Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Set Your Mind

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

Now set your mind and heart to seek (inquire of and require as your vital necessity) the Lord your God
(I Chronicles 22:19, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Have you “set your mind” today? In other words, when you woke up this morning, did you make the decision to focus on good things and to follow God with all your heart?

If we don’t set our minds, if we don’t purposely focus our thoughts and energy, then chances are, we’ll be bombarded by the cares of life. We’ll be tossed back and forth by every situation we encounter. We’ll be distracted by every phone call, upset by the traffic, offended by what someone said, and we’ll get off the course God intended. We’ve all heard it said that the best defense is a good offense. When you proactively set your thoughts, you are putting yourself on the offense. You are taking charge of your life. You are being an on-purpose person. You’re redeeming the time.

Make the decision today to set your mind on things above. Set your mind on God’s eternal purposes so that you can stand in the victory He has for you.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, today I set my mind on You. I choose to seek You with my whole heart. Thank You for strengthening me with Your peace and joy today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Redeem the Time

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days
(Ephesians 5:15-16, NLT).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Time is the most valuable commodity in life that we have. It’s more valuable than money. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time. When you woke up this morning, God gave you a present called “today.” And with that gift comes a responsibility. The Scripture tells us to redeem the time, to make the most of every opportunity. That simply means don’t let it go to waste. Don’t live this day unfocused, unhappy, negative, or defeated. Make the most of every day. God has entrusted you with His life. He has breathed His very breath into you. He has put gifts and talents on the inside of you. You have seeds of greatness deposited in you. You’re a person of destiny, and you have an assignment and a purpose to fulfill.

I encourage you today to evaluate how you are spending your time. Refocus your life. Let go of any distractions. Shake off any self-pity, any discouragement, any disappointments of the past and run your race with purpose. Be careful how you live and redeem the time so that you can fulfill the destiny He has prepared for you.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of today. I dedicate this day to You. I dedicate my mind, will, and emotions to You. Use me this day for Your purposes and keep me on the path You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Where the Spirit Is

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom)
(II Corinthians 3:17, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD

When you make Jesus the Lord of your of life, something supernatural takes place on the inside of you. The Spirit of God actually makes His home in your heart. And the Bible tells us that where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom! When you allow that truth to sink into your mind and heart, when you get into agreement with God and begin to declare that you are free, then you will see that freedom manifest in every area of your life.

God will begin to turn around situations that you’ve been praying about for years. He’ll restore relationships that you thought were impossible. He’ll bring health and wholeness back into your body. Those dreams, those promises that are on the inside of you, they may look too big, but God will set you free to pursue those dreams. He’ll set you up to overcome every obstacle. He’ll empower you to defeat every enemy so that you can move forward in freedom and victory in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Spirit that lives inside me and gives me life. Help me to know You and Your power so that I can live in the freedom You have for me. In Jesus’ Name.

Where the Spirit Is

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom)
(II Corinthians 3:17, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD

When you make Jesus the Lord of your of life, something supernatural takes place on the inside of you. The Spirit of God actually makes His home in your heart. And the Bible tells us that where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom! When you allow that truth to sink into your mind and heart, when you get into agreement with God and begin to declare that you are free, then you will see that freedom manifest in every area of your life.

God will begin to turn around situations that you’ve been praying about for years. He’ll restore relationships that you thought were impossible. He’ll bring health and wholeness back into your body. Those dreams, those promises that are on the inside of you, they may look too big, but God will set you free to pursue those dreams. He’ll set you up to overcome every obstacle. He’ll empower you to defeat every enemy so that you can move forward in freedom and victory in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Spirit that lives inside me and gives me life. Help me to know You and Your power so that I can live in the freedom You have for me. In Jesus’ Name.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Free From Bondage

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

…I will free you from their bondage and I will rescue you with an outstretched arm…
(Exodus 6:6, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD

No matter what’s going on in your life, no matter how somebody is treating you, God has a plan to free you from everything that would try to hold you back. He wants to rescue you and show you His mighty hand of favor and blessing. One translation says “with special and vigorous action.” What does that mean? That means, if you will stay in faith even in the difficult times, God is going to show up with explosive blessings. He is going to bring supernatural turnaround, supernatural breakthroughs, supernatural promotion, and supernatural deliverance.

God is saying, “I’m going to free you from the bondage of poverty and lack. I’m going to free you from the burden of depression and discouragement. I’m going to free you from every addiction, every bad habit.”

