Line up Your Heart
"…The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (I Samuel 16:7, NIV)
When the Lord looks at your heart, what does He see? Every one has an outer life and an inner life. The outer life is our public life that people around us see. The inner life is made up of our thoughts, attitudes, and motives. Only you and God know what's going on inside of you.
Too many people go around today pretending—acting one way, yet on the inside they're thinking something totally different. Their heart and their actions don't line up. We have to understand that God looks at the inside. We can fool a lot of people, but we can't fool God. God would rather us be open and honest than go through life pretending.
Take inventory of what's going on inside of you today. Are you at peace? Are you overlooking offenses? Do you believe the best in people? Are your heart and actions lining up? If not, submit your ways to the Lord today and ask Him to give you an undivided heart. Line up your whole being so that you can live pleasing Him all the days of your life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Dear Father, I humbly come before You today and ask that You search the deep places of my heart. Show me if there is any area where I need to line up my heart and actions. Help me to be authentic in You today. In Jesus Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Daily Devotion
A Vital Necessity
"Set your mind and heart to seek (inquire of and require as your vital necessity) the Lord your God." (I Chronicles 22:19 AMP)
What things do you consider a vital necessity in your life? In other words, what can't you live without? Most people would immediately think of food, water, and shelter; but in reality, we can't really live unless our minds and hearts are set on seeking the Lord. Sure, you can exist without seeking Him, but you are called to more than just existence. You are called to live…to thrive…to enjoy your life abundantly!
The good news is that you have complete control over what you set your mind and heart on. You decide what to think about. Today, I encourage you to set your mind and heart on seeking the Lord! Write down your favorite scriptures and commit them to memory. Whenever you can, think about those verses. Think about God and His infinite love. Make a habit of seeking Him and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. When you require the Lord as a vital necessity, you will enjoy living the abundant life He has in store for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, today I choose to set my mind on You. I seek You with my whole heart. Show me Your love and character today. Show me Your ways that I may walk and live closely with You. I love You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
"Set your mind and heart to seek (inquire of and require as your vital necessity) the Lord your God." (I Chronicles 22:19 AMP)
What things do you consider a vital necessity in your life? In other words, what can't you live without? Most people would immediately think of food, water, and shelter; but in reality, we can't really live unless our minds and hearts are set on seeking the Lord. Sure, you can exist without seeking Him, but you are called to more than just existence. You are called to live…to thrive…to enjoy your life abundantly!
The good news is that you have complete control over what you set your mind and heart on. You decide what to think about. Today, I encourage you to set your mind and heart on seeking the Lord! Write down your favorite scriptures and commit them to memory. Whenever you can, think about those verses. Think about God and His infinite love. Make a habit of seeking Him and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. When you require the Lord as a vital necessity, you will enjoy living the abundant life He has in store for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, today I choose to set my mind on You. I seek You with my whole heart. Show me Your love and character today. Show me Your ways that I may walk and live closely with You. I love You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Daily Devotion
Marked Moments
"…time and chance happen to them all"(Ecclesiastes 9:11, AMP)
God created every one of us to be successful. Before the foundation of the world, He laid out an exact plan for our lives. 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.
Today's verse says that time and chance comes 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, promotion, and blessing. You may not be seeing a lot of good breaks right now, but let me encourage you; in your future there are seasons of favor and increase! God has ordained moments in the supernatural to help you get ahead.
I encourage you today to see with your eyes of faith the good things God has in store for your future. Thank Him for what He's doing and what He's about to do. Thank Him for divine connections and marked moments, and thank Him for fulfilling every dream and desire He's placed within your heart!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for marked moments and divine opportunities in my life. I trust that You are working behind the scenes no matter what the circumstances look like. I choose today to keep my heart and mind focused on Your goodness, knowing that You are a rewarder of the people who diligently seek after You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
"…time and chance happen to them all"(Ecclesiastes 9:11, AMP)
God created every one of us to be successful. Before the foundation of the world, He laid out an exact plan for our lives. 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.
