Blog Archives
Call Out Seeds of Greatness
Today’s Scripture:
…God…calls those things which do not exist as though they did. – Romans 4:17, NKJV.
Today’s Word:
Very often, we see potential in other people that they can’t see in themselves. When you speak vision into them, when you tell them what they can become, you can help set the direction for their life. Your words have the power to push people into their divine destiny. I believe that the reason some people are not living at their full potential is because no one has ever spoken faith into them. No one has taken the time to say, “Hey, you’re great at this. You’ve got a gift here. You’re going to do something amazing.”
I believe that one of our assignments in life is to call out the seeds of greatness in other people. Look around at who God has placed in your life. They’re not there by accident. Take time to study them. See what they’re good at. What are their gifts? What do they excel at? Don’t just think about it, speak vision into them. Tell them what they can become. Let your encouragement ignite the greatness on the inside. Help them rise up in confidence so they can be all God has called them to be!
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for the people You’ve placed in my life. I choose to be faithful, to speak life and call forth the greatness in them. Thank You for bringing me to new levels as I help others rise higher, too, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
I Declare
Posted by Joel Osteen on 9/14/2012
Our words have creative power. Any time you speak something, either good or bad; you give life to what you are saying. Scripture says, “We will eat the fruit of our words.” That means you will get exactly what you’ve been saying. You are prophesying your own future. That’s why it’s so important to send your words out in the direction you want your life to go. You can’t talk defeat and expect to have victory. You can’t talk lack and expect to have abundance. You will produce whatever you say.
Are you declaring the blessing of God over your life? Are you speaking His promises? Have you ever noticed that many of His promises are in the past tense? For example, in Ephesians God says, “I have blessed you with every spiritual blessing.” In Colossians He says, “I have made you worthy.” In Psalms He says, “I have surrounded you with favor as a shield.” These are all past tense, like it’s already happened. In order to activate His blessing, you have to come into agreement with what God has already declared about you. That’s faith!
Maybe you don’t necessarily feel blessed today. A lot of things may be coming against you in your family, finances or health. But that doesn’t change the Word of God. Circumstances don’t change what God says about you. However, what God says about you can change your circumstances. You are the deciding factor. Instead of talking about your circumstances, be bold and say, “God, if You say I’m blessed, then I believe I’m blessed! My checkbook may not say I’m blessed. The economy may not say I’m blessed. The medical report may not say I’m blessed. But God, I know You are the ultimate authority, and if You say I’m blessed, then I declare that I am blessed!”
When you get into agreement with God like that in your thoughts, words and actions, it opens supernatural doors and sets the blessing in motion. It allows Him to release the promises that already have your name on them! You can pull it out of the unseen spiritual realm over into the physical, seen realm. That’s what the Bible means when it says, “God speaks of nonexistent things as if they already existed.”
I want you to live the abundant, blessed, joy-filled life that Jesus came to give you and understand that the power of your words is a major key. That’s why I’ve written my new book, I Declare – 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life. I want you to bless your future one day at a time, one month at a time. My hope is that you’ll pick up a copy and take just a moment each day to bless your future with one of the faith-filled declarations. I Declare will be available this week—September 18. So order your copy today and begin to declare God’s blessing in every area of your life!
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
But God!
Today’s Scripture:
O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! …But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. – Psalm 3:1-3, NIV.
Today’s Word:
When David wrote this verse, He was in a very difficult situation. He was actually running for his life from his very own son who wanted to kill him and take over the throne. Can you imagine?! David was probably feeling overwhelmed, distraught, heartbroken, betrayed and abandoned. Have you ever felt that way? But notice that David didn’t just tell the Lord all about his problems. He told the Lord about his faith when he said, “But You, God, are a shield around me…” David made the choice to focus on God’s goodness no matter what.
We have to remember, circumstances may be tough, but God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. You may have a difficult relationship, but God is your Restorer today. You may have an overwhelming need, but God is your Provider today! The doctors may have told you that you have an incurable disease, but God is your Healer today! Things may look impossible today, BUT WITH GOD, all things are possible! If you’ll keep that constant attitude of faith and victory, you’ll see the hand of God move in your life, and you will experience the life of victory He has in store for you!
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for always being faithful and working in my life. Today I open my heart to You and choose to focus on You instead of my circumstances. I know that with You, all things are possible in Jesus name. Amen.
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
Bring Out The Best
Today’s Scripture:
…love is kind… – 1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV.
