Favor

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

 

"Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield."

(Psalm 5:12, NIV)

 

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

 

God wants to bring you to a place of abundance! A land filled with favor, opportunity, good health and great relationships. You may not be there yet, but don't worry. Your blessing is on the way. David said in Psalm 31, "God has blessings stored up for those that love the Lord." There are businesses stored up for you that God wants to release. There is promotion stored up that has your name on it. Good health, provision, relationships — because you love the Lord, God is going to bring you into what He has already prepared. When you honor God, when you're faithful to Him, that's how you walk in His blessings. You don't have to look for them; favor is going to find you! Good breaks are going to find you!

Today, be ready to receive what He has for you. Position yourself for blessing by walking in His ways. Meditate on the Word of God, sing songs of praise. Thank Him for what He is doing because favor is looking for you!

 

 

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, thank You for blessing me. Thank You for Your favor and goodness on my life. Help me to see new ways to be a blessing to others as I daily keep my heart and mind focused on You in Jesus' name! Amen.

 

 

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James 5:16

Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.
– James 5:16

Sent from Daily Bible Inspirations

Arlene Wilson

Field Director for Mission Delivery

Key Markets East

Sent from my iPad

Speak Life

When God laid out the plan for your life, He lined up the right people, the right breaks and the right opportunities. He has blessings that have your name on them. If you will stay in faith and keep honoring God, one day you will come in to what already belongs to you. It's a prepared blessing!

Think about Adam and Eve in the garden. God took the first five days and created the heavens, the earth, the sky, the land and the water. He planted a garden. He put in it beautiful flowers and luscious fruit. He designed rivers to flow through it. He put precious treasures in the ground: onyx, gold and silver. Then scripture says, "He took Adam, whom He had just breathed life into, and put him in the garden." Notice Adam came into a prepared blessing, something that God had already finished for him.

In the same way, God has some prepared blessings in store for you. He is working behind the scenes, arranging things in your favor, getting it all perfectly in place. You couldn't make it happen on your own. It's just the goodness of God bringing you into a prepared blessing!

 

 

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, thank You for preparing a place of blessing for me. I choose to trust You and Your timing, knowing that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf in Jesus' name! Amen.

 

 

 

 

FW: Emailing: Thanksgiving2014-1024x768.htm

 

Wishes to you and your family……..

 

Like a Flood...

 

 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

 

"...When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him."

(Isaiah 59:19, KJV)

 

 

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

 

We all have times when we feel overwhelmed by life. You get a bad report, unexpected news, or someone you trusted wrongs you. What does God do? He doesn't sit back and think, "Too bad. Sorry your life is so difficult." No, when the enemy comes in like a flood, God raises up a barrier. In other words, that injustice, that bad break, that sickness gets God's attention. He doesn't sit back. He goes to work!

It's like a parent with a child. If someone or something is giving them a hard time, you don't think twice. You stop what you're doing and immediately go to help. That's the way it is with our heavenly Father. When the enemy comes in like a flood, God steps up and says, "Hey, wait a minute. You're messing with the wrong person! That's my son. That's my daughter. If you're going to mess with them, you're going to have to first mess with Me — the all-powerful Creator of the universe."

You've got to realize that in the tough times, you're not alone. You've got somebody fighting for you. The Most High God has your back, and He's ready to raise up a standard to protect you when the enemy comes in like a flood!

 

 

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, thank You for protecting me and fighting my battles. I choose to stand strong in faith knowing that You are fighting behind the scenes on my behalf in Jesus' name! Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

Train of Life

 

Train of life   At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel on our side. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone.   As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant-i.e. our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of your life. Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we don't realize they vacated their seats. This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring that we give the best of ourselves.   The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life.   I wish you a joyful journey on the train of life. Reap success and give lots of love. More importantly, thank God for the journey.   Lastly, I Thank You for being one of the passengers on my train.

 

Flourish Like a Palm Tree

 

Flourish Like a Palm Tree

 

 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE   -  "The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree..."    (Psalm 92:12, NIV)

 

 

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

 

Have you ever seen a palm tree in the midst of a great storm? That tree may be bent so far over that it's almost touching the ground, but when the wind finally stops, that palm tree bounces right back up. What's interesting is that while that palm tree is hunched over under the pressure of the storm, it is actually becoming stronger.

