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Desire to be a vessel of honor unto the Lord Jesus Christ?
Join For His Glory for a discussion on how
https://christianforums.net/threads/a-vessel-of-honor.110278/
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Taking the time to pray? Christ is the answer in times of need
https://christianforums.net/threads/psalm-70-1-save-me-o-god-lord-help-me-now.108509/
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[__ Prayer __] Stay in faith!
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iLOVE
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Faith is having a restoration mentality. Faith is praying bold size God prayers. The scripture says, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:32
Take the limits off of God. Nothing is impossible for God! He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Our Job is to trust and believe God. Father God I thank you that your perfect plan will come to pass in my life, In Jesus name - Amen.
For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding "Yes!" And through Christ, our "Amen" (which means "Yes") ascends to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20 NLT
Take the limits off of God. Nothing is impossible for God! He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Our Job is to trust and believe God. Father God I thank you that your perfect plan will come to pass in my life, In Jesus name - Amen.
For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding "Yes!" And through Christ, our "Amen" (which means "Yes") ascends to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20 NLT
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iLOVE
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Open Windows
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
(Malachi 3:10, AMP)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
God wants to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings on you today! But, you have to do your part first. Your part is to be a faithful tither and be obedient to the Lord with your finances. We are all stewards over the resources God has given us. When we are faithful stewards, the Lord entrusts us with more. He opens the windows of heaven! Have you ever thought about what kind of blessing would be so great that there would not be room enough to receive it? It may be hard to comprehend, but that’s what God’s Word promises.
Choose to be a giver today. Be a tither. Prove the Lord and get ready to watch Him move mightily on your behalf!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for choosing to bless me. Thank You for opening the windows of heaven in my life. I choose to be obedient to Your Word. I choose to be a giver. I choose to be a faithful steward of Your resources in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
(Malachi 3:10, AMP)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
God wants to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings on you today! But, you have to do your part first. Your part is to be a faithful tither and be obedient to the Lord with your finances. We are all stewards over the resources God has given us. When we are faithful stewards, the Lord entrusts us with more. He opens the windows of heaven! Have you ever thought about what kind of blessing would be so great that there would not be room enough to receive it? It may be hard to comprehend, but that’s what God’s Word promises.
Choose to be a giver today. Be a tither. Prove the Lord and get ready to watch Him move mightily on your behalf!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for choosing to bless me. Thank You for opening the windows of heaven in my life. I choose to be obedient to Your Word. I choose to be a giver. I choose to be a faithful steward of Your resources in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
iLOVE
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PEOPLE ARE NOT YOUR PROBLEM
And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.” (Mark 9:29)
One of the main truths you need to embrace with regard to Satan is understanding that people are not your problem. Satan is your problem. And Satan is their problem, too.
We Christians are all in the same war, and we all have the same enemy. Angels and demons are spirit beings without a physical form. Sometimes demons inhabit a form that they can use for their own ends. For example, Satan slithered in the garden as a snake. Jesus sent the legion of demons to drown in the bodies of swine.
Your problem isn’t the person you think it is. Your problem is that a demon is influencing them toward disruption.
Until you realize that your struggle is not with people but with the “spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”—you will never live out the victory Christ Jesus has secured for you. The next time you face a challenge or enter into a conflict with someone, go to the Lord in prayer. On your knees, fight—and win—this battle, for the victory is the Lord’s. Pray for peace, protection, and wisdom for all parties involved and then watch what the Lord will do.
For His Kingdom,
Tony Evans
REFLECTION: In what relationship have you been tempted to think that the other person is your problem? What would Satan want you to do in regard to this person / issue? What does the Bible say about it? How can you pray for this person?
Dear Father, I ask You for peace, protection and wisdom in my own heart as well as in the hearts of those I am in conflict with right now, or may come into conflict with in the future. Grant us eyes to see what Satan is trying to do, and grant us the love that is necessary to treat each other with respect and honor as coheirs of the grace of God. Show us the right way to overcoming conflict and living victoriously under You. In Christ's Name, Amen.
And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.” (Mark 9:29)
One of the main truths you need to embrace with regard to Satan is understanding that people are not your problem. Satan is your problem. And Satan is their problem, too.
We Christians are all in the same war, and we all have the same enemy. Angels and demons are spirit beings without a physical form. Sometimes demons inhabit a form that they can use for their own ends. For example, Satan slithered in the garden as a snake. Jesus sent the legion of demons to drown in the bodies of swine.
