Break Strongholds

 

Break Strongholds

8/26

1 Corinthians 10:4-5

The Bible teaches that Satan tries to build strongholds in our lives. One way to identify the strongholds in your life is to watch for repetitive situations that pull your down in spirit.

 

We all know inside when something is not right in our life or is getting out of control. If that happens to you, seek God early to find out what is going on. If a negative behavior becomes repetitive, that is a signal that Satan is building himself a strong hold in your life. God will destroy the devil’s strongholds within you, if you draw near to Him.

 

Find Truth

8/27

John 8:32

If you lose your temper easily, you will never enjoy your day as God meant for it to be. Seek God with your whole heart and find out what is wrong. The way to get free from things that upset you is to find truth- the truth will always set you free.

 

We don’t always want to face truth because sometimes it is painful. Sometimes it shows us that we need to change. If we are behaving badly we make excuses for our wrong behavior. But excuses will never make us free. Let God get involved with your day; when you feel your temper flare, ask Him to reveal the truth of that situation. The Truth will always set you free to enjoy the rest of your day.

 

Get Free

8/28

Psalm 118:5

If you find yourself running late everywhere you go (even 50 percent of the time), that is evidence of a stronghold that Satan has built in your life. Get free from it or the devil will use it to keep you under pressure. You may have an excuse for every time you are behind schedule, but something is wrong if that behavior pattern is repetitive.

 

Ask God to show you how to get free from the pressure of always hurrying and being late. Starting your day with God will help you set priorities for your day. Get to the root of the problem, and enjoy the fruit of God’s indwelling presence to get you where you need to be-on time and without hurrying.

Don’t Procrastinate

Don't Procrastinate

8/25

Galatians 5:22-23

The Bible says that we are to "be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it" (James 1:22). In other words, we are to apply its teaching to our everyday lives.

 

Procrastination is one of the greatest barriers to putting God's word into action in our lives. It takes self-control to do something, and it also takes self-control not to do something.  Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit that comes into our lives by spending time with God. Ask God to fill you with the power of self-control in order to overcome procrastination and be a doer of the Word.

 

 

Get in Balance

Get in Balance

8/24

1 Corinthians 13:7

We all get emotional occasionally or lose our temper once in a while. But if you are out of balance in either one of these areas, it is very important to get back in balance if you want your day to go right.

 

If your feelings get hurt because someone looks at you crossways or because friends or family forget your birthday, you need to spend more time with God. He will fill you with so much love and such a sense of self-worth that you won’t feel ill-tempered or touchy toward anyone. Seek God with your whole heart today. Talk to Him about your problems, and then enjoy yourself, knowing that He cares for you.

Love Isn’t Touchy

Love Isn't Touchy

8/23

1 Corinthians 13:5

The Bible says that God's love in us is not touchy. If we wear our emotions on our sleeve all the time, we may need to spend more time in His presence before we face the day. Our tears can provoke sympathy, but it is better to be a giver instead of a taker all the time.

 

Starting your day with God will keep you "sweetened up" and full of confidence. As you enjoy His gentleness and kindness, you will be built up in your spirit and better able to over look the offenses of others. Ask God to give you a strong heart, one ready to love today as He does.

 

 

Speaking the Blessing TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “The tongue has the power of life and death...” (Proverbs 18:21, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Have you thought about the people in your life who need your blessing? They need your approval. They need to hear you say, “I’m proud of you. You’re going to do great things.” That’s speaking the blessing. That’s releasing favor into their future. When you say to the people you love, “I’m so glad you’re in my life. You mean the world to me,” you just gave them the blessing. When you tell one of your employees, coworkers or a student, “You amaze me with your ability. You have such a bright future,” those are not just nice compliments. When you speak the blessing, you’re releasing God’s wisdom, protection, favor and abundance into their future. You can literally help shape their destiny. One word of encouragement, one word of approval can be what helps them to really step up to who God created them to be. Today, choose to speak the blessing. Sow good seeds into the lives of the people you love. Remember, what you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. As you sow the blessing, you’ll reap the blessing and experience His victory and favor all the days of your life! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Dear Jesus, thank You for empowering me with Your love, grace and favor today. Show me ways that I can be a blessing and speak the blessing over the people I encounter today. Use me for Your glory in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen   WITH A GIFT OF ANY AMOUNT HEALER New CD/DVD resource WITH A GIFT $100 OR MORE THE STRONGEST NIV EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE Plus: HEALER

 

 

Seek God Wholeheartedly

 

Seek God Wholeheartedly

8/19

Psalm B105:4

If you have a need today, seek God with your whole heart. The Bible says to “aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are about” (Colossians 3:1).  If you seek the fruit of the Spirit wholeheartedly, God will do a work in your life so that you will enjoy the abundant life Jesus died to give you.