You don’t have to live in bondage to anything any longer! God’s arm of deliverance is outstretched toward you. He is setting you free from every bondage so that you can live the life of victory He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for delivering me from every fear, every concern, every obstacle, every form of bondage. I declare today that no weapon formed against me shall prosper because You are my deliverer. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

He Holds You in His Hand

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you…I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand…
(Isaiah 41:10, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD

Is there something in your life that feels beyond your control? If you’re tempted to get discouraged, remember, as a believer, God is holding you in the palm of His hand. There is nothing too difficult, nothing too impossible, nothing beyond His ability. When God holds you in His hand, you are safe. You are cared for. In His hand, there is victory. In His hand, there is strength. In His hand, there is provision. In His hand is everything you need.

No matter what you may be going through today, you can trust that God is for you. Instead of getting down and depressed over your circumstances, look up and get a vision of God turning that situation around. Get a vision of His favor, promotion, and increase in your life. As you stand in faith, you’ll see those supernatural breaks that will launch you further ahead than you ever thought possible! Remember, He holds you in His victorious right hand!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for helping me and holding me in Your victorious right hand. I choose to trust You even when things don’t make sense, even when things seem beyond my control. I release my cares to You knowing that You work all things together for my good. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

His Call Remains

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

For God’s gifts and His call can never be withdrawn
(Romans 11:29, NLT).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

What is the vision that you have for your future? Maybe at one time you were excited about your life—you had big goals, big dreams, but you went through some disappointments or life didn’t turn out the way you planned and now you’ve just settled where you are. But understand, God’s plan for your life didn’t go away just because you had some disappointments, setbacks, or because somebody treated you unfairly. God didn’t write you off just because you made some poor decisions. No, He knew every mistake you’d ever make; He knew every person who would wrong you, and He still called you. He still designed a perfect plan for your life. No matter what’s happened in your past, God’s plan for your good remains. He still has a bright future in store for you. If you will get your hopes back and get your vision in line with God’s Word, then the rest of your life will be the best of your life! Keep standing, keep believing, and get a vision for your future because the Lord has an amazing future in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. Thank you for calling me and giving my life purpose. I choose to shake off the past; I choose to forgive those who have hurt me, and I choose to keep my eyes on You, knowing that You will complete the good work You started in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Monday, March 23, 2009

His Hand is Outstretched

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

“For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who can annul it? And His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back”
(Isaiah 14:27, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD

As believers, you and I have an advantage. We don’t have to go through life just depending on our own talent, our own ability, our own strength. The Scripture talks about how God’s hand is outstretched toward His people. That means there is a supernatural power behind every believer. God’s outstretched hand will help you accomplish dreams that you thought were impossible. His outstretched hand will cause you to get well even when the medical report says there is no way. The outstretched hand of God will help us to prosper even when the economy is down.

Let this sink down into your heart today. All through the day, imagine God’s hand outstretched toward you. It is a hand of healing, a hand of favor, a hand of restoration. No matter what you may be facing, you have to realize there is a force for you that is greater than any force that will ever be against you. You’re attitude should be, “I am not settling where I am. I know I have an advantage. As a child of the Most High, I know God’s hand is outstretched toward me.”


A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for Your outstretched hand of protection and provision for me. I choose to lay aside every fear and every concern knowing that You will make a way for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

His Hand is Outstretched

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

“For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who can annul it? And His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back”
(Isaiah 14:27, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD

As believers, you and I have an advantage. We don’t have to go through life just depending on our own talent, our own ability, our own strength. The Scripture talks about how God’s hand is outstretched toward His people. That means there is a supernatural power behind every believer. God’s outstretched hand will help you accomplish dreams that you thought were impossible. His outstretched hand will cause you to get well even when the medical report says there is no way. The outstretched hand of God will help us to prosper even when the economy is down.

Let this sink down into your heart today. All through the day, imagine God’s hand outstretched toward you. It is a hand of healing, a hand of favor, a hand of restoration. No matter what you may be facing, you have to realize there is a force for you that is greater than any force that will ever be against you. You’re attitude should be, “I am not settling where I am. I know I have an advantage. As a child of the Most High, I know God’s hand is outstretched toward me.”


A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for Your outstretched hand of protection and provision for me. I choose to lay aside every fear and every concern knowing that You will make a way for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Strength under Control

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
(Matthew 5:5, NKJ).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

When most people hear that word “meek,” many times they think of a weak, shy, reserved or timid person who lets everybody run all over them. But that’s not at all what it means to be meek. Meekness is not weakness; it’s strength under control. Meekness is like a wild horse that has been tamed. He’s just as strong, just as powerful, has just as much speed as before, but now that strength is under control. You can walk up to him, pet him, lead the horse around, get on him and ride him. But don’t be fooled. He has the same power, the same tenacity as before, he’s just learned how to control it.