 

See, the reason God said we'd flourish like a palm tree is because He knew there would be difficult times. He knew things would come against us to try to steal our joy and victory. But God said, "You're going to be like a palm tree because when the storms of life blow, you are going to come right back up stronger than before."

 

As you reflect on the events of your life, remember, the storms you have encountered have only made you stronger. You are wiser, you are more alive, and you are headed for victory. Your brightest days are right out in front of you! Always remember that with God on your side, you will flourish like a palm tree!

 

 

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, thank You for making me strong in You. I trust that You are working in my life, even in the midst of the storms. Thank You for a new season of blessing as I keep my heart and mind focused on You in Jesus' name! Amen.

 

-----------------------------------

Make an adjustment in your life to an attitude of expectation, faith and trust" --   RAISE THE BAR!!!

 

 

Nothing Wasted

 

Nothing Wasted

 

 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

 

"When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, 'Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.' "  (John 6:12, NIV)

 

 

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

 

The Bible tells of a time when Jesus fed a crowd of five thousand with only five loaves and two fishes. He blessed it and multiplied it. That day, everyone had more than enough to eat, and there were still twelve baskets full of bread and fish left over. That's because we serve a God of abundance! Then Jesus told the disciples to collect all the leftovers "so that nothing is wasted." With God, nothing is ever wasted. He'll never waste an experience; He'll never waste a hurt; He'll never waste a dream; He'll never waste even a single piece of bread.

If you've felt like you've wasted years of your life in the wrong job, hanging around the wrong people or doing the wrong things, God will gather those years and restore them to you. He'll take those experiences that the enemy meant for your harm and turn them around for your good. He'll make you stronger, wiser and better off than you were before. He can launch you further into your destiny than before. Be encouraged today because with God, all things are possible! He is your provider, and nothing is ever wasted!

 

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, I give You every bit of my life, my past, my present and my future. Thank You for taking every experience and turning it around for my good. I know that with You, nothing is ever wasted in Jesus' name! Amen.

 

 

 

The Foundation of Happiness

The Foundation of Happiness

 

Read:  2 Timothy 2:15-25

All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of His creation, the foundation of all happiness …] and the whole [duty] for every man.  - 2 Timothy 2:15

 

Audio:  2 Timothy 2

 

Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 22-23; Titus 1

 

The writer of Ecclesiastes was a man who literally tried everything to be happy. He had much wealth, great power, and many wives. He restrained himself from no earthly pleasure. Anything his eyes desired, he took. He ate, drank, and made merry.

 

He had tremendous knowledge, wisdom, and respect, yet he hated life. Everything began to appear useless to him. He tried to figure out what life was all about and became more and more confused. Finally, he realized what his problem had been all along. He had not been obeying God's commandments.

 

He was unhappy because of it and made the statement that the foundation of all happiness is obedience. There are many, many sad, grieved individuals walking around blaming their unhappy lives on people and circumstances, failing to realize that the reason for their dissatisfaction is their disobedience toward God.

 

I believe you want to be happy. The key to happiness is obeying God. Ecclesiastes 12:13 says that obedience is "the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances."That means that anything out of order or harmony got that way through disobedience and only obedience can bring it back into harmony. Every time we obey God, something in our lives improves.

 

God's word for you today: Logos + rhema = wisdom

 

 

 

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
– Proverbs 22:6

Sent from Daily Bible Inspirations

---- Answer the Door

----  Answer the Door

 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE   "...Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning."

(Psalm 30:5, NLT)

 

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

 

Scripture says that joy comes in the morning. When you wake up each morning, God sends you a special delivery of joy. It comes knocking at your door. When you get up in faith and make the declaration that "this is going to be a good day," do you know what you just did? You just answered the door. You just received the gift of joy that God sent to you. The problem is that some people never answer the door. Joy has been knocking for months and months, years and years saying, "Come on! Let me in! You can be happy! You can cheer up! You can enjoy your life!"

