Nothing will be impossible to you.” That means you can overcome addictions by forming a new image on the inside. You can break generational curses by creating the right pictures in your imagination. You can go further than you ever thought possible if you’ll keep the right vision in front of you!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for the ability to accomplish Your purpose. I set my face toward You; I set my thoughts toward You; I set my focus on Your purpose knowing that with You, nothing will be impossible in Jesus’ name! Amen!

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Faith For Today

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:
So often, we have faith for the future. We believe “one day” God is going to do something great. One day we’ll get a good break. One day we’ll start to feel better. One day we’ll see a problem turn around. It’s good to have faith for the future and believe that God is going to take care of us, but we can become so future-minded that we lose sight of the fact that God wants to do something great in our life today. Today, God wants to show you His favor. Today, God wants to amaze you with His goodness. He is called “The Great I Am,” not “The Great I Was,” or “The Great I Will Be.” God is always in the present. 

It’s good to have faith for the future, but you also need to start releasing your faith for right now. The scripture says, “Now faith is.” The faith that’s really alive and active is the faith that you have for today. Every morning we should get up with the attitude, “Something good is going to happen to me today!”
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, today I ask for a breakthrough. I pray that You will send favor today. I pray that You will send restoration today. I pray that You will send healing today. I thank You in advance for Your goodness and grace today and every day of my life in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Growing Strong In Faith

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God.” (Romans 4:20, ESV.)
 
Today's Word:
In scripture, Abraham’s circumstances were beyond his control. He was way too old to have a child, but God promised him that he would have a son. What did he do while he was waiting? Scripture says, “He grew strong in faith by giving praise to God.” He got up every morning and said, “Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You that my baby is on its way. Thank You that You are faithful to Your Word.” He kept thanking God for what he heard in his spirit, and eventually, the promise came to pass.

Like Abraham, God has put dreams in your heart. He has spoken promises over you. Deep down you believe it will happen, but in the natural, it looks impossible. The odds are against you. It’s been so long. No, God is saying, “What I started in your life I will finish.” The key is to follow Abraham’s example and praise God while you wait. That’s one way to grow in faith. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep expecting. Grow strong in faith and see His promises fulfilled in every area of your life!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, I praise You for Your faithfulness in my life. You are worthy to receive all the glory and honor. I believe that You are making a way out of no way, so I look for Your hand of blessing and mercy in every area of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Ascend

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation."  (Psalm 24:3-5, NKJV)

Today's Word:
You were meant to rise high in heavenly places. You were meant to stand with God above the cares of this life. But notice that this verse tells us that in order to ascend, we have to make sure we have clean hands and a pure heart. How do we have clean hands and a pure heart? First of all, only Jesus can make us clean and new. Once we receive Him as our Lord and Savior, we have to choose every day to stand against the enemy and his attempts to bring us back down. It all happens in our thought life. We have to guard our thoughts by guarding what we allow to influence our thoughts. We can’t just watch any old thing on TV. We can’t just listen to any old conversation. We have to make sure that what we allow into our minds is pleasing to the Lord because what we allow into our minds will eventually affect our hearts. 

If we are going to ascend, we have to have higher thoughts; we have to have a higher way of living. Choose today to ascend in your thoughts so you can ascend in your life and receive the blessings the Lord has in store for you!

Prayer for Today:
Father in heaven, today I choose higher thoughts. I choose higher living. Help me to guard my heart and mind so that I can live a life that is pleasing to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friday, September 19, 2014

When The Intensity Gets Turned Up

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise."
(1 Chronicles 16:35, ESV)

Today's Word:
Whenever life gets difficult and it seems like the intensity has been turned up, that’s a sign you are closer to your victory. When those lies are bombarding your mind, when you’re tempted to get discouraged or feel like throwing in the towel, that’s not the time to back down. That’s the time to dig your heels in and put on a new attitude because you are closer to your victory.

Maybe you’ve had a lot of things come against you. It seems like the more you pray the worse it gets. You’re doing the right thing, but the wrong thing is happening. The easy thing is to say, “Forget it. I don’t have to put up with this.” “This marriage is never going to work.” “I’ll never be able to raise this child.” Or, “I don’t like this job.” No, instead of getting discouraged, instead of going around sour and bitter, you need to say, “I’ve come too far to stop now. I’ve been through too much to back down. I realize the reason the intensity has been turned up is because I’m about to embrace my victory!” Keep standing, keep praying, keep hoping and stay in faith even when the intensity gets turned up!

Prayer for Today:
Father, You’ve seen everything I’ve been through. You know what I’ve had to endure. I trust that You are working behind the scenes and leading me into victory. I keep my faith and trust in You and expect to see Your mighty hand in Jesus’ name! Amen

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Don't Give Up Too Soon

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward."  (Hebrews 10:35, AMP)
 
Today's Word:
We all have goals that we want to accomplish and situations we’re believing will turn around. But so often when it’s taking a long time, the negative thoughts come that say, “It’s never going to change.” “You’re never going to get well.” “You’re never going to get out of debt.” “That child is never going to straighten up.” If we’re not careful, we’ll get discouraged and end up just settling where we are. 