Today’s Word:
One translation of today’s simple verse says that “love looks for a way to be constructive.” In other words, love looks for ways to improve someone else’s life. Love brings out the best in other people. Don’t just get up in the morning thinking about yourself or how you can make your own life better. Think about how you can make someone else’s life better. Ask yourself, “Who can I encourage today?” “Who can I build up?” You have something to offer those around you that no one else can give. Someone in your life needs your encouragement. Someone in your life needs to know that you believe in them. I believe God will hold us responsible for the people He’s put in our lives. He’s counting on us to bring out the best in our family and friends.
Are you improving the lives of those around you? Are you pouring confidence in them? Why don’t you ask the Lord to give you creative ways to bring out the best in others? As you sow into the lives of others, God will send people along your path that will build you up so that you can embrace every blessing He has in store for you.
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for loving me. Thank You for believing in me and always building me up. I ask that You show me creative ways to encourage and build up the people around me. Help me to be an example of Your love in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
Take A Minute To Rest
Posted by Victoria Osteen on 9/11/2012
One day a few years back, I was moving a large wall mirror in our house. Joel wasn’t around and I couldn’t wait for him, so I decided to get it done by myself. However, I didn’t realize that it was going to be as heavy as it was. I grabbed hold of that mirror, and I started to move it. I knew exactly where I was taking it and was almost there when the mirror began to feel really heavy! I didn’t know how much longer I could carry it. I thought, “I’m struggling so much. I can’t believe it’s this hard!” But I just kept pressing on. I was close and didn’t want to give up. Then something inside of me said, “Well, why don’t you just put it down for a minute and take a break?” Well, there’s a novel idea! So I set the mirror down, repositioned my hands, and took a deep breath. Very quickly, I started to feel a whole lot better. So I picked that mirror up again with my renewed strength and kept heading to where I was going feeling refreshed and revived.
You know, I think that’s kind of how we are as Christians sometimes. We hold so tightly to things that we begin to struggle in our faith and in the promises of God. We see where we’re going, and we get so determined to get there that sometimes we do it in our own strength. I believe today God is saying to us, “Slow down. Be patient. Don’t just run until you hit the wall. Listen, I’m right here to help you. Put down the heavy load for a minute. Take a deep breath, reposition your hands, and then you’ll be renewed to go on with it.”
Notice, I didn’t let that mirror go. If I had, it would have come crashing down to the ground. But I did let go of the struggle. I took just a minute to reevaluate what was going on and how I was handling things. Maybe that’s what you need to do today. Are you carrying a load in your own strength? Do you need to pause for a moment to reposition yourself? Why don’t you ask the Holy Spirit to show you a better way? He wants to take that heavy burden and lighten your load. He wants to give you rest so you can be restored and move confidently to the place of victory.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.(Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
Child-like, Goldfish Faith
Posted by Joel Osteen on 9/7/2012
One time, I heard a story about a five-year-old boy who had some pet goldfish. He really loved his goldfish, but one day for some reason, all but one goldfish had died. Not long after, he and his father walked over to the fish tank to find that the final goldfish was floating on top of the water totally stiff. The little boy said with great disappointment, “Daddy, he died, too.” Before the father could respond, the little boy said, “Daddy, can we pray and ask God to heal my goldfish?”
Well, the boy’s father was a minister. He thought to himself, “I want my son to know that he can ask God for anything, but then I’m going to have to explain how sometimes prayers don’t get answered.” This debate about how to answer was revolving in his mind. Finally, he quit trying to reason it all out and said, “Son, if you want to pray, of course, we can pray.”
Early the next morning, the father heard a very enthusiastic “Yes!” coming from his son in the other room. He went in to see what the excitement was about. The little boy said, “Dad, it worked! The fish is just fine!” Sure enough, that little goldfish was swimming through the water as healthy as could be. The dad nearly passed out! He already had his speech lined up ready to explain everything. He threw that speech away and said in complete amazement, “Son, with God, all things are possible.”
See, when you pray, God doesn’t say, “Make sure it’s practical. Make sure it’s logical. Make sure it’s reasonable. Make sure you can figure it all out.” No, He simply says, “Believe.” When we have this simple, childlike faith, that’s when miracles happen. How do you have childlike faith? By taking God at His Word. Romans 10:17 tells us that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Make His Word a priority. Let it build your faith and see His miraculous hand of blessing move in every area of your life!