Why don't you make up your mind to answer the door for joy! Decide to wake up every morning and say, "Father, thank You for another beautiful day. I'm going to be happy. I'm going to enjoy this day. I'm going to brighten somebody else's life. I am choosing to answer the door and receive Your gift of joy, today!"

 

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, thank You for joy. Thank You for peace. Thank You for walking me through the difficult times. I choose to answer the door for joy every single morning so that I can walk in the strength You have given to me in Jesus' name. Amen.    ------ And AMEN and AMEN

 

 

 

 

I choose to close the door on fear ...

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

 

Did you know that fear works just like faith but in the opposite direction? Faith opens the door for God to work in our lives; fear opens the door for the enemy to work in our lives.

The Bible says that fear has torment. Fear has no mercy. If you act on fear instead of acting on faith, it will keep you depressed, miserable and lonely. So many people today are missing out on God's joy, peace and victory because they keep giving in to fear. They feed fear by what they watch on TV or at the movies. They worry and dwell on all the bad things. Don't let that be you! Romans tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. The more you fill your heart and mind with God's Word, the stronger you will be so you can stand against the powers of darkness. Remember, the power that is in you is greater than the power of fear. When thoughts come that say, "You're not able," choose faith by saying, "I can do all things through Christ!" Choose faith today so you can overcome fear and live in the freedom and victory God has in store for you!

 

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, I receive Your Word today which is life, health and strength to me. I choose to close the door on fear by guarding what I say, what I listen to and what I dwell on. Fill me with Your love and faith as I meditate on Your Word in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

 

 

 

Try Some Shrug Therapy

 

                                                                                Try Some Shrug Therapy

 

Do not be quick in spirit to be angry or vexed for anger and vexation lodge in the bosom of fools.   Ecclesiastes 7:9

 

There are some things you can control in life---who your friends are, what you eat, and when you go to bed.  For example, there are other things you can't control, such as what other people say or the flat tire you got last night.  The way you respond to things you can't control helps determine your stress level and your quality of life and health.  I have two suggestions about dealing with things you can't control.  First, if you can't control them, don't take responsibility for them.  And second, I  like to say, "Do your best, and let God do the rest!"

 

People who regularly get upset over small things suffer in many ways.  People who shrug them off do much better.  Shrugging off certain things doesn't mean you are indifferent; it simply means you've accepted the fact that you can't do anything to change them at that time.  The flat tire has happened.  Calling someone to come fix it makes sense, throwing a tantrum and kicking the tire does not.  We need to deal appropriately with each stressor as it arises so that we don't end up exploding in frustration over the unavoidable bumps on the road of life.

 

God works in mysterious ways.  You never know when He may use some inconvenience or frustration for your good.  He is in control, and if you trust Him to work things out, you'll be able to ride the ups and downs of life with peace, joy and strength.

 

LOVE YOURSELF TODAY: Refuse to live in frustration.  Take life one day at a time, and when things happen that you don't like, say, "It is what it is and God is still in control."

 

Have a blessed week and smile:)

 

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. – Luke 10:33

 

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. – Luke 10:33

 

Audio:  Luke 10

 

Bible In One Year:  Isaiah 47-49; 1 Thessalonians 4

 

I Declare that I will live as a healer. I am sensitive to the needs of those around me. I will lift the fallen, restore the broken, and encourage the discouraged. I am full of compassion and kindness. I won't just look for a miracle; I will become someone's miracle by showing God's love and mercy everywhere I go. This is my declaration.

 

You're never more like God than when you help hurting people. One of our assignments in life is to help wipe away the tears. Are you sensitive to the needs of those around you?  Your friends?  Your neighbors?  Your coworkers? 

 

Many times behind the pretty smile, behind the Sunday praise, there is a person who's hurting. She's alone. His life is in turmoil. When someone is struggling, reach out. Be a healer. Be a restorer.

 

Take time to wipe away the tears.  Your job is not to judge. Your job is not to figure out if someone deserves something, or to decide who is right or who is wrong. Your job is to lift the fallen, to restore the broken, and to heal the hurting.

