Daily Archives: August 22, 2012
Our Daily Bread – Theory Of Everything
Read: John 1:1-13
Scientists have been looking for the “Theory of Everything.” One person who thinks he found it is physicist Brian Greene, who wrote The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory. Greene’s “string theory” is a complicated concept suggesting that at its tiniest level everything consists of combinations of vibrating strands, or strings. He has described his theory as “a framework with the capacity to explain every fundamental feature upon which the world is constructed.”
Over the years, thinkers from Newton to Einstein to Hawking to Greene have spent the greater portion of their lives trying to figure out how the universe works—and they have proposed fascinating theories.
In reality, for any theory to explain everything in the universe adequately it must begin and end with God. “All things . . . visible and invisible” (Col. 1:16) have their origin in Him and exist for His glory (Ps. 72:19). The first few verses of John’s gospel tell us that our Lord created the universe—and that without His hand of creation nothing would exist.
That’s why when we consider the world and everything in it, we can exclaim with Isaiah: “The whole earth is full of His glory!” (6:3). Praise His holy name!
Sun, moon, and stars beyond compare;
His workmanship we can’t deny—
His fingerprints are everywhere. —Seals
Beyond Critical Voices
Today’s Scripture:
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise… – Micah 7:8, NIV.
Today’s Word:
Anytime you set out to do something great in life, there will be critics. If you’re going to be a great businessperson, coach, student, leader or employee, there will be opposition. The more success you have, the more opportunities there will be for distractions. The higher you go, the more haters will come out. When you start stretching to a new level and pursuing what God has placed in your heart, the jealous people, the critical people, and the small-minded people come out of the woodwork and start making negative comments, but you don’t have to let that distract you.
If you are under pressure today, if the critical voices are coming against you, know that it’s because you are making a difference. Don’t let them throw you off course. Instead, dig your heels in, set your face like a flint, and say, “I will not get distracted. I will not get drawn into battles that don’t matter. It doesn’t matter what others think; it matters what God thinks!”
Today, look beyond the critics. Stand strong in adversity. Press forward to what lies ahead and win the prize of life that He has prepared for you!
Prayer for Today:
Father, today I choose to let go of the negative voices, offenses and hurts from critical voices. I choose to focus on You and the good plan You have for me. Give me Your peace and joy as I move forward in the victory You have prepared for me in Jesus’ name! Amen.
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
What Do You Want Him to Do?
Posted by Joel Osteen on 8/17/2012
There’s a story in Matthew 20 about a time when Jesus was leaving the city of Jericho. Two blind men were sitting on the side of the road. When they heard all of the commotion of Jesus passing by, they began to holler out, “Jesus! Have mercy on us!” All of the people around them said, “Be quiet! You’re going to disturb Him.” But the blind men shouted even louder, “Jesus! Please! Have mercy on us!”
Jesus walked over to them and said something interesting. He asked, “What is it that you want Me to do for you?” It seemed obvious what they needed. They were blind. Why would Jesus say, “What do you want Me to do for you?” See, Jesus knew what their physical condition was, but He was asking about their heart condition. He wanted to know what they were believing. He wanted to know what their level of faith was. They could have said, “Jesus, we just need somebody to help us. It’s hard being blind. Jesus, we need better shelter. We need a better place to live.” But these men were bold. They knew what they wanted. They said, “Lord, we want our sight.” The scripture says, “When Jesus saw their faith, He touched their eyes, and for the first time, they were able to see.”
Today, imagine that Jesus is standing before you asking the same thing that He asked these blind men. “What do you want Me to do for you?” The way you respond is going to determine what He does. Now don’t say, “God, I just want to get by this year. Times are tough.” “God, my family is so dysfunctional. Just try to help us stay together.” “God, I don’t enjoy my job, but just help me to endure it.” Dare to say, “God, I’m asking for a blessed, prosperous year.” “God, I want to be free from this sickness.” “God, I want to see my whole family serving You.”
It’s not enough to just think about it. It’s not enough to just hope for it. Something supernatural happens when you ask. It puts a demand on your faith. When you ask, God releases His favor. When you ask, the angels go to work. When you ask, supernatural doors will begin to open. Ask in faith knowing that He hears you, and He is faithful. He will complete the good work He started in you!
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7, NIV).
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
I Am Lady Fab 