Your problem isn’t the person you think it is. Your problem is that a demon is influencing them toward disruption.
Until you realize that your struggle is not with people but with the “spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”—you will never live out the victory Christ Jesus has secured for you. The next time you face a challenge or enter into a conflict with someone, go to the Lord in prayer. On your knees, fight—and win—this battle, for the victory is the Lord’s. Pray for peace, protection, and wisdom for all parties involved and then watch what the Lord will do.
For His Kingdom,
Tony Evans
REFLECTION: In what relationship have you been tempted to think that the other person is your problem? What would Satan want you to do in regard to this person / issue? What does the Bible say about it? How can you pray for this person?
Dear Father, I ask You for peace, protection and wisdom in my own heart as well as in the hearts of those I am in conflict with right now, or may come into conflict with in the future. Grant us eyes to see what Satan is trying to do, and grant us the love that is necessary to treat each other with respect and honor as coheirs of the grace of God. Show us the right way to overcoming conflict and living victoriously under You. In Christ's Name, Amen.
iLOVE
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Being Spiritually Mature
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 from Joel and Victoria
Spiritual maturity isn’t measured by how long you’ve been a Christian, or 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. When we are walking in love, we treat other people with courtesy and respect. Are you kind to the person at the checkout counter that may be moving too slowly? 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 — and that’s what being spiritually mature is all about!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
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.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
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 from Joel and Victoria
Spiritual maturity isn’t measured by how long you’ve been a Christian, or 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. When we are walking in love, we treat other people with courtesy and respect. Are you kind to the person at the checkout counter that may be moving too slowly? 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 — and that’s what being spiritually mature is all about!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
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.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
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Develop Your Gift
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Do not neglect your gift...”
(1 Timothy 4:14, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
You were created and designed for a specific purpose. God has placed gifts inside of you to equip you to fulfill your purpose. Do you know what those gifts are? What are you passionate about? What can you do better than other people? What would you choose to do if there were no obstacles? God wants you to develop and pursue the gift inside of you because your gift is a part of your destiny.
The gifts God gives aren’t just for us. He gives us gifts to help build other people. You have a specific role to play in the body of Christ. That doesn’t mean God’s going to send you to a third world country or make you preach. But, there are people all around you that only you can reach. Are you using your gifts to build the kingdom? Are you serving in your local church? Even if you are still discovering what your gifts are, you can simply take a step and volunteer. Everyone has something to give. You can give a smile, a handshake or an encouraging word. When you step out and serve others, that’s how you develop your gift and move forward in the destiny He has for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for equipping me to fulfill my destiny. Thank You for walking with me and guiding me. Show me ways to develop the gifts You have given me so that I can be a blessing everywhere I go in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Do not neglect your gift...”
(1 Timothy 4:14, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
You were created and designed for a specific purpose. God has placed gifts inside of you to equip you to fulfill your purpose. Do you know what those gifts are? What are you passionate about? What can you do better than other people? What would you choose to do if there were no obstacles? God wants you to develop and pursue the gift inside of you because your gift is a part of your destiny.
The gifts God gives aren’t just for us. He gives us gifts to help build other people. You have a specific role to play in the body of Christ. That doesn’t mean God’s going to send you to a third world country or make you preach. But, there are people all around you that only you can reach. Are you using your gifts to build the kingdom? Are you serving in your local church? Even if you are still discovering what your gifts are, you can simply take a step and volunteer. Everyone has something to give. You can give a smile, a handshake or an encouraging word. When you step out and serve others, that’s how you develop your gift and move forward in the destiny He has for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for equipping me to fulfill my destiny. Thank You for walking with me and guiding me. Show me ways to develop the gifts You have given me so that I can be a blessing everywhere I go in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
iLOVE
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Power in the Word
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Your word have I laid up in my heart that I might not sin against You.”
(Psalm 119:11, AMP)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
The Word of God is living and active! It’s powerful in our lives! Did you know that the Word of God has the power to protect you and keep you from sin?
God’s Word comes in written form, the Bible, but His spoken word can come in many other ways. In scripture, His word came through a burning bush, a still small voice, and even a donkey! He might speak to your heart through a friend or through a worship song. He may speak to you through creation. When He does speak, your spirit knows it. There is confirmation in your inner man. You know it’s His voice because He always speaks truth, and truth always sets you free!
Hold God’s Word close to your heart. Let it protect you. Meditate on His Word day and night. Let His truth transform you and lead you in the way everlasting!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for Your Word which strengthens and protects me. Thank You for speaking truth to my heart. Help me hear Your voice more clearly so I can live a life pleasing to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Your word have I laid up in my heart that I might not sin against You.”