Many times, we miss out on God’s best because we gave up too soon. Just another few days of believing, another few weeks of doing the right thing, or another few months of staying in faith, and we would see that promise come to pass. 

Hebrews 10:35 tells us that if we will stay in faith, if we will keep believing, keep hoping, keep doing the right thing, God promises there will be a reward. One translation says, “Don’t get discouraged. Payday is coming.” When you’re tempted to get down and things are not going your way, you need to keep telling yourself, “This may be hard. It may be taking a long time, but I know God is a faithful God, and I’m going to keep believing, knowing that my payday is on its way!”
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for Your grace to stand strong no matter what I am facing. I choose to stay in faith. I choose to keep praying. I choose to keep believing, knowing that victory is on the way for me in Jesus’ name! Amen

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

He Makes All Things New

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"And He Who is seated on the throne said, ‘See! I make all things new…’"(Revelation 21:5, AMP)
 
Today's Word:
When God puts a dream in your heart, when He puts a promise on the inside, He deposits within you everything you need to accomplish that dream. He wouldn’t give you the desire to do something without giving you the ability to fulfill it. In fact, the scripture tells us that God gives us the desires of our heart. In other words, He puts the desire inside of us and then works with us to bring it to pass. 

Oftentimes, people set out to accomplish their dreams, but they face a setback or disappointment, and then they feel like their time has passed. But know today that no matter where you’ve come from, no matter what’s happened in your past, God wants to make you new. He wants to give you a “do over,” a fresh start. 

If you feel like you’ve missed opportunities in your life, if you feel like your time has passed, remember that today is a new day. You are a new person, and God has new opportunities in store for you. If one dream has died, it’s time to dream a new dream. He makes all things new in your life today!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for making all things new. Thank You for a fresh start today. I give You my past, present and future and choose to follow the good plan You have for my life in Jesus’ name! Amen!

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Keep the Right Things in Your Life

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he..."  (Proverbs 23:7, NKJV)
 
Today's Word:
God created us as visual beings. It’s so important that we create the right image in our minds because the way we see ourselves is what we move toward. Visualization is simply seeing yourself the way you want to be. It’s creating a picture in your mind of accomplishing your goals, overcoming your obstacles, and fulfilling your God-given destiny. Our imagination is extremely powerful. The way we see ourselves in these pictures that we create, over time, will not only drop down into our spirit, but if we continue to dwell on them, they get into our subconscious mind. Once something is in the subconscious, it’s just like gravity; it pulls us toward it. All these internal forces are released, and more often than not, we become just like we’ve imagined. 

If you’ll create a picture in your imagination of something you want, a dream coming to pass, a business succeeding, a picture of yourself healthy and whole; if you’ll keep that image in front of you, that’s what you’ll move toward. If you keep the Word of God in front of you, that’s what will come forth out of you. Keep the right things in your mind and the right things in your life!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for creating me in Your image. Thank You for my imagination and for the ability to change my life by meditating on Your Word. Help me to keep Your truth before me always so I can walk and live in the path You have for me in Jesus’, Your Son’s name. Amen

Friday, September 12, 2014

Love So Amazing

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"Not height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  (Romans 8:39, AMP)
 
Today's Word:
Nothing can ever separate you from the love of God! His love is truly amazing. It goes beyond any human love we could ever know. There’s nothing we can do to make Him love us more and nothing we can do to make Him love us any less. His love is true and everlasting. 

Oftentimes, when people make a mistake or feel that they have disappointed God, they think they have to stay away from Him until they “get their act together,” so to speak. But nothing could be further from the truth! He’s always there with open arms ready to receive you and make you new. Remember, God’s not mad at you; He’s madly in love with you! You are on His mind day and night. 

Today, if there is anything in your life that is keeping you from receiving His amazing love, set those things aside. Let His love restore you and make you new. Come to Him with an open heart and receive His amazing love and enjoy the blessings He has in store for you!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for Your amazing love. I receive Your love today and invite You to make me new. Transform me into the person You created me to be in Jesus’ name. Amen

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Slow But Steady: Is Social Media Addiction Creeping Up On Your Kids?



by Tara Heath

As parents, we might nag our kids about cleaning their room, putting out the garbage, and doing their homework, however a new challenge has been added to the pile: moderating social media addiction. It has now gone beyond just a phenomenon and instead may be turning into an epidemic. So much so that some are deeming it a mental health issue. The constant checking in for mundane, often useless information just to feel part of something larger than themselves has created a difficult impasse between parents and their children. This is especially true for teens.