Today's verse says that time and chance comes 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, promotion, and blessing. You may not be seeing a lot of good breaks right now, but let me encourage you; in your future there are seasons of favor and increase! God has ordained moments in the supernatural to help you get ahead.
I encourage you today to see with your eyes of faith the good things God has in store for your future. Thank Him for what He's doing and what He's about to do. Thank Him for divine connections and marked moments, and thank Him for fulfilling every dream and desire He's placed within your heart!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for marked moments and divine opportunities in my life. I trust that You are working behind the scenes no matter what the circumstances look like. I choose today to keep my heart and mind focused on Your goodness, knowing that You are a rewarder of the people who diligently seek after You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Daily Devotion
Out of the Pit
"He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on the solid ground and steadied me as I walked along"(Psalm 40:2, NLT)
Do you feel like you are in a pit today? That pit can be frustration or disappointment or a feeling of discouragement, despair, or hopelessness. And maybe you can’t see a way out, but you’ve got to know that God is still with you, and He will make a way where there seems to be no way.
Remember, God will never waste anything you go through in life. If you’ll keep the right attitude, He’ll turn that situation around for your good. It doesn’t matter how you got there, whether it was by your own poor choices or maybe someone else treated you unfairly, God wants to use that situation to do a work in you. He’ll take that evil and turn it around for your good. You may be uncomfortable at times, but you’ve got to know you are growing, and God is building your character.
Today, make the decision to shake off any negative, self-defeating mindsets. Choose to cooperate with God. Trust that He is preparing you for promotion. As you keep an attitude of faith, expectancy, and thanksgiving, He will lift you up and set you on the solid path of victory He has in store for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father God, today I lift my eyes to You, for my help comes from You. Thank You for doing a work in my life. Thank You for using every situation in my life for my good. I bless You today no matter what is going on around me, knowing that You have a good plan for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
"He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on the solid ground and steadied me as I walked along"(Psalm 40:2, NLT)
Do you feel like you are in a pit today? That pit can be frustration or disappointment or a feeling of discouragement, despair, or hopelessness. And maybe you can’t see a way out, but you’ve got to know that God is still with you, and He will make a way where there seems to be no way.
Remember, God will never waste anything you go through in life. If you’ll keep the right attitude, He’ll turn that situation around for your good. It doesn’t matter how you got there, whether it was by your own poor choices or maybe someone else treated you unfairly, God wants to use that situation to do a work in you. He’ll take that evil and turn it around for your good. You may be uncomfortable at times, but you’ve got to know you are growing, and God is building your character.
Today, make the decision to shake off any negative, self-defeating mindsets. Choose to cooperate with God. Trust that He is preparing you for promotion. As you keep an attitude of faith, expectancy, and thanksgiving, He will lift you up and set you on the solid path of victory He has in store for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father God, today I lift my eyes to You, for my help comes from You. Thank You for doing a work in my life. Thank You for using every situation in my life for my good. I bless You today no matter what is going on around me, knowing that You have a good plan for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
Monday, October 19, 2009
Daily Devotion
Begin Again
"He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!…"(Revelation 21:5, NIV)
Can you remember the time when you first discovered a big dream in your heart? Maybe you were determined to excel in your career, or excel as a parent; or even excel in your walk with the Lord. You probably started out strong, but maybe things got a little difficult and didn't happen as quickly as you would have liked. At that point many people decide, "Let's just settle here. It's not exactly what we wanted, but at least, it's good enough."
Friend, I want to remind you today that you were made for more than good enough! Maybe things haven't worked out the way you planned, but now is not the time to stop and settle. Now is the time to dig your heals in and begin again. And even if that dream has died—it's time to dream another dream. God has so much for you in your future.
