Friday, November 27, 2009
Evangelistic Service
There will be a special evangelistic service at the Harvest Center, Sunday, November 29th at 6:00 PM. Everyone is invited to come and come expecting a mighty move of God.
Thanksgiving Reflection
A Grateful People
What does true thankfulness mean?
Gratitude is difficult. Isn't that ironic? It seems so easy and innate. God gives, we accept and are thankful—end of story. But it's rarely so simple or clean. What if we're not in a healthy place to receive God's blessings? What if God takes something or someone away from us? How do we live gratefully in the midst of suffering, or simply in the normal messiness of life?
It's easy to fall into the trap of believing that gratitude is passive: God is the one acting, bestowing gifts upon us. We just have to receive what he gives us. Receptivity, though, isn't always easy, and it is never passive. It means actively unclenching and opening our hands and our lives, not just when God wants to give us something shiny and new, but even when he gives us trials.
True gratitude stems from this receptivity. It is an intentional, courageous undertaking, challenging our assumptions of what God's faithfulness looks like in good times and in bad. If we are only grateful during good times, our response hinges on God's gifts to us, and our gratitude becomes conditional and weak.
The Israelites expressed this conditional gratitude to God many times throughout the Old Testament. They were thankful when the Lord delivered them, but they were often grumbling and ho-hum in their faith when things didn't go their way. We, too, are often irresolute with God because, if we're honest, it's easier to be thankful when things are great in our lives, not when they are hard.
Of course, it's always right to express thankfulness for specific situations, things, or persons God has given us. There is a sweetness found in this gratitude. The old adage "count your blessings" seems corny and over-used, but it is helpful at its core: Naming those good relationships and things in our lives is part of actively pursuing gratitude.
The danger comes when our warmth toward the Giver becomes dependent on the tangible good things he provides us rather than the good God he has proven to be. It becomes formulaic and impersonal, like a monetary exchange or an unhealthy friendship.
God desires that we desire him, the Giver, and not the gifts alone. But here's the good news: God manifests himself through his goodness to us, and this is why we offer him thanks. As the Psalmist says, "Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:15, ESV).
God is not aloof or distant, nor is he fickle in his love like the Israelites and us. He is ever-present and continually offers the gift of himself, even when we experience suffering, persecution, sickness, financial burden, relational turmoil, or other hardships.
James tells us that "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change" (James 1:17, ESV). Because God is faithful, we can be receptive to him even during difficulty. This doesn't mean we like the situation or that we have to find some sort of good in it while we're in that situation. Sometimes the only good thing we will meet is God himself, and he will sustain us.
C.S. Lewis, in one of his letters, says, "We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is 'good,' because it is good, if 'bad' because it works in us patience, humility and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country." In other words, we don't have to muster up a false pleasure in bad times, but true gratitude comes from seeing the hand of God working in our lives.
By: Bonnie McMaken
What does true thankfulness mean?
Gratitude is difficult. Isn't that ironic? It seems so easy and innate. God gives, we accept and are thankful—end of story. But it's rarely so simple or clean. What if we're not in a healthy place to receive God's blessings? What if God takes something or someone away from us? How do we live gratefully in the midst of suffering, or simply in the normal messiness of life?
It's easy to fall into the trap of believing that gratitude is passive: God is the one acting, bestowing gifts upon us. We just have to receive what he gives us. Receptivity, though, isn't always easy, and it is never passive. It means actively unclenching and opening our hands and our lives, not just when God wants to give us something shiny and new, but even when he gives us trials.
True gratitude stems from this receptivity. It is an intentional, courageous undertaking, challenging our assumptions of what God's faithfulness looks like in good times and in bad. If we are only grateful during good times, our response hinges on God's gifts to us, and our gratitude becomes conditional and weak.
The Israelites expressed this conditional gratitude to God many times throughout the Old Testament. They were thankful when the Lord delivered them, but they were often grumbling and ho-hum in their faith when things didn't go their way. We, too, are often irresolute with God because, if we're honest, it's easier to be thankful when things are great in our lives, not when they are hard.
Of course, it's always right to express thankfulness for specific situations, things, or persons God has given us. There is a sweetness found in this gratitude. The old adage "count your blessings" seems corny and over-used, but it is helpful at its core: Naming those good relationships and things in our lives is part of actively pursuing gratitude.
The danger comes when our warmth toward the Giver becomes dependent on the tangible good things he provides us rather than the good God he has proven to be. It becomes formulaic and impersonal, like a monetary exchange or an unhealthy friendship.
God desires that we desire him, the Giver, and not the gifts alone. But here's the good news: God manifests himself through his goodness to us, and this is why we offer him thanks. As the Psalmist says, "Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:15, ESV).
God is not aloof or distant, nor is he fickle in his love like the Israelites and us. He is ever-present and continually offers the gift of himself, even when we experience suffering, persecution, sickness, financial burden, relational turmoil, or other hardships.