The Manifestation

Yes, social media addiction manifests at a slow and steady pace. However, this is not to say that it can’t be reversed or, better yet, prevented. It is simply something to look for as this slow stride could be an opportunity to catch it before it gets away from you.

Like anything, the attraction seems harmless at first and then becomes all at once consuming. Here are some telltale signs:

     Spending continuous time (over an hour) on social media sites.
     Obsessed with checking Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
     Constant selfies.
     Comments from friends and family (who are friends with your child on social media) that they always see them plugged in.
     Interference with other activities such as homework, job, face-to-face relationships.
     Withdrawal and isolation.
     Sleeping with their device.

Facebook Test

Although Facebook is becoming more and more an adult social media platform, The Center for Development posted a test established by a Dr. Andraeassen and his colleagues out of Norway. It mentions Facebook, but the test can really be applied to any other platform. Give it to your child (or answer it from your observations) to determine if they are displaying social media addiction behavior.

1.    You spend a lot of time thinking about Facebook or planning how to use it.
2.    You feel an urge to use Facebook more and more.
3.    You use Facebook in order to forget about personal problems.
4.    You have tried to cut down on the use of Facebook without success.
5.    You become restless or troubled if you are prohibited from using Facebook.
6.    You use Facebook so much that it has had a negative impact on your job/studies.

In addition, a study by Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine and the Shalvata Mental Health Care Centre reported by The International Business Times (UK) concluded that, "As internet access becomes increasingly widespread, so do related psychopathologies,"

The Remedy of Moderation

Moderation can be applied to just about everything we love to do. In the case of social media, creating tools and affirmations to wean your child away from their addiction takes time and patience. Disallowing them to use their device as punishment for being on it too much rarely works, however embracing the situation along with them may.

Have a conversation with your child and implement a plan to reduce their usage - try incorporating a moderate schedule they can adhere to. Karrie Lager, a Los Angeles child psychologist, comments, "In moderation, social media can be a great way for teens to connect to others, to relate to their peers and to express themselves."

Outside Help

Your child may be averse to your attempt at quelling their addiction. Teens can be especially difficult as social media is replacing so much of their interpersonal social life. If your attempt to work out a solution creates an impasse, you may need outside help.

There are many therapists trained in addictive behavior that can assist your child (and you) professionally. It takes time, work and money but in the long run it may be the best thing you ever did your you, your family, and most importantly your child.

If social media addiction is creeping up on your child, act as soon as possible. Use some of the above tools to determine and remedy the situation. In addition, there are also many mobile applications that may also help get them on track. All it takes is a little legwork, listening, and love to bring them back to a healthy digital life.

------
Tara Heath is a journalist in California. With a passion for parenting teenagers, she loves using her expertise and knowledge to provide insight for other parents.

Giant Slayer

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men."
(Proverbs 18:16, NASB)

Today's Word:
When people hear the story of David and Goliath, sometimes they think, “That was all God.” And yes, in a sense, it was all God; but God didn’t sling the stone. David had a role to play, too. God gave David the skill that he had to develop in order to be prepared for that defining moment. 

Like David, God has put skills inside of you so that you can slay the giants in your life. You have the skills that can open new doors, skills that can lead to an abundant life, but the key is that the skills have to be developed. Every day that you spend growing, learning and improving, you’re getting prepared for that new level. 

Today, while you’re waiting for that new opportunity, start sharpening your skills. Study your boss. Study your manager. Learn that position. Be able to step into their shoes. When God sees that you are prepared, then He can open new doors. The scripture says, “Your gifts will make room for you.” Keep developing your skills because there is a giant slayer in you!

Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for depositing in me everything that I need for victory in my life. I choose to be faithful. I choose to sharpen my skills. Help me be prepared for every opportunity You have for my future in Jesus’ name. Amen

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Water the Right Seeds

by Dave

Today's Scripture:
"Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times."  (Mark 4:8, NIV)
 
Today's Word:
When somebody calls you something, either good or bad, that seed is planted in the soil of your mind. However, you get to determine whether or not that seed takes root and grows. When you dwell on what was said, you are watering the seed. You’re giving it a right to become a reality. That’s why it’s so important to have a disciplined thought life. It’s great when people tell you, “You’re blessed. You’re talented. You’re going to do great things.” Water those seeds. Meditate on those thoughts throughout the day. That’s what you want to become a reality. 

Too often, we water the wrong seeds. We dwell on what the negative people say. The naysayers can’t make a seed take root in your life. All they can do is sow the seed. You have complete control over what seeds are going to take root and grow in your own soil. 

Today, you might need to uproot some wrong seeds spoken over you. Let go of the negative and choose to dwell on the good. Dwell on what God says about you. Dwell on His word. Water the right seeds and receive the fruit of His blessing!
 
Prayer for Today:
Father, today I choose to focus on the good in my life. I choose to water the right seeds planted in the soil of my mind. I ask for Your grace and wisdom daily as I set my heart and mind on You in Jesus name! Amen