If you've settled in any area of your life, take that first step by declaring, "I am not going to settle for mediocrity. I am made for so much more! Things may be difficult, but I am pressing forward. I'm going to keep believing, and I'm going to make it all the way in to my Promised Land!"
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, thank You for this new day. Thank You for the opportunity to begin again. I choose to press forward and keep believing for the dreams and desires You’ve placed in my heart. I trust You today with everything that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
"He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!…"(Revelation 21:5, NIV)
Can you remember the time when you first discovered a big dream in your heart? Maybe you were determined to excel in your career, or excel as a parent; or even excel in your walk with the Lord. You probably started out strong, but maybe things got a little difficult and didn't happen as quickly as you would have liked. At that point many people decide, "Let's just settle here. It's not exactly what we wanted, but at least, it's good enough."
Friend, I want to remind you today that you were made for more than good enough! Maybe things haven't worked out the way you planned, but now is not the time to stop and settle. Now is the time to dig your heals in and begin again. And even if that dream has died—it's time to dream another dream. God has so much for you in your future.
If you've settled in any area of your life, take that first step by declaring, "I am not going to settle for mediocrity. I am made for so much more! Things may be difficult, but I am pressing forward. I'm going to keep believing, and I'm going to make it all the way in to my Promised Land!"
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, thank You for this new day. Thank You for the opportunity to begin again. I choose to press forward and keep believing for the dreams and desires You’ve placed in my heart. I trust You today with everything that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Daily Devotion
Expect and Prepare
"See how the farmer waits expectantly for the precious harvest from the land."
(James 5:7, AMP)
Too often people passively sit around waiting for their dreams to come true. As time goes by they begin to think things will never change for them, and the longer the wait, the more frustrated they feel. It's important to keep moving toward your dreams in faith and hope. Expecting God's best and making preparations to succeed will help you stay in faith during times of waiting. "Joel," you might ask, "How do I do that?" Have expectant faith. Start talking and acting like your dreams are going to happen. People may think that sounds strange, but don't let it bother you. God has given you a dream, and you may see things they don't see. As you settle it in your heart and mind that God is faithful, you'll get excited about His promises for you.
If you feel like you're in a holding pattern, don't get discouraged; God is working on your behalf. Put your trust in Him. Start making preparations for the dreams God has planned for you so you will be ready when they arrive. Take your faith to a higher level — go from believing to expecting — and God will bring you the desires of your heart at just the right time.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for what's to come. Help me go beyond believing to expecting my dreams to come to pass. Show me how to prepare for the things You have planned for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
"See how the farmer waits expectantly for the precious harvest from the land."
(James 5:7, AMP)
Too often people passively sit around waiting for their dreams to come true. As time goes by they begin to think things will never change for them, and the longer the wait, the more frustrated they feel. It's important to keep moving toward your dreams in faith and hope. Expecting God's best and making preparations to succeed will help you stay in faith during times of waiting. "Joel," you might ask, "How do I do that?" Have expectant faith. Start talking and acting like your dreams are going to happen. People may think that sounds strange, but don't let it bother you. God has given you a dream, and you may see things they don't see. As you settle it in your heart and mind that God is faithful, you'll get excited about His promises for you.
If you feel like you're in a holding pattern, don't get discouraged; God is working on your behalf. Put your trust in Him. Start making preparations for the dreams God has planned for you so you will be ready when they arrive. Take your faith to a higher level — go from believing to expecting — and God will bring you the desires of your heart at just the right time.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, thank You for what's to come. Help me go beyond believing to expecting my dreams to come to pass. Show me how to prepare for the things You have planned for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Daily Devotion
Take Action
"…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17, NIV)
Have you ever met a person who prayed one way and spoke another? One minute they’re believing for their dreams to come to pass, and the next minute they're talking about how they're never going to get where they want to be. What they haven't realized is that their actions aren't working together with their faith. This lack of consistency doesn't do our prayers any good. God wants our words, actions and beliefs to work in agreement. Putting the right actions behind our faith gets His attention.