(Psalm 119:11, AMP)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
The Word of God is living and active! It’s powerful in our lives! Did you know that the Word of God has the power to protect you and keep you from sin?
God’s Word comes in written form, the Bible, but His spoken word can come in many other ways. In scripture, His word came through a burning bush, a still small voice, and even a donkey! He might speak to your heart through a friend or through a worship song. He may speak to you through creation. When He does speak, your spirit knows it. There is confirmation in your inner man. You know it’s His voice because He always speaks truth, and truth always sets you free!
Hold God’s Word close to your heart. Let it protect you. Meditate on His Word day and night. Let His truth transform you and lead you in the way everlasting!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for Your Word which strengthens and protects me. Thank You for speaking truth to my heart. Help me hear Your voice more clearly so I can live a life pleasing to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
iLOVE
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By Rick Warren — May 9, 2015
“Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.” (Romans 4:17 NLT, second edition)
There are certain dead-end words in life, including cancer, divorce, bankruptcy, infertility, and unemployment.
How do you know when you’re at a dead-end? You know it when things get out of your control and you can’t do anything about it.
When you’re stuck in phase 5 and you’re waiting for deliverance, you need to remember what God can do. The situation may be out of your control, but it’s not out of God’s control. When you face a dead-end, don’t focus on what you can’t do. Focus instead on what God can do.
Romans 4:17 says, “Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing” (NLT, second edition).
There are two things God does that you can’t do: He can give life to the dead, and he can create something out of nothing. If God can give life to a dead man, he can give life to a dead career. He can bring life to that dead marriage. He can bring life to that dead dream. He can bring life to that financial dead-end.
It wasn’t just positive thinking that Abraham believed in. I recommend positive thinking, because what’s the alternative? Negative thinking doesn’t work. But positive thinking is not faith. They are two very different things. Positive thinking works fine in situations you have control over.
But in situations that are out of your control, positive thinking is worthless. It’s just wishful thinking. It doesn’t change the situation. When you face things that are out of your control, you need something more than a positive mental attitude. You need faith in God, because he can control it when you can’t. Most of life is beyond your control, so you need faith far more than you need positive thinking.
The Bible says in Luke 18:27, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (NIV). God specializes in the impossible. It’s called a miracle, and he can do it in your life! He is ready to turn your dead-end into deliverance.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick.
Talk It Over
“Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.” (Romans 4:17 NLT, second edition)
There are certain dead-end words in life, including cancer, divorce, bankruptcy, infertility, and unemployment.
How do you know when you’re at a dead-end? You know it when things get out of your control and you can’t do anything about it.
When you’re stuck in phase 5 and you’re waiting for deliverance, you need to remember what God can do. The situation may be out of your control, but it’s not out of God’s control. When you face a dead-end, don’t focus on what you can’t do. Focus instead on what God can do.
Romans 4:17 says, “Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing” (NLT, second edition).
There are two things God does that you can’t do: He can give life to the dead, and he can create something out of nothing. If God can give life to a dead man, he can give life to a dead career. He can bring life to that dead marriage. He can bring life to that dead dream. He can bring life to that financial dead-end.
It wasn’t just positive thinking that Abraham believed in. I recommend positive thinking, because what’s the alternative? Negative thinking doesn’t work. But positive thinking is not faith. They are two very different things. Positive thinking works fine in situations you have control over.
But in situations that are out of your control, positive thinking is worthless. It’s just wishful thinking. It doesn’t change the situation. When you face things that are out of your control, you need something more than a positive mental attitude. You need faith in God, because he can control it when you can’t. Most of life is beyond your control, so you need faith far more than you need positive thinking.
The Bible says in Luke 18:27, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (NIV). God specializes in the impossible. It’s called a miracle, and he can do it in your life! He is ready to turn your dead-end into deliverance.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick.
Talk It Over
- What dead-end are you facing today? Do you still believe that God is in control?
- Why is it sometimes difficult to admit that something is out of your control?
- What do you think the result is of having faith in God even at a dead-end? How does it change you? How does it change your circumstances?
iLOVE
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Happy Mother's Day!
Today’s Scripture
“So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.”
(Proverbs 23:25, NLT)
God Bless Mothers
Today we celebrate Mother’s Day. We honor their love, life and investment into families. Proverbs 31 talks about the woman who honors the Lord and tells us that she deserves honor. In verse 28 it says, “Her children arise and call her blessed.”