 

God promises, “And the Lord shall make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you this day and are watchful to do them” (Deuteronomy 28:13)

 

Be Positive

8/20

1 Corinthians 1:4-5

The Word of God says, “Depart from evil and do good; seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it!” (Psalm 34:14). “Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves]” (Philippians 2:14).

 

Be positive. Get rid of gossiping and complaining. Start your day by reading the Bible so that you will know how to speak from the authority of God’s Word. Spend time listening to God, and then tell others what you hear Him say. Bring life to whatever situations you face.

 

Control Your Temper

8/21

Proverbs 14:29

It is uncomfortable for others to be around us if we are easily angered. We need to learn how to respond to life instead of react to it, so that we can enjoy God’s power in our lives. God says that a person who can control his or her anger is better and mightier than an individual who can take a whole city. (See Proverbs 16:32).

 

God’s Word says, “Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.  For man’s anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires]” (James 1:19-20). Be a ready listener, and enjoy the freedom from anger that God offers you.

 

 Slow to Speak

8/22

1 Peter 3:10

Have you ever regretted something you said as soon as the words were out of your mouth? You can’t take back the words you speak to others - and words can damage relationships. The Bible says that if you can control your mouth, you can control your whole body (see James 3:2).

 

Before your respond to people too quickly, stop and listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say about your situation. James taught, “Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry” (James 1:19). Commit your mouth to God’s service today, and use words that speak healing to others.

 

Good Morning all,
 
I hope all is well.
 
Wanted to share Today's Word. It reminds me of Goal setting. A part of my Job Readiness Training is to help clients learn about and help to establish Goals. I start by asking:

• How many of you have Goals?
• Do you know what a Goal is?
• Do you know what a SMART (Specific, Measureable, Achievable/Attainable, Relevant/Realistic, Timely) Goal is?"

 
Some have goals, but the majority do not. They never took the time to think about where they would like to be and do in 6 month - 1 year, 1 - 5 years or even have a life vision. So I helped them by allowing them some quiet time to think of the things they would like to do, eventually have, places they would like to go/see, etc. Once I charted their response, then we turned the response into SMART goals with timeframes:
 
Life Vision: 10 years (something you want or where you want to be)
Goals: 1 - 5 years
Subgoals: 6 months - 1 year
Action Steps:  NOW - 6 months

They now see their future and have something to live for.
 
For many of you, once you reach your goal, you stop. All of your energy is gone because in some cases it was a struggle to reach that goal. Instead, you should look beyond, set another goal. Keep them going as long as you live!
 
Once my class learned about goals, they said to me "Ms. Flo, basically, if you don't have a Goal, you will die! My response, TRUE THAT! -:)
 
Have great day!
 

"If you say you can, then you can. If you say you can't, then you're right." ~Willie O'Ree

 

---

From: no-reply@joelosteen.com
To: florence_clemmons@hotmail.com
Subject: Today's Word with Joel & Victoria
Date: Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:30:00 -0500

If you are unable to see this e-mail, please click here.

 

Something Big is Coming Your Way TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?” (Isaiah 43:19, NLT) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria The God we serve is not a small God. His plan for your life is not for you to reach one level, get stuck and stay there for 30 or 40 years. His plan is to increase you, open new doors before you, and take you places that you’ve never imagined. He has something big in your future! He’s already planned out big breaks, big opportunities and big ideas for you. You may have seen God’s goodness in the past, but you have not touched the surface of what God has in your future! God is about to do a new thing! And what I sense in my spirit is the new thing is going to be far greater than you’ve ever seen before. It’s going to be bigger than you imagined. It’s going to be more rewarding than you thought possible. Now you’ve got to come into agreement and say, “Yes, God, this is for me today. I’m not going to get stuck where I am. I’m not going to go around with little dreams, little goals. I know You’re a big God, and You have something big coming my way!” A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father God, thank You for loving me and choosing me for Your good purposes. I choose to set my affection on You today knowing that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. Give me Your peace and strength as I wait patiently on You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen   WITH A GIFT OF ANY AMOUNT HEALER New CD/DVD resource WITH A GIFT $100 OR MORE THE STRONGEST NIV EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE Plus: HEALER