What are you believing for? You can put some action behind your prayers by talking like your situation is going to turn around. When you do, you're not just praying and believing — you're expecting.
If you don't see anything happening, choose today to put some action behind your prayers. Start making some new announcements like, "I am blessed. Whatever I touch prospers. My best days are in front of me." Speak your faith with confidence. As you praise God for His faithfulness, your faith will grow stronger. You'll also find peace knowing that you're one day closer to seeing your dreams come to pass.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, search my heart today. Reveal any inconsistencies in my faith and actions. Starting today I choose to fully believe in all You have for me; I will walk by faith in every area of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
"…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17, NIV)
Have you ever met a person who prayed one way and spoke another? One minute they’re believing for their dreams to come to pass, and the next minute they're talking about how they're never going to get where they want to be. What they haven't realized is that their actions aren't working together with their faith. This lack of consistency doesn't do our prayers any good. God wants our words, actions and beliefs to work in agreement. Putting the right actions behind our faith gets His attention.
What are you believing for? You can put some action behind your prayers by talking like your situation is going to turn around. When you do, you're not just praying and believing — you're expecting.
If you don't see anything happening, choose today to put some action behind your prayers. Start making some new announcements like, "I am blessed. Whatever I touch prospers. My best days are in front of me." Speak your faith with confidence. As you praise God for His faithfulness, your faith will grow stronger. You'll also find peace knowing that you're one day closer to seeing your dreams come to pass.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, search my heart today. Reveal any inconsistencies in my faith and actions. Starting today I choose to fully believe in all You have for me; I will walk by faith in every area of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
Monday, October 5, 2009
Daily Devotion
The Secret Things
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"The secret things belong unto the Lord our God……"(Deuteronomy 29:29, AMP)
Are you going through a situation in your life that you don't quite understand? During these seasons, it's natural to question things in your mind. But during these uncertain times, it's important to continue to put your trust in God.
We have to remember, God's ways are not our ways, and we don't always understand what He is trying to do in our lives. The Bible tells us that adversity will come, but God is the one who promises to lead us into victory.
Serving God means we're going to have some unanswered questions. You may never understand why a relationship ended sooner than you would have liked. You may never understand why you lost a loved one. You may never understand why you went through something difficult or why your prayers didn't get answered. But at some point, you have to decide to put your questions aside and go on with God. We have to decide to trust His character even when our circumstances don't make sense. Remember, He has promised He's going to turn that difficulty around and use it for your advantage. He is faithful to His Word, and you can be sure that He will fulfill every promise He's made to you.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father God, I choose to trust You with my unanswered questions. I choose to release any doubt and confusion to You. Help me to focus on Your Word which is truth that sets me free. Thank You for Your goodness and for the blessings You have in store for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"The secret things belong unto the Lord our God……"(Deuteronomy 29:29, AMP)
Are you going through a situation in your life that you don't quite understand? During these seasons, it's natural to question things in your mind. But during these uncertain times, it's important to continue to put your trust in God.
We have to remember, God's ways are not our ways, and we don't always understand what He is trying to do in our lives. The Bible tells us that adversity will come, but God is the one who promises to lead us into victory.
Serving God means we're going to have some unanswered questions. You may never understand why a relationship ended sooner than you would have liked. You may never understand why you lost a loved one. You may never understand why you went through something difficult or why your prayers didn't get answered. But at some point, you have to decide to put your questions aside and go on with God. We have to decide to trust His character even when our circumstances don't make sense. Remember, He has promised He's going to turn that difficulty around and use it for your advantage. He is faithful to His Word, and you can be sure that He will fulfill every promise He's made to you.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father God, I choose to trust You with my unanswered questions. I choose to release any doubt and confusion to You. Help me to focus on Your Word which is truth that sets me free. Thank You for Your goodness and for the blessings You have in store for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
Friday, October 2, 2009
Daily Devotion
Resist Fear
"Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined]…" (I Peter 5:9, AMP)
The very moment you first feel fear, you have to resist it and act against it. If you make the mistake of dwelling on your fears and start thinking about all the reasons why you can't do what God is telling you to do, then it won't be long before you develop a negative mindset that will make it much more difficult to overcome.