Today, we rise up and bless the mothers, but we also rise up and bless all who honor the Lord! Psalm one says that when we take delight in His laws, when we put Him first place, we open the door to His blessing in our lives.
A Prayer Today
“Father, today I choose to bless and honor You as I bless and honor my own mother. Thank You for the gift of family and for showing us Your nurturing nature through the heart of a mother in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
Today’s Scripture
“So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.”
(Proverbs 23:25, NLT)
God Bless Mothers
Today we celebrate Mother’s Day. We honor their love, life and investment into families. Proverbs 31 talks about the woman who honors the Lord and tells us that she deserves honor. In verse 28 it says, “Her children arise and call her blessed.”
Today, we rise up and bless the mothers, but we also rise up and bless all who honor the Lord! Psalm one says that when we take delight in His laws, when we put Him first place, we open the door to His blessing in our lives.
A Prayer Today
“Father, today I choose to bless and honor You as I bless and honor my own mother. Thank You for the gift of family and for showing us Your nurturing nature through the heart of a mother in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
iLOVE
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Today’s Scripture
“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ”
(Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)
God-Ordained Moments
God created every one of us to be successful. Before the foundations of the world, He laid out an exact plan for your life. In this plan, He has marked moments that are going to come across your path. These moments are not ordinary. They are destiny-altering moments. They are designed to thrust you years ahead.
It says in Ecclesiastes that “time and chance come together for every person.” That means you’ll have opportunities to meet the right people, opportunities to advance in your career, and opportunities to fulfill your dreams. God has already prearranged times of increase and blessing. You may not see a lot of good breaks right now, but be encouraged because there are seasons of favor and increase marked for your future!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for ordering my steps. Thank You for making a way when there seems to be no way. I choose to step out today with faith and expectancy knowing that You have marked moments for my future in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ”
(Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)
God-Ordained Moments
God created every one of us to be successful. Before the foundations of the world, He laid out an exact plan for your life. In this plan, He has marked moments that are going to come across your path. These moments are not ordinary. They are destiny-altering moments. They are designed to thrust you years ahead.
It says in Ecclesiastes that “time and chance come together for every person.” That means you’ll have opportunities to meet the right people, opportunities to advance in your career, and opportunities to fulfill your dreams. God has already prearranged times of increase and blessing. You may not see a lot of good breaks right now, but be encouraged because there are seasons of favor and increase marked for your future!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for ordering my steps. Thank You for making a way when there seems to be no way. I choose to step out today with faith and expectancy knowing that You have marked moments for my future in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
iLOVE
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Today’s Scripture
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1, NLT)
Embrace Your Season
God has ordained seasons and cycles in our lives. Sometimes, when our dreams aren’t coming to pass on our timetable, we can be tempted to get frustrated. We have to be careful not to allow our attitude to keep us from moving forward.
In God’s kingdom, every season is not harvest. There are plowing seasons, planting seasons and watering seasons. Sure, we would love for every season to be a time of increase; but without the other seasons, we wouldn’t be prepared. It’s during the plowing seasons that God brings issues to light that we need to deal with. He’s getting us prepared for promotion. If you’re not making as much progress as you would like, the key is not to lose any ground. Don’t go backwards. Hold your position by keeping an attitude of faith and expectancy, even when it’s hard. Keep plowing by speaking the Word daily. Keep pressing through because soon you will come in to your due season!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in all seasons of my life. I trust that my time is coming, and I choose to remain faithful. I submit my ways to You today and trust that You have the best plan for my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1, NLT)
Embrace Your Season
God has ordained seasons and cycles in our lives. Sometimes, when our dreams aren’t coming to pass on our timetable, we can be tempted to get frustrated. We have to be careful not to allow our attitude to keep us from moving forward.
In God’s kingdom, every season is not harvest. There are plowing seasons, planting seasons and watering seasons. Sure, we would love for every season to be a time of increase; but without the other seasons, we wouldn’t be prepared. It’s during the plowing seasons that God brings issues to light that we need to deal with. He’s getting us prepared for promotion. If you’re not making as much progress as you would like, the key is not to lose any ground. Don’t go backwards. Hold your position by keeping an attitude of faith and expectancy, even when it’s hard. Keep plowing by speaking the Word daily. Keep pressing through because soon you will come in to your due season!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in all seasons of my life. I trust that my time is coming, and I choose to remain faithful. I submit my ways to You today and trust that You have the best plan for my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
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Today’s Scripture
“I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people...”