When you’re a meek person, you don’t have to go around trying to straighten everybody out. You don’t respond to every critic. People may be talking about you, but you don’t let it bother you. You may have the power to do something about it, but you realize your time is too valuable. You don’t fall for every distraction. Instead, you keep your focus on what God has called you to do. You keep your strength and power under control so that you choose to stay in peace and move forward in the victory the Lord has in store for you.


A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for the blessing of meekness. I choose today to be a person of self-control. Help me to know when to speak and when to listen, when to respond and when to hold back, so that I can honor You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Take the High Road

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

“The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest.”
(Exodus 14:14, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

In life, we’re always going to have critics. We’ll always have difficult people who try to upset us and steal our peace and joy. But, you don’t have to respond to every critic. You can decide to take the high road and let God fight your battles for you.

Sometimes, no matter what you say or do, there are people who aren’t going to accept you. They just don’t want to be at peace with you. In fact, when Jesus sent out His disciples to certain homes, He told them to always speak peace over those homes. And then He said in effect, “If they don’t receive the peace that you’re offering, then it will come back to you.” That tells me, if you will do your best to be at peace with people, even if they won’t take your peace, the good news is that peace will just come back to you. You’ll not only get your peace, but you’ll get their share as well! That’s double for your trouble! When you do the right thing no matter what is happening, God sees it and He rewards it.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, I choose to hold my peace. I choose to do the right thing even when the wrong thing is happening. I trust that You are fighting my battles for me. I give You all the honor and praise. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Overlook Offense

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

“It is an honor for a man to cease from strife and keep aloof from it, but every fool will quarrel”
(Proverbs 20:3, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD

Did you know that when you allow someone else’s words or actions to upset you, you’re allowing them to control you? When you say, “You make me so mad,” you’re really just admitting that their actions have power over you. As long as that person knows they can push your buttons, as long as you keep responding the same way, you are giving them exactly what they want. Sure, people have a right to say and do things that are upsetting, but we also have a right to not get offended. We have a right to overlook their actions.

In fact, the Bible says that it’s an honor for a man keep “aloof” from strife. In other words, we have to remove ourselves, either physically or emotionally, from strife and offense. It’s not easy, but we can choose to let it roll off of us like water off a duck’s back!

Remember, you don’t need everyone to agree with you all the time. You don’t have to have the approval of others in order to be approved by God. You’re job is to be the person God made you to be, so overlook offenses and strife so you can live in peace and victory all the days of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for loving, accepting, and approving me just as I am. I know You are doing a work in my life, and I ask for the strength and confidence to overlook offense so that I can honor You in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

No One Can Take it from You

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid”
(John 14:27, NLT).


TODAY'S WORD

Did you know that nothing on earth can take away your peace and joy? That’s because it didn’t come from this world, it came from God Almighty. In fact, the only time we can ever lose our peace is when we choose to let go of it and give it away. The next time you’re tempted to get upset and frustrated ask yourself, “Is this worth giving my peace and power away?” Maybe someone was rude to you on the phone, or a co-worker left you out of a meeting, is it worth your peace?

Life is too short to live upset and offended. If you allow your circumstances to control you, there will always be some reason to get discouraged. “Well, you may tell, It’s the economy.” “It’s the stock market. That’s why I’m so down.” No, quit giving away your power! God is still on the throne. The economy in heaven is doing just fine, and as long as you’re connected to Him, everything is going to be alright! Decide today to hold on to the gift of peace that God has given you so you can move forward in the victory He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your gift of peace. I choose to hold onto my peace and release anything that would hold me back from the blessings You have in store. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

There's Nothing too Hard for Him


Today's Scripture

"Is any thing too hard for the LORD?..." (Genesis 18:14, KJV).

Today's Word

In Genesis, God promised Sarah that she was going to have a child. At first she didn’t believe it. She thought she was too old. She thought her time had passed. But do you know what God said to her? He simply asked, “Sarah, is there anything too hard for the Lord?” I believe God is saying the same thing to us today. “Is there anything too hard for Me?”

Do you think your dreams are too big for God to bring to pass? Do you think that a relationship is too far gone for God to restore it? Do you think you have to just live with sickness the rest of your life? Get a new vision today because there is nothing too hard for God! God is saying today, “I am all-powerful. I can turn any situation around.” It doesn’t matter what things look like in the natural, we serve a supernatural God. The Amplified version puts it this way, “Is there anything too wonderful for the Lord?” The next time you think, “That’s just too good to be true,” remember, God wants to bless you beyond your wildest dreams. Take the limits off and dare to believe that He has wonderful things in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I choose to trust You with my whole heart. I know there is nothing too hard for You. Help me to stand strong in faith and keep me close to You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

He Makes Up the Difference

Today's Scripture

“…for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength)” (II Corinthians 12:10, AMP).