“Everything is possible for him who believes.” (Mark 9:23, NIV)
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
Characteristics Of Love
Today’s Scripture:
Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV.
Today’s Word:
Spiritual maturity isn’t measured by how long you’ve been a Christian, how much you know, or how often you go to church. Spiritual maturity is measured by the way you treat other people. It’s measured by the love you allow to operate through you. First Corinthians 13 tells us about the characteristics of love. One characteristic is that it is not rude. That means, when we are walking in love, we treat other people with courtesy and respect. Are you courteous to other people? Are you kind to the person at the checkout counter that may be moving too slowly for you? Are you gentle when you are driving down the highway and someone cuts you off? Are you patient with your family and coworkers? These are all ways we show love.
Scripture also tells us that love is patient. It is kind. It does not envy; it is not proud. It is not rude. Love is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love never fails. Notice that these characteristics don’t have anything to do with feelings. That’s because love is a choice. You can choose to walk in love toward people even when you don’t feel like it. Today, make the choice to do what is right. Choose today to show kindness and be courteous to others. Look for ways to cultivate the greatest thing in your life—love! As you do, you’ll move forward into the life of blessing God has in store for you!
Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so that I can show love to others. Teach me to be patient and kind and treat others the way You always treat me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
Pursue Loyalty
Today’s Scripture:
He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life… – Proverbs 21:21, NASB.
Today’s Word:
Have you ever noticed that righteousness and loyalty go together? In other words, if we’re not being loyal—to our family, friends, country, job—then we aren’t going to experience God’s best. Loyal people are honorable people. When you’re loyal, you stick with someone through thick and thin. When you’re loyal, you keep your word to people—even if you get a “better” offer.
Loyal people are respectful of their country and leaders. Loyal people honor their parents and defend their family. When you’re loyal, you are a person of integrity. You build trust with others. Is this an area where you can rise higher? Are you faithful in the things you’re committed to? Can you be more loyal? Don’t let the distractions of everyday life keep you from being dedicated. Look for ways to show honor to those around you. Is there something you need to set aside for the sake of a loved one? Show love by staying loyal. As scripture promises, when you pursue loyalty and righteousness, you will find the abundant life God has planned for you!
Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of life in Your Word. Show me any area where I can rise up higher by pursuing loyalty. Help me, by Your Spirit, to be more faithful and supportive to those around me. Let Your light shine through me as I pursue righteousness and loyalty today in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
You Are Equipped
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. That means you are well able to do what He has called you to do. You can accomplish your goals. You can fulfill your dreams! You have the ideas, the creativity, and talent to be successful. You can overcome any obstacle. You’ve been armed with strength for every battle.
Not only has God equipped you, but He is also working on your behalf. He has already gone before you and lined up the right people and the right opportunities. You have everything you need to live a victorious life—you were created to excel!
You may not have seen it in the past, but if you’ll stay in faith, it’s just a matter of time; victory is on its way. Don’t settle where you are. Don’t have a weak, defeated mentality. Have the attitude, “I am anointed. I can accomplish my dreams. I can overcome any obstacle. I am empowered by the Creator of the universe, and I am thoroughly equipped for every good work that God has called me to!”
Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for equipping me. Thank You for empowering me. Help me to stay focused on Your Word and Your plan for me today. Help me to walk in Your anointing so that I can do all You’ve called me to do. I bless You today in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
Line Up Your Heart
Today’s Scripture:
Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. – Psalm 86:11, NIV.
Today’s Word:
When the Lord looks at your heart, what does He see?
Everyone has an outer life and an inner life. The outer life is our public life that people can see. The inner life is made up of your thoughts, attitudes and motives. Only you and God know what’s going on inside. Too many people go around today pretending—acting one way, yet on the inside, they’re thinking something totally different. Their heart and their actions don’t line up.
We have to understand that God looks at the inside. We can fool a lot of people, but we can’t fool God. God would rather us be open and honest than for us to go through life pretending or wearing masks. Today, take inventory of what’s going on inside of you. Are you at peace? Are you overlooking offenses? Do you believe the best in people? Are your heart and actions lining up? If not, submit your ways to the Lord today and ask Him to give you an undivided heart. Live a life pleasing to Him and walk in His blessing all the days of your life!
Prayer for Today:
Dear Father, I humbly come before You today and ask that You search the deep places of my heart. Show me if there is any area where I need to line up my heart and actions. Help me to be authentic in You today in Jesus name. Amen.
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
I Am Lady Fab 