 

 

Ask for Help

Ask for Help

James 5:16

Addictions, habits, or negative attitudes can wear you out. If you need deliverance from some wrong behavior, the Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is your Helper (see John 14:15). Confess your need to God, and ask Him to deliver you.

 

He may lead you to confess your faults to other believers whom you can trust to pray for you. The Word says that we are to confess our faults to one another so that we may be healed and restored.  If you are out of control in some area, be honest about it. Today can be your day of deliverance.

 

Eliminate Excuses

8/17

Deuteronomy 23:14

If a habit is controlling you, you will not enjoy the best that God has to offer you. Don’t make excuses for bondages that seem to have a hold on you. Denial and excuses will keep you from enjoying your life.

 

Whether it is an eating disorder or a bad temper, you cannot blame it on your genes or your family. God makes a way of escape for us and promises a good life for those who are born again.  Claim your rights as a child of God. Say. “I am a new person in Christ; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (see Philippians 4:13).

 

God Will Change You

God Will Change You

8/18

Proverbs 19:21

Even though you may still be operating in old habits, you still have hope of change, but you can’t change yourself. God will change you, if you seek Him with your whole heart.

 

Don’t be in a hurry for God to finish working in your life. We want everything to be done instantly, but God is not interested in our schedule. The enemy may thwart your plans, but God’s plans don’t get thwarted, and He has a unique plan for you.

 

Seek God’s plan for your life. Stay on fire, red hot, zealous. Pursue His purpose for you with every ounce of energy you have. There is nothing in this world that is worth seeking more.

 

A New Direction

 

A New Direction

Psalm 10:17

Sometimes we come to an unhappy place in our lives. If we examine ourselves on those days, we will most likely discover that the things that make us most unhappy are the fruit of the choices that we made earlier.

 

Today can be a new start. I think God gave us twenty-four-hour days because He knew that was all we could handle. His mercies are new every morning (see Lamentations 3:22-23). You can start over this morning and live today for the Lord. Determine to follow wherever God leads you, and do whatever He tells you to do. You can expect better tomorrows when you live right today.

 

 

Walk in Integrity

Psalm 18:20

Talking about the word isn’t enough; we need to do what we say we believe. God will bless us if we are people of integrity. As believers, we need to keep our promises and do what we say we will do.

 

Look for ways to demonstrate integrity today. If you can’t follow through with something you said you would do for someone, at least call or write a letter, saying, “Please forgive me; I was not being led by God, and I just cannot do what I said.” This way you will honor God and keep your steps going in the right direction.

 

Stay Out of Strife

Proverbs 28:25

Probably 80 percent of the places we visit in our ministry have church members who are riddled with strife. Strife is the devil’s tool against us. It takes personal self-control to stay out of strife.

 

If you want to keep peace, you can’t always say everything you want to say. Sometimes you have to control yourself and apologize even when there is nothing in you that wants to do so. But if you sow the Godly principle of harmony and unity today, a time will come when you will reap the blessings of all it can bring to you.

 

Keep Your Promises

Keep Your Promises

8/15

Psalm 15:4-5

There are times when I make a commitment to do something that later I regret. Then I try to figure out some way to get out of doing what I said I would do. I argue, “God, surely You don’t want me to do this thing and miss this other great opportunity.”

 

The only thing the Lord ever says to me is, “You gave your word. Be a person of integrity, and I will bless you.” If we are people of integrity, God will bring other good opportunities around another time with even more blessings.

Initiate Solutions

 

Initiate Solutions

 

Deuteronomy 30:19

Sometimes we complain about things that we could change if we would stop feeling sorry for ourselves long enough to do something about them. For example, if we are lonely, we can make the effort to be a friend to someone else. We can choose to be free or remain in bondage to self-pity. We can choose to be pitiful or powerful.