 

Too often we become focused on our own goals, our own dreams, and how we can get our miracle. But I've learned something that is more important: I can become some­one's miracle. There is healing in your hands. There's healing in your voice. You are a container filled with God. Right now you are full of encouragement, full of mercy, full of restoration, full of healing. Everywhere you go you should dispense the goodness of God.

 

If you get around me you'd better get ready. You will be encouraged. You may have made mistakes but I will tell you: God's mercy is bigger than any mistake you've made. You may have wasted years of your life making poor choices, but I will tell you God still has a way to carry you to your final destination.

 

You may have had an addiction since you were a teenager. But I will let you know that the power of the Most High God can break any addiction and set you free. That's what it means to dispense good. You lift the fallen. You encourage the discouraged. You take time to wipe away the tears.

 

Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan who was riding his donkey and he saw a man on the side of the road beaten and left for dead. He put him on his donkey and took him to a place where he could recover. I love the fact that the Good Samaritan walked so the injured man could ride. Sometimes you may have to trade places with someone who is hurting. You must be willing to be inconvenienced.

 

You may have to miss dinner in order to wipe away a tear. You may have to skip working out one night in order to encourage a struggling couple. You may have to drive across town and pick up a coworker who is addicted and take him to church with you on Sunday. If you want to live as a healer, you must be willing to change places with those who are hurting.

 

 

God's Love Will Change You…..

                                                                                God's Love Will Change You…..

In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son to be propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins.  1JOHN 4:10

 

Meditate on God's love for you.  That's what is going to change you.  If you don't like something about yourself, "knowing that you know" that God loves you is going to change it.

 

God wants you to spend time with Him in fellowship and worship on a daily basis.  That's what will change you.  It is the private time you spend with Him, just loving Him and letting Him love you, that is going to cause you to grow up and be strong in your spirit.

 

The devil will give you one excuse after another for not spending time with God.  Get serious with God and cry out to Him.  The word of God and fellowship with Him will change you.  Paul says in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all thing through Christ which strengthens me." In other words, there is nothing in all creation you can't do through the power of Jesus Christ.

 

Use the problems that come against you as opportunities to grow.  Find out what God will do because He loves you!  If you will lean on God and let God love you and you love Him, you can forget all the trying to operate in faith and enter into rest.

 

Love Yourself Today: After all, God loved you first!

 

Have a great weekend and be safe:)

 

 

Hosea 6:3

Let us acknowledge the LORD. Let us press on to know the LORD. As surely as the sun rises, The LORD will appear. He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain that waters the earth."
– Hosea 6:3

Sent from Daily Bible Inspirations

Arlene Wilson

Field Director for Mission Delivery

Key Markets East

Sent from my iPad

Proverbs 3:27-29

Don't withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it. Don't say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again; tomorrow I will give it to you," when you have it by you. Don't devise evil against your neighbor, since he dwells securely by you.
– Proverbs 3:27-29

Sent from Daily Bible Inspirations

Proverbs 29:6

An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.
– Proverbs 29:6

Sent from Daily Bible Inspirations

Love Yourself Today

 

                                                                                                GET RID OF THE FAILURE SYNDROME

God disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public examples of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in the it(the cross).  COLOSSIANS 2:15

 

Many people lack confidence.  They are often shame-based and guilt-ridden, and they have a very poor self-image.  The enemy knows that and begins his assault on personal confidence whenever and wherever he can find an opening.  His ultimate goal is total destruction of that person and his or her self-esteem.

 

The devil knows that someone without confidence will never step out to do anything edifying the Kingdom of God.  He does not want you to fulfill God's plan for your life.  He can make you believe that you are incapable, and then you won't even try to accomplish anything worthwhile.  Even if do make an effort, your fear of failure will seal your defeat, which you probably expected from the beginning because of your lack of confidence.  This is what is often referred to as the "Failure Syndrome."

 

God wants you to know that the devil is already a defeated foe.  Jesus triumphed over him on the cross and made a public display of his  disgrace in the spirit realm.  Jesus' victory means that you can get rid of the failure syndrome.  His ability to bring His will to pass in your life is determined by your faith in Him and in His word.  That is reason for confidence!