(Psalm 85:8, NIV)
He Promises Peace
No matter what is going on in your life right now, the Lord promises that you can have peace. Notice that in this verse, the psalmist is making the decision to listen to what God says. When you make the decision to listen to God and follow His direction, you will have peace. You may be thinking to yourself, “God doesn’t speak to me.” But the Bible says you are His sheep and you can hear His voice, and the voice of a stranger you will not follow.
The Lord speaks in many ways—sometimes through a friend, or a song or in the beauty of nature. Sometimes it’s a simple “knowing” deep down on the inside of you. If you aren’t sure how God speaks to you, ask Him to teach you. All you have to do is open your heart and be willing to hear His voice. As you open your heart to Him, He will speak, and you will live in His peace all the days of your life.
A Prayer for Today
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise of peace. I open my heart to You and ask that You teach me to hear Your voice clearly. I give You all that I am today in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
“I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people...”
(Psalm 85:8, NIV)
He Promises Peace
No matter what is going on in your life right now, the Lord promises that you can have peace. Notice that in this verse, the psalmist is making the decision to listen to what God says. When you make the decision to listen to God and follow His direction, you will have peace. You may be thinking to yourself, “God doesn’t speak to me.” But the Bible says you are His sheep and you can hear His voice, and the voice of a stranger you will not follow.
The Lord speaks in many ways—sometimes through a friend, or a song or in the beauty of nature. Sometimes it’s a simple “knowing” deep down on the inside of you. If you aren’t sure how God speaks to you, ask Him to teach you. All you have to do is open your heart and be willing to hear His voice. As you open your heart to Him, He will speak, and you will live in His peace all the days of your life.
A Prayer for Today
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise of peace. I open my heart to You and ask that You teach me to hear Your voice clearly. I give You all that I am today in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
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Today’s Scripture
“O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.”
(Psalm 34:3, KJV)
Magnify the Lord
Power comes when you magnify the Lord. When you magnify the Lord, even though things are changing around you, things are changing in you. You are changing the way you see Him. You are setting your focus on Him and making Him bigger in your life than your problems.
So many people today waste time and energy magnifying their circumstances. They talk about their problems and feel sorry for themselves. But when you switch over and magnify and worship the Lord instead, your faith grows, and you open the door for Him to move on your behalf.
Decide today that no matter what’s going on around you, you are going to magnify God. Talk about His goodness! Talk about His faithfulness. Declare that He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Exalt His name and lift Him up and look for His hand of blessing and favor in all that you do!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, today I choose to magnify and exalt You. You are faithful and worthy of praise. I know that You are for me, so who can be against me? I trust that You are working in my life today in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
“O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.”
(Psalm 34:3, KJV)
Magnify the Lord
Power comes when you magnify the Lord. When you magnify the Lord, even though things are changing around you, things are changing in you. You are changing the way you see Him. You are setting your focus on Him and making Him bigger in your life than your problems.
So many people today waste time and energy magnifying their circumstances. They talk about their problems and feel sorry for themselves. But when you switch over and magnify and worship the Lord instead, your faith grows, and you open the door for Him to move on your behalf.
Decide today that no matter what’s going on around you, you are going to magnify God. Talk about His goodness! Talk about His faithfulness. Declare that He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Exalt His name and lift Him up and look for His hand of blessing and favor in all that you do!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, today I choose to magnify and exalt You. You are faithful and worthy of praise. I know that You are for me, so who can be against me? I trust that You are working in my life today in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
iLOVE
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- Oct 4, 2012
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Today’s Scripture
“You crown the year with Your bounty and goodness...”
(Psalm 65:11, AMP)
Crowned with Goodness
The Lord has crowned your year with bounty and goodness! That means there is an abundant supply for whatever you may need—spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially. He has also set up a system so that you can access all of His blessings. It’s the system of seedtime and harvest. If you have a need in your life, step into God’s system by sowing a seed.
For example, if you’re lonely and need friends, sow a seed by being a friend to someone. If you have a financial need, pray and ask the Lord where you should sow a financial seed. The Bible says to give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. The more you sow, the more you will reap. That’s God crowning your year with bounty and goodness!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for supplying all of my needs according to Your riches in glory. I submit my resources to You today and ask You to show me where I can sow seeds and be a blessing to those around me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
“You crown the year with Your bounty and goodness...”