 

Psalm 25:12-14 says, “Who is the man who reverently fears and worships the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way that he should choose. He himself shall dwell at ease, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship) Him and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its [deep, inner] meaning.”

 

 

Admirable Virtues

 

Galatians 5:16

“The fruit of the [Holy] Spirit, [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (and even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence)” (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

People throughout the world try to acquire these virtues through counseling or self-help books. Yet the Bible says that if we walk with God, the Spirit-filled life will produce these things within us. Give your life to God each day, and He will create a right heart in you, that will want to do the things He would have you do.

 

Sowing and Reaping

 

Sowing and Reaping

8/11

Galatians 6:10

“For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:8).

 

We can enjoy our life (and avoid trouble) if we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading.  The Word tells us not to grow weary from doing what is right, because God promises that whatever we sow today we will also reap sometime in the future. Be courageous, act nobly, and continue doing what you know is right.

 

The Power of Obedience

“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land”
(Isaiah 1:19, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Is there something in your life that you know God is asking you to do, but you just haven’t done it yet? Maybe He’s asking you to reach out to someone or let go of an addiction in your life. Maybe He’s asking you to make a commitment that you just haven’t gotten around to yet or sow a special seed. You may not fully understand why He’s asking you to do it, but know this: God is for your good. He wants to give you the best of the land. He longs to pour out His blessing and favor upon you, but you have to do your part. You have to open your heart and choose to be willing and obedient because obedience opens the door for Him to move in your life.

Today, ask the Lord to give you an obedient heart. Ask Him to show you what adjustments you need to make in your life. As you submit your ways to Him and choose obedience, you will walk in His will. You will experience God's best and live the good life that He has prearranged for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for Your good and precious promises to me. Today, I submit my heart to You in a fresh, new way. Help me to be obedient, and let the words of my mouth and the mediations of my heart be pleasing to You. I honor You and give You glory in all I do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

 
 

What Are You
Hungry For?

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled”
(Matthew 5:6, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

In the natural, what do you do when you’re hungry for something? Maybe you think of something to eat, but it doesn’t quite hit the spot. So you find something else until you are satisfied.

Spiritual hunger works the same way. You may feel a restlessness or unsettledness, but you can’t quite figure out what will satisfy it. You may try to fill that need with other things — food, addictions, people — but only God can fill that hunger. Today’s verse tells us that righteousness is what satisfies us. When you hunger and thirst for righteousness, God’s way of doing things, you will be spiritually satisfied.

Just like you have to stop what you are doing to take time to eat in the natural, you have to take time to “eat” or partake of the right things spiritually. We have to take time every day and devote it to the Lord in prayer, worship and reading His Word. We have to go the extra mile to stay in fellowship with other believers at church. But remember, when you seek God’s ways, you get God’s results — life, joy, peace and satisfaction in Him all the days of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise to fill my hunger. I open my heart to You and ask that You draw me by Your Spirit. Teach me to walk in Your ways of righteousness that I may honor and serve You all the days of my life. I bless Your name today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Don’t Waste Time

 

Don't Waste Time

8/8

Ephesians 5:15-16

We need to be so self-controlled that we don't waste time. That doesn't mean that we can never do anything fun. It doesn't mean we can't do things that we enjoy.

 

We don't need to be rigid, stiff, or boring. But we do need to use our time wisely, choosing to give the best part of our day to spend time with God.

 

The Word encourages us to be prepared, saying, "Hear counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, that you may be wise in the time to come" (Proverbs 19:20). Starting your day with God's instruction will keep you walking in wisdom, making the most of your time.

Use Self-Control

 

Use Self-Control

8/5

2 Peter 1:5-8 NIV

The Word says that a person will die for lack of discipline and instruction, and in his folly he will go astray and be lost (see Proverbs 5:23). You can’t buy discipline, but you have an inner ability to develop self-control.

By spending time with God, you can be filled with His Spirit and controlled by His power to live a calm life with a well-balanced mind of discipline and self-control (see 2 Timothy 1:7). Consciously add self-control to your behavior today.

 

Give God Control

8/6

Romans 5:4

You will not enjoy your day if anything is out of control. You can keep your temper, moods, emotions, appetite, mouth, and thoughts in line with God’s Word if you give Him control over the areas you want to subdue with faith. God created us with a free will, and we can choose the thing that is best for us.