 

Love Yourself Today: Remember ; the destroyer of your confidence, the enemy, has already been defeated by God.

 

 

Nothing Will Be Impossible

Nothing Will Be Impossible

 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE   "...now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do."

(Genesis 11:6 KJV)

 

 

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

 

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!

 

A 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!

 

Hurt People Hurt People

 

 

Hurt People Hurt People

 

Read:  Proverbs 17:9-19
If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that?  - Luke 6:32

 

 

I was babysitting two 5-year-old boys while their mothers went shopping. They were having a fun time playing together until one of the children threw a ball that accidentally struck the other on the nose.

 

The boy who was hurt scolded his friend and said, "You can never come over to my house again!" "Is it true," I asked, "that you never want your friend to come over again?" "No," the boy responded. "But when someone hurts me, I say mean things to them."

 

Then he asked, "Would you show me how to not say mean things to people when they hurt me?"

 

I went from awe at this 5-year-old's self-awareness and repentant heart to a painful realization that I'm not qualified to teach this lesson. For I'm often prone to respond the same way: When someone hurts me, I sometimes use words to hurt back.

 

Referring to Balaam's anger at a donkey (granted, it was an animal, not a person—but the same concept) as told in Numbers 22:27-29, the Life Application Study Bible study notes say, "Lashing out at others can be a sign that something is wrong with us. Don't allow your hurt pride to lead you to hurt others."

 

Proverbs 17:9 speaks to me of the importance of a healthy response to those who wrong us: "Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends." When we apply this truth, we're less likely to respond to painful words or actions in a careless and hurtful way.

 

Even more poignant, Solomon wrote, "If you repay good with evil, evil will never leave your house" (Proverbs 17:13).

 

I'm thankful for a 5-year-old boy who reminded me that by forgiving, rather than using harsh words as revenge, we glorify God and restore relationships.

 

 

An Anointing Of Ease

 

An Anointing Of Ease

 

Read:  Matthew 11:25-30

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.  – Matthew 11:30

 

I DECLARE there is an anointing of ease on my life. God is going before me making crooked places straight. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.  I will not continually struggle. What used to be difficult will not be difficult anymore. God's favor and blessings on my life is lightening the load and taking the pressure off. This is my declaration.

 

Jesus said, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." God wants to make your life easier. He wants to help you when you're driving in traffic, shopping at the grocery store, raising your children, and dealing with that problem at work. Every day you should thank Him for His anointing of ease.

 

This is what David did. He declared in Psalm 23, "God anoints my head with oil."  Oil makes things flow. Whenever there is friction or things are stuck, oil is used to lubricate it and make it more fluid. That is what God is doing with you when He anoints your head with oil.

 

David went on to say, "Because God has anointed me, surely goodness and mercy will follow me wherever I go." That means things will be eas­ier. What you used to struggle with will no longer be a strug­gle. For no reason people will want to be good to you. You will get breaks that you didn't deserve. You will have good ideas, wisdom, creativity, and you won't know where it came from. That is the oil God put on you.  His anointing of ease.  

 

I was once in a difficult situation I didn't know how to resolve. I was in another city far away from home. I really needed some advice. So I called a friend. He said, "You really need to talk to one of my associates. He's expert in this field. He'll be able to help you. But he's of town for two weeks."

 

Well, I didn't have two weeks. That was like a lifetime to me. He asked me where I was and I told him. He said: "You've got to be kidding. That man just left two or three hours ago and that's exactly where he's heading."  When he gave me the address I found the man I needed less than two miles from where I staying. When I heard that, I knew God was still on Throne.

 

Here we were; both of us thousands of miles from home. We could have been anywhere in the world. What were the chances that we'd end up less than five min from each other?  What am I saying? God is directing every one of our steps. He has already lined up solutions to our problems.  He has lined up breaks you need.

 

I want you to go out each day knowing there is favor in your future. There is restoration in future. There is healing in your future. There are good breaks just ahead of you. If you stay in faith you will see favor that will make your life easier.

