Blog Archives
The Gift Of Today
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
Sometimes, our days can be so full and busy that we forget how precious and fragile our time on earth really is. It can be so easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy. Maybe something didn’t go your way, or someone said something upsetting. Even traffic can cause us to get our focus off if we let it. But, we have to remember that each day is a gift. If we choose to focus on what’s wrong, we’ll miss out on the beauty that each day has to offer.
I encourage you today; don’t let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for holidays and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable, a gift from heaven above. You have been given time that can be invested or wasted; hours that can be used or misused. That’s why the psalmist prayed to God, “Teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “Teach us to value every moment we’ve been given so we can live a life pleasing to You.”
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of today. I choose to focus on the blessing of each moment instead of allowing the little things to steal my joy. Keep me close to You always as I submit every area of my heart and mind to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
© 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
Stop!
READ: Psalm 131
I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. —Psalm 131:2
Life is a busy enterprise. It seems there are always more things to do, places to go, and people to meet. And while none of us would want a life without meaningful things to do, the fast pace threatens to rob us of the quietness that we need.
When we’re driving a car, stop signs and other signs warning us to slow down are reminders that to be safe we can’t have our foot on the accelerator all the time. We need those kinds of reminders in all aspects of our lives.
The psalmist clearly knew the importance of times of calm and quiet. God Himself “rested” on the seventh day. And with more messages to preach and more people to heal, Jesus went apart from the crowds and rested a while (Matt. 14:13; Mark 6:31). He knew it wasn’t wise to accelerate through life with our gas gauge registering on “weary” all the time.
When was the last time you could echo the psalmist’s words, “I have calmed and quieted my soul”? (Ps. 131:2). Put up a stop sign at the intersection of your busy life. Find a place to be alone. Turn off the distractions that keep you from listening to God’s voice, and let Him speak to you as you read His Word. Let Him refresh your heart and mind with the strength to live life well for His glory. —Joe Stowell
Life can make me weary and stressed at times.
I want to stop right now though, Lord, and take the time
to quiet my soul before You. Speak to me from
Your Word. Please refresh me.
Stop and take a break from the busyness of life so that you can refuel your soul.
To read more of Our Daily Bread online visit www.odb.org. Copyright © 2012, RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI 49555 USA
The Perfect (Colorado) Storm
3:00PM EDT 6/30/2012 BISHOP GEORGE DAVIS
Unfortunately, many of our friends in the Colorado Springs, Colo., area, as well as many in portions of the southeast United States, have recently experienced the proverbial “perfect storm.”
With the recent wildfires that have devastated Colorado and the rash of tropical storms in the southeast, many have found themselves learning to trust God at a much greater level. They have been forced to depend on Him through the most difficult circumstances.
The perfect storm is the convergence of a multitude of challenges at the same time and it is intended to reveal what a person will do when the winds of controversy, disappointment, delay, grief, pressure and distraction all hit their life at the same time. The good news in it all is that just like Jesus was there in the boat with the disciples in Mark chapter 4, He’s with us as well to help us win through all the storms of life.
Like any natural disaster, there is an understood list of dos and don’ts if one expects to survive. One key element of victory is to slow down long enough to listen for the voice of God. Jesus is our Good Shepherd and He always has a word of direction to lead us back to the still waters.
The problem is, in the midst of a storm, it takes work to settle our soul down enough to actually hear the still, small voice of the Lord. Though it requires work, it is necessary and it pays big dividends! To act before we’ve gained direction from God is a recipe to make matters worse. He is Jehovah Jireh—the God Who sees in advance and makes provision in advance. In other words, He’s not surprised by the storms we face and He always has a way for us to win if we’ll take the time to hear His voice.
Jesus said in John 14:27, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” The Amplified Bible says it this way, “Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.” Wow…pretty strong words!!
“Stop allowing yourselves … do not permit yourselves …” Jesus clearly leaves the impression that we have something to say about the peace that we’re able to experience, even in the middle of a storm. We must make a conscious decision to not let the stormy circumstances define who we are or define our expectation for the future. God is always a good God, and He is always a faithful God. So, as long as He is on our side, there is reason for hope and confidence that better days are still ahead.
So, for those who may be experiencing multiple challenges at one time, causing you to feel alone in your struggle, know that you are never alone. Jesus is there with you and there’s a host of other members of the body of Christ who are determined to pray for you until you see victory again. Things may be dark today, but with Jesus on your side, there is hope for tomorrow. So, settle into your secret place in God, release your authority by declaring what His word says concerning you, and ride out the storm until you see the daylight again!
Bishop George Davis is the author of Passing the Tests of Life. He is also the senior pastor of Faith Christian Center in Jacksonville, Fla. For more info about George Davis Ministries visit http://www.fccjax.com
Source: http://www.charismanews.com – © Copyright 2012 Charisma Media, All Rights Reserved
Living In Contentment
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
In life, it’s easy to get so focused on our dreams and goals, the things we want, that it consumes us. We can get to the point where we’re not happy, and we’re not going to be happy until it happens. 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 we’re not enjoying life, that’s a sure 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 You know what’s best for me. I’m choosing to trust You and Your timing.”
When we learn to be content whatever the circumstances, the power of the enemy is broken. 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 in 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!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, today I choose to trust in You. I release frustration over the dreams and desires in my heart, knowing that You know what’s best for me. I choose to trust in Your timing because You are faithful, and I will bless You in all things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
© 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
Celebrate Your Freedom
“You have been set free from sin…” (Romans 6:18, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
Today 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.
I love 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 and celebrate your freedom because the victory you seek is on the way!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly 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 I am free from sickness, poverty, lack and addiction. I declare that You have set me free and thank You for freedom and discipline in every area of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
© 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
I Am Lady Fab 