 

Desire God’s Heart

8/7

1 Peter 4:1-2

You have desires of the flesh, but you also have desires inspired by the Holy Spirit. You have a mind of flesh, but you also “have the mind of Christ” and “hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart”

(1 Corinthians 2:16).

 

Learn to determine where your desires are coming from. Desires from your flesh don’t bring peace, but desires from God’s Spirit bring joyful rewards. Exercise self-control, and choose those desires that are planted in you by the Holy Spirit.

Control your Speech

Control Your Speech

8/2

Proverbs 15:4

The Bible says that if a person can control his speech, he can curb his entire nature: “For we all often stumble and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature” (James 3:2).

 

No one is completely mature in the lord, so there is always room for improvement. If your mouth is out of control, other areas of your life will also be out of control. Give your speech to God today. Ask Him to direct the words you speak, and allow Him to fill your mouth with words of life that lift up everyone around you.

 

Control Your Moods

Control Your Moods

8/1

Proverbs 1:3

Moods can bring strange impulses that we dare not heed. When we get moody, we want to do weird things, or neglect our responsibilities.

 

“I don’t feel like doing anything today. I am in a bad mood. Just leave me alone.”

 

Disciplined people submit their emotions to wisdom. They say, “These are my feelings, but I don’t live by my feelings. I may have moods, but they don’t dictate my actions. I am going to do exactly what I would do if I felt better.” You will enjoy your day more when you discipline yourself to do what you believe, instead of what you feel.

 

Love Your Critics

 

Rid Yourself of Clutter

7/29

Isaiah 26:3 NKJ

Sometimes we complicate our life by taking on things that God has not told us to do. We add stress, confusion, and clutter with the unnecessary things we take on and hold on to. We need to use our faith to let go of whatever clutters our mind and keeps us from peace.

 

Ask God to show you ways to simplify your life. Take an inventory today, and start throwing out whatever is filling your life with unproductive distractions. God wants you to enjoy your day, so get rid of whatever He shows you to give up.

 

Love Your Critics

7/30

Proverbs 10:17

Love your critics. Appreciate people’s correction. Appreciate God’s correction also. Proverbs 3:12 says, “For whom the Lord loves He corrects.”

 

Self-discipline is the mark of maturity. If you don’t have control of yourself in a certain area, you are undisciplined. In that area you are not mature. If you want to be a mature Christian, then you must be disciplined.

 

If you want to be free to truly enjoy your life, you must face the truth. You cannot be free if you make excuses for any area of weakness that God has pointed out to you. Everyone has weaknesses: give thanks to God if you discover one of yours today, and trust Him to be strong in that area in your behalf.

 

Get Rid of Hindrances

7/31

Proverbs 10:17

1 Corinthians 5:7

If you are serious about growing in the Lord and reaching a maturity of faith, you will embrace Matthew 5:29-30. It is a powerful Scripture which basically says: “If your eye offends you, pluck it out; if your hand offends you, cut it off.”

 

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul said, “I am running a race, and I am running it to win. Therefore, I buffet my body, I subdue it, and I handle it roughly”.

 

If you have habits or hindrances in your life that are fouling you up, get rid of them. Do it now!  Don’t waste today with regret. Ask God to show you any area in your life that needs discipline, and then draw from His vast supply of grace to make the changes you need to make.

 

complete your work

 

Complete Your Work

John 4:34

I believe the Lord wants us to finish what-ever He calls us to do, even when it requires patience, perseverance, and hard work. God wants us to grow roots and learn to endure until the fruit of His promise is manifested.

 

Be willing to endure patiently to see God’s plan take place in your life. If God has given you a vision of something He wants you to accomplish, keep doing whatever He has given you to do even when the excitement for the work is over, and all the goose bumps are gone. If you don’t have a vision, ask God to show you something that you need to do, and then commit your work to the Lord until it is completed.

 

This is you

STRONG PERSON A strong person knows how to keep their life in order. Even with tears in their eyes, they still manage to say "I'm ok" with a smile. Send this to a strong person. I just did. God is good. Change is coming. God saw your sadness and said hard times are over. If you believe in Him, send this to ten people including me. Watch what happens in thirty minutes! Be honest and send this to anyone who made you smile this year. It may surprise you how many you get back. Thanks for making me smile. Live, Laugh, Love