Today's Word : What's Your Attitude in Adversity

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior"
(Habakkuk 3:17-18, NIV)

We all face challenges, difficulties, and times when things don't go our way. God doesn't send these storms, but He will allow us to go through certain things in order to shape our character and prove our faith. Really, it's in our times of difficulty that we grow and develop.

God wants to use the tough times in our lives to do a work in us. He wants to strengthen and develop us. Our attitude in times of adversity is the evidence of our maturity. Are we going to treat people right even when we’re being mistreated? Are we going to stay full of joy even when the bottom falls out? Are we going to be faithful even in the dry seasons of our lives when we don't see anything good happening?

It may take more effort. You may have to work harder to keep a good attitude, but remember, attitude is the key to your promotion. As you keep that positive attitude of faith and expectancy, even in times of adversity, God will deliver you and move you forward into the destiny He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, I want to grow spiritually and be more like You. I choose to trust You in times of adversity knowing that You are working things out for my good. Renew a right attitude within me by Your Spirit. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Today's Word : Live in Integrity

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches……"
(Proverbs 22:1, KJV)

What do people think when they hear your name? Do they think, "Oh, that person is always so trustworthy and faithful; they always do the right thing?" Or do they think, "Watch out for that person. You never know what they're going to do?"

You might say, "Oh, I'm a pretty good person. I do the right thing most of the time." But understand it's the little foxes that spoil the vine. You can veer off course just a little bit, and before you know it, you're miles away from your destination. Don't allow the little things to keep you from your destiny; choose integrity–even when no one is looking. For instance, you might need some paper at home, but you shouldn't take supplies from the office. Or, you might be running into a store for just a minute, but don't park in the handicap parking spot unless you're supposed to. Sure, you might need a few extra bucks this week, but if the checkout clerk makes a mistake and gives you back too much money, that's not God's provision; that's a test of integrity. If you'll be faithful and choose integrity in the little things, it will be a great treasure in your life. God will pour out His blessing on you as you honor Him all the days of your life.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, today I commit to live a life of integrity. I choose a life of excellence and ask for Your hand of favor. Show me any area that is not pleasing to You so that I can continue to grow and increase in You. In Jesus' Name. Amen. "

Today's Word : Overcoming Disappointments

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past"
(Isaiah 43:18, NIV)

Every person, no matter how much faith they have or how good a person they are will face disappointments. It may be something simple like not getting that promotion you really hoped for, or not closing that big deal you worked so hard on. Maybe you didn't qualify for a house you really wanted. Or, it may be something more serious like a relationship not working out, the death of a loved one, or some kind of illness in your body. Whatever it may be, the reality is that we’re all going to suffer some setbacks. But I believe one of the main keys to overcoming disappointments is learning to let go of the past. The past weighs you down and holds you back.

If you feel "stuck" today, you may want to examine what you're holding on to. Be willing let go of the past by choosing forgiveness. Who hurt you? Who wronged you? Release it to God. Do you need to forgive yourself? Do you need to receive God's forgiveness? Make the choice today to let go of the past so that you can experience the bright future God has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, search my heart and mind today. Show me any area where I may be holding on to the past. Help me to receive Your forgiveness so that I can extend forgiveness to others and move forward in the wonderful plan You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Today's Word : Stand Firm

"Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith"
(I Peter 5:9, NLT)

Are you standing firm against the enemy today? In other words, when fear comes against you, do you dwell on those defeating thoughts or do you rise up and start confessing the promises of God over your life? If you choose to dwell on your fears and think about all the reasons why you can't do what God is telling you to, then before long you're going to develop a negative mindset that will hold you back. It's much more difficult to overcome.

Don't just sit on the sidelines of life when there is so much potential on the inside of you! Don't allow the enemy to hold you back with fear any longer. Focus on that vision of victory. Be bold and step out in faith! Today is a new day! It's your new beginning. Just because you feel fear, doesn't mean you have to follow fear. Every person feels fear at some point. The greatest men and women of the Bible all felt fear. But when fear comes, don't give in! Stay the course of faith and follow God's Word. Break that negative power over your life and move forward into the freedom and joy He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, thank You for giving me strength to stand strong against fear in my life. I choose to have an attitude of faith and expectancy by focusing on Your promises. Today I am rising up and pressing forward into the life of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Today's Word : Choose Faith Instead of Fear

"This is my command–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go"
(Joshua 1:9, NLT).

Did you know that fear works just like faith but in the opposite direction? In the same way that 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. And 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. 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 to stand against the powers of darkness. Choose faith instead of fear by choosing God's Word.

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 God has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly 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, and I meditate on Your Word. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Today's Word : Power Over Fear

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline"
(II Timothy 1:7, NLT)

God's desire is that we continually progress, that we reach higher heights and go to new levels. Oftentimes, as soon as we make the decision to step out in faith and obey God, the enemy brings in fear to try to stop us. He'll bring thoughts like, "What if you fail? What are other people going to think? You don't have what it takes." He'll do his best to use fear to try to convince us to shrink back and stay where we are.

The Bible says that fear is a spirit. It plays on our emotions and holds us back. But the good news is that we have power over fear! The Bible says that perfect love casts out all fear. When we receive God's perfect love, we will have confidence about the future because we know His plans are for our good. I've heard it said that fear is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. Understand that fear is a lie. Today, choose to believe God's Word and receive His love so that you can overcome fear and move forward into the good life He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for giving me power, love, and a sound mind. I open my heart to You and receive Your perfect love. Fill me with Your confidence and assurance to embrace everything You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Today's Word : I am

"God replied to Moses, ‘I Am Who I Am…’"
(Exodus 3:14, NLT)

In the Bible, God has many names that describe His character and attributes. In the same way that someone named “Joe” might also be called “father” or “husband” or “the boss,” God has names that describe Him and His relationship to His people.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew name for “God” was considered so holy that the people wouldn’t even say it. So, when God appeared to Moses in a burning bush and sent Him to lead the Israelites out of captivity, Moses asked God, “Who should I say sent me?” After all, He couldn’t breathe the name of God in public. God replied by saying, “Moses, my name is I Am.” In other words, “I am anything and everything you need. I am your joy. I am your peace. I am your strength. I am your victory. I am your way of escape. I am whatever you need.”

Today, God is saying the same thing to us! What is it that you need? The Great I Am, the Almighty God is on your side. He is ready to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Open your heart of faith to Him today and receive all the blessings He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, today I call on You—the Great I Am. I surrender myself to You - spirit, soul, and body. I ask that You direct my steps and supply every one of my needs as I move forward in obedience to Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.