 

 

 

P.O.U.R.

 

When you Pray, You should

 

(P)our out your heart

(R)ealize God will answer

(A)lways believe

(Y)ield to what God says…..

 

Truth Precedes Change

                                                                                                Truth Precedes Change

                                                                And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.   JOHN 8:32

 

Is there something you'd like to change about yourself or the way you live?  Change begins with truth.  It's almost impossible to see the need for change or to know how we should change if we don't face the truth about where we are.  In the process of change, admitting the truth about ourselves is often the hardest part.  We don't need to feel guilty about the way we are, we just need to ask God's forgiveness and be excited about change.

 

Let me share a practical example of how facing truth and changing has worked in my life.  If I'm eating too much and don't want to face the truth about that, I will make excuses.  "My metabolism must be slowing down." "The dry cleaners shrank my pants." Excuses can be endless! Excuses, though, are actually reasons stuffed with lies.

 

Once I decide to stop making excuses, I can admit the truth.  "I've been eating too much and that's why I've gained weight."  When I say that I am taking responsibility for the problem.  That's the truth, and it will set me free.

 

I have had to face many truths in my past and still do.  If we want to change, we have to start with the truth.  Ask God to reveal truth to you about you!  When he does if it begins to hurt, just realize that the pain you feel is actually a healing  pain that is working toward your freedom and increased peace and joy.

 

Love Yourself Today: "Lord, help me to see and admit the truth about every area in my life, and with your help, make the changes I need to make."

 

 

LOVE YOURSELF, LAUGH AT YOURSELF

  LOVE YOURSELF, LAUGH AT YOURSELF

  You grow up the day you have the first real laugh at yourself.  Ethel Barrymore

-------------------------------

 

Many of us take our personal faults and mistakes too seriously.  We spend too much time opposing ourselves, being our worst enemies.  We often judge ourselves more strictly than we judge others and we focus on our faults far too intensely.  We should always be serious about our sin and want to improve.  But many of the little, everyday things we treat as monumental are really not so terribly important.  So give yourself a break!

 

God knew every flaw and weakness you would have and every mistake you would make when He called you into relationship with Himself.  Nothing about you surprises Him.

 

God knows - and has always known - everything about you.  He knows what you will think, do and say every day for the rest of your life on earth.  He also knows how He will help you, teach you, correct you, encourage you and give you grace for all your faults and failures.  He is always for you, never against you, no matter what you do.  This truth should set you free to lighten up, enjoy being who God made you to be, and have a laugh at your own self.

 

You are who you are.  You do what you do, and it's not always perfect.  In fact, sometimes you really mess up!  That's part of being human.  But if you also have God, have a heart to change, and ask Him to help you, then you can relax.  God is working on you, changing you every day, helping you grow.  God is not mad at you! Enjoy Him, and enjoy yourself even though you are not perfected yet.

 

Love Yourself Today: Don't be so serious all the time.  As often as possible, have a good laugh!

 

Speak Life - Romans 12:2

Your Original Software

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will."

(Romans 12:2, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Our minds work like a computer. The way you program it is the way it's going to function. You can have the most powerful computer made, but if you put the wrong software in it, it's not going to function like it was designed. We've all had to deal with these computer viruses. All these problems occur not because the computer is defective, but because somebody contaminated the software. In the same way, when God created you, He stepped back and said, "Another masterpiece." Your hardware is perfect. From the very beginning, He programmed you to be victorious, healthy, strong and creative. He programmed, "Whatever you touch will prosper and succeed." He programmed, "The head and not the tail. Lend and not borrow. Victor and not victim." That's how your Creator designed you. But the reason we don't always experience this abundant life is because we've allowed viruses to contaminate our software. Because our software is infected, we go around with low self-esteem, negative and doubtful. It's time to reprogram your mind with the Word of God! Meditate on what He says about you, delete the viruses, and get back to your original software!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for making me in Your image. Help me to see any areas where my thinking is contaminated. I choose to meditate on Your Word daily so I can live the life You've prepared for me in Jesus' name. Amen.