When God told David to go fight Goliath, the Bible says that David moved quickly toward the battlefield. In other words, he didn't think about it. He didn't allow fear to grip his heart and talk him out of it. He just did what God wanted him to do.
So many people today are just sitting on the sidelines of life. They have tremendous potential on the inside, but they keep letting the enemy talk them out of doing what God wants them to do. Every time they get a vision of victory for their life, the enemy brings fear; and they just swallow his lies hook, line, and sinker. Don't let that be you! Instead, obey quickly. Resist fear and boldly embrace everything the Lord has in store for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father God, today I choose to resist fear. I choose Your Word. I choose Your love. I believe that with You, all things are possible. Thank You for giving me the power to live in victory in every area of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
"Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined]…" (I Peter 5:9, AMP)
The very moment you first feel fear, you have to resist it and act against it. If you make the mistake of dwelling on your fears and start thinking about all the reasons why you can't do what God is telling you to do, then it won't be long before you develop a negative mindset that will make it much more difficult to overcome.
When God told David to go fight Goliath, the Bible says that David moved quickly toward the battlefield. In other words, he didn't think about it. He didn't allow fear to grip his heart and talk him out of it. He just did what God wanted him to do.
So many people today are just sitting on the sidelines of life. They have tremendous potential on the inside, but they keep letting the enemy talk them out of doing what God wants them to do. Every time they get a vision of victory for their life, the enemy brings fear; and they just swallow his lies hook, line, and sinker. Don't let that be you! Instead, obey quickly. Resist fear and boldly embrace everything the Lord has in store for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father God, today I choose to resist fear. I choose Your Word. I choose Your love. I believe that with You, all things are possible. Thank You for giving me the power to live in victory in every area of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Daily Devotion
Trust over Fear
"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe"
(Proverbs 29:25, NIV)
Fear is one of the enemy's favorite tools to keep us from going forward in our lives. As soon as we make a decision to step out in faith and do what God is telling us to do, immediately the enemy will bring fear. He'll put thoughts in your mind like, "What if I fail? What will others think? Maybe I don't have what it takes." He'll do his best to use fear to try to convince you to shrink back and just stay right where you are.
The Bible tells us that fear is a spirit. It affects your emotions. But when you choose to put your trust in the Lord, no matter how you are feeling, you are combating fear.
Today, I encourage you, don't allow fear to trap you and hold you back. Instead, take a step of faith knowing that God is on your side. He is for you and with you, leading and guiding you in the path of victory all the days of your life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, I choose to put my trust in You. I choose to press forward and overcome fear. I believe You have my best interest at heart and know that You are leading me in the paths of righteousness all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe"
(Proverbs 29:25, NIV)
Fear is one of the enemy's favorite tools to keep us from going forward in our lives. As soon as we make a decision to step out in faith and do what God is telling us to do, immediately the enemy will bring fear. He'll put thoughts in your mind like, "What if I fail? What will others think? Maybe I don't have what it takes." He'll do his best to use fear to try to convince you to shrink back and just stay right where you are.
The Bible tells us that fear is a spirit. It affects your emotions. But when you choose to put your trust in the Lord, no matter how you are feeling, you are combating fear.
Today, I encourage you, don't allow fear to trap you and hold you back. Instead, take a step of faith knowing that God is on your side. He is for you and with you, leading and guiding you in the path of victory all the days of your life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, I choose to put my trust in You. I choose to press forward and overcome fear. I believe You have my best interest at heart and know that You are leading me in the paths of righteousness all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
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