James tells us that "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change" (James 1:17, ESV). Because God is faithful, we can be receptive to him even during difficulty. This doesn't mean we like the situation or that we have to find some sort of good in it while we're in that situation. Sometimes the only good thing we will meet is God himself, and he will sustain us.
C.S. Lewis, in one of his letters, says, "We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is 'good,' because it is good, if 'bad' because it works in us patience, humility and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country." In other words, we don't have to muster up a false pleasure in bad times, but true gratitude comes from seeing the hand of God working in our lives.
By: Bonnie McMaken
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Food For Thought
THE U IN JESUS
Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God stuck U in the name of His Son.
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.
You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
When JesUs left earth at His Upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.
"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U.."
So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too
It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know,
But it all starts with U.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Phil. 4:13
Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God stuck U in the name of His Son.
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.
You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
When JesUs left earth at His Upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.
"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U.."
So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too
It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know,
But it all starts with U.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Phil. 4:13
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Devotion
Retrain Your Mind
"Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind…"(Romans 12:2, AMP)
Many people today don't realize that the reason they're not happy, the reason they're not enjoying life is simply because they've trained their minds in the wrong direction. They've trained their mind to worry. They've trained their mind to complain. They've trained their mind to see the negative. But just as we can form these negative mindsets, we can retrain our minds and form positive mindsets.
One of the main keys to developing a positive attitude is to learn how to stay grateful. When you stay grateful, you are focusing on what's right rather than what's wrong. This doesn't happen automatically, you have to discipline yourself to focus on the positive. You have to make a conscious effort every single day until a good habit is formed.
Remember, when you live with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, you are shielding yourself from the attacks of the enemy. The seeds of discouragement cannot take root in a grateful heart. Neither can bitterness, envy, or strife. When you have a grateful heart, you are strong. You are empowered, and you can confidently enjoy the good life He has prearranged for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, today I surrender my thoughts and mind to You. Help me retrain my thoughts so that they are in line with Your will for my life. I choose to have a positive attitude of faith and expectancy and thank You for empowering me to enjoy the good life You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
"Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind…"(Romans 12:2, AMP)
Many people today don't realize that the reason they're not happy, the reason they're not enjoying life is simply because they've trained their minds in the wrong direction. They've trained their mind to worry. They've trained their mind to complain. They've trained their mind to see the negative. But just as we can form these negative mindsets, we can retrain our minds and form positive mindsets.
One of the main keys to developing a positive attitude is to learn how to stay grateful. When you stay grateful, you are focusing on what's right rather than what's wrong. This doesn't happen automatically, you have to discipline yourself to focus on the positive. You have to make a conscious effort every single day until a good habit is formed.
Remember, when you live with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, you are shielding yourself from the attacks of the enemy. The seeds of discouragement cannot take root in a grateful heart. Neither can bitterness, envy, or strife. When you have a grateful heart, you are strong. You are empowered, and you can confidently enjoy the good life He has prearranged for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, today I surrender my thoughts and mind to You. Help me retrain my thoughts so that they are in line with Your will for my life. I choose to have a positive attitude of faith and expectancy and thank You for empowering me to enjoy the good life You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Devotion
Growing in Faith
"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God"(Romans 10:17, NKJV)
Did you know that your faith in God can grow and increase every single day? Notice today's scripture doesn't say, "Faith comes because you have heard the Word of God one time." No, it says that "faith comes by hearing"–in the present tense.
Sure, God's Word can transform us in an instant; but most of the time, we need to hear God's principles over and over again before they become active in our lives. God's truth sets us free and puts His plan for our lives into motion. As you study the Word of God, it chisels away at the doubt and unbelief that's been built up over the years. And, just as a seed needs water to grow daily; your spirit needs the Word of God daily. The more you hear God's promises, the more you know Him, and the more confidence you will have to believe His word.
I encourage you to choose a few verses to meditate on daily. Write them down and carry them in your purse or wallet. The more you hear the Word of God, the more your faith will grow, and you will move forward in the freedom and victory He has for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, thank You for Your Word that is living and active and growing in my life. I submit myself to You today. Teach me Your ways and give me insight into Your Word so that I may know You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God"(Romans 10:17, NKJV)
Did you know that your faith in God can grow and increase every single day? Notice today's scripture doesn't say, "Faith comes because you have heard the Word of God one time." No, it says that "faith comes by hearing"–in the present tense.
Sure, God's Word can transform us in an instant; but most of the time, we need to hear God's principles over and over again before they become active in our lives. God's truth sets us free and puts His plan for our lives into motion. As you study the Word of God, it chisels away at the doubt and unbelief that's been built up over the years. And, just as a seed needs water to grow daily; your spirit needs the Word of God daily. The more you hear God's promises, the more you know Him, and the more confidence you will have to believe His word.
I encourage you to choose a few verses to meditate on daily. Write them down and carry them in your purse or wallet. The more you hear the Word of God, the more your faith will grow, and you will move forward in the freedom and victory He has for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, thank You for Your Word that is living and active and growing in my life. I submit myself to You today. Teach me Your ways and give me insight into Your Word so that I may know You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Devotion
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
"…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
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
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