(Psalm 65:11, AMP)
Crowned with Goodness
The Lord has crowned your year with bounty and goodness! That means there is an abundant supply for whatever you may need—spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially. He has also set up a system so that you can access all of His blessings. It’s the system of seedtime and harvest. If you have a need in your life, step into God’s system by sowing a seed.
For example, if you’re lonely and need friends, sow a seed by being a friend to someone. If you have a financial need, pray and ask the Lord where you should sow a financial seed. The Bible says to give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. The more you sow, the more you will reap. That’s God crowning your year with bounty and goodness!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for supplying all of my needs according to Your riches in glory. I submit my resources to You today and ask You to show me where I can sow seeds and be a blessing to those around me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
iLOVE
Member
- Oct 4, 2012
- 4,708
- 944
- Thread starter
- #18
Why Keep Praying When There Is No Answer?
By Rick Warren — Aug 9, 2015
“Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers.” (Ephesians 6:18b NLT, second edition)
The Bible says in Ephesians 6:18, “Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers” (NLT, second edition).
Why should you be persistent in your prayers, even when you don’t get an answer? There are four reasons.
Persistent prayer focuses your attention.
When you pray a prayer request over and over, it’s not to remind God. He doesn’t need to be reminded! It’s to remind yourself who the source of your answer and all your needs is. If every prayer you ever prayed were instantly answered, two things would be true. First, prayer would become a weapon of destruction in your life. And, you’d never think about God, because he would become a vending machine. If every time you prayed you instantly got results, all you’d think about is the blessing. God wants you to think about the Blesser.
Persistent prayer clarifies your request.
A delayed answer gives you time to clarify exactly what you want and to refine your prayers. When you pray persistently to your heavenly Father and you say something over and over again, it separates deep longings from mere whims. It says, “God, I really care about this.” It’s not that God doesn’t want to answer your prayers. He does. It’s just that he wants you to be certain that that’s what you really want.
Persistent prayer tests your faith.
James 1:3-4 says, “When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” The only way you can grow to spiritual maturity is to have your faith tested. One of the ways God’s going to test your faith is by delaying some answers to your prayers.
Persistent prayer prepares your heart for the answer.
When you make a request of God, God almost always wants to answer in a bigger and better way than you’ve prayed. Sometimes God denies your prayer requests because you’re thinking and asking too small. He wants to give you something bigger and better. But first, he has to prepare you for it. So God uses delays in answering prayer to help you grow, to help you get ready, to help prepare you for a bigger and better answer.
Remember, “God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20 NCV).
Talk It Over
By Rick Warren — Aug 9, 2015
“Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers.” (Ephesians 6:18b NLT, second edition)
The Bible says in Ephesians 6:18, “Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers” (NLT, second edition).
Why should you be persistent in your prayers, even when you don’t get an answer? There are four reasons.
Persistent prayer focuses your attention.
When you pray a prayer request over and over, it’s not to remind God. He doesn’t need to be reminded! It’s to remind yourself who the source of your answer and all your needs is. If every prayer you ever prayed were instantly answered, two things would be true. First, prayer would become a weapon of destruction in your life. And, you’d never think about God, because he would become a vending machine. If every time you prayed you instantly got results, all you’d think about is the blessing. God wants you to think about the Blesser.
Persistent prayer clarifies your request.
A delayed answer gives you time to clarify exactly what you want and to refine your prayers. When you pray persistently to your heavenly Father and you say something over and over again, it separates deep longings from mere whims. It says, “God, I really care about this.” It’s not that God doesn’t want to answer your prayers. He does. It’s just that he wants you to be certain that that’s what you really want.
Persistent prayer tests your faith.
James 1:3-4 says, “When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” The only way you can grow to spiritual maturity is to have your faith tested. One of the ways God’s going to test your faith is by delaying some answers to your prayers.
Persistent prayer prepares your heart for the answer.
When you make a request of God, God almost always wants to answer in a bigger and better way than you’ve prayed. Sometimes God denies your prayer requests because you’re thinking and asking too small. He wants to give you something bigger and better. But first, he has to prepare you for it. So God uses delays in answering prayer to help you grow, to help you get ready, to help prepare you for a bigger and better answer.
Remember, “God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20 NCV).
Talk It Over
- What is something you’ve been praying about for a long time? How do you need to refine your request?
- If God is testing you right now by delaying an answer to your prayer, how can you show him that you are willing to grow and accept his will and purpose for you?
- Think of something that you prayed for over the years that God never supplied. How have you seen that his denial was actually a blessing in your life?