Today's Word

No matter what weakness you think you may have, no matter what inadequacies or setbacks you’ve encountered, God wants to give you His divine strength. He wants to make up the difference and put you further ahead than you ever thought possible. One time in the Old Testament, God simply multiplied the sound of four men’s footsteps and caused them to sound like a mighty army. When their enemies heard them, they took off running. There were thousands of enemy troops running for their lives, scared to death, thinking they were being attacked by a massive army when in fact it was just four people! What happened? God made up the difference.

Friend, God can make you seem bigger than you really are. He can make you look more powerful. He knows how to multiply your influence, multiply your strength, your talent and your income. You don’t have to figure it all out; all you have to do is put your trust in Him. If you will release your faith for a supernatural year and wake up every day expecting God’s far and beyond favor, then you’re going to see God show up and make the difference in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, today I commit every area of my life to You. I trust that You will make up the difference and supply everything I need to fulfill Your purposes in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Take Off the Limits

Today's Scripture

"I have seen that everything [human] has its limits and end [no matter how extensive, noble, and excellent] but Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits [into eternity]" (Psalm 119:96, AMP).

Today's Word

Did you know you can limit your life by dwelling on the wrong things? So often, wrong thinking keeps people stuck right where they are. If you think you'll never accomplish your dreams, then you'll stay stuck where you are. If you think you don't have the talent, the connections, or the funds, then you are limiting yourself. We have to remember that God's promises never return void. His Word stands true forever! Don't limit what God can do in your life by focusing on what you see in the natural realm. You have to realize that you serve a supernatural God and just because you don't see a way doesn't mean that God doesn't have a way. God can bring one opportunity across your path that will thrust you to a whole new level. He has explosive blessings in store that can blast you out of where you are and into a place of abundance. If you'll shift your focus from this limited realm and start looking at God's supernatural realm, you'll see His unlimited possibilities for your future. Take the limits off by setting your thoughts on what Almighty God can do in your life today!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, today I lift my eyes to You. You alone are the source of my strength, peace, and provision. I choose to delight myself in You knowing that You will give me the desires of my heart. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Choose His Plan


Today's Scripture

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT).

Today's Word

What are you planning for this year? Are you planning this year according to the news reports, or are you planning this year according to the Word of God? It’s good to be informed about what’s happening in the world, but remember, God is not limited by what we see in the natural. You may be planning to have an ordinary year, but God is planning for you to have an extraordinary year. You may be planning on just barely getting by, but God is planning on a year of abundance for you.

Why don’t you choose His plan for you this year? He has a good plan for you, to prosper you and give you hope for your future. In other words, He wants to do supernatural things in your life. He wants you to be an example of His goodness. Start declaring that this year is going to be a supernatural year. Start declaring that this is the year you will see your dreams come to pass; a year when you will discover new talents and become stronger and healthier. As you put Him first in everything you do, you’ll move forward into the supernatural blessings He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for the good plan You have for me. I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I lift up my eyes from the natural realm into the spiritual realm. Help me see the blessings You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Friday, March 6, 2009

He Laughs in the Heavens

Today's Scripture

"He Who sits in the heavens laughs" (Psalm 2:4, AMP).

Today's Word

Can you get a picture of God laughing in the heavens? Right now, God is on the throne. He's not mad. He's not worried about the economy. He's not upset with you and me. What's He doing? God is full of joy and laughing on the throne. It goes on to tell us in Psalm 37 why He's laughing, because "He can see the destruction of the enemy coming." In other words, the reason God laughs is because He knows the end of the story. He knows the final outcome. The good news is that you and I win. God always causes us to triumph!

Imagine you're watching the Super Bowl, but you already know the outcome. You already know who is going to win. No matter how far behind the winning team falls, no matter how bad it looks for them, you wouldn't get upset. You wouldn't be worried. Why? You've got inside information. You know the final outcome. That's what God is saying to us today. When it gets tough and things don't look like they're going to work out, we know with God, we are on the winning team! You can laugh with Him today knowing that He has favor, strength, and victory for you in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I choose to rest and trust in You. Thank You for bringing victory in every area of my life. Give me opportunities today to share Your joy and love with the people around me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

God Wants to Make You Laugh

Today's Scripture

"And Sarah said, God has made me to laugh; all who hear will laugh with me" (Genesis 21:6, AMP).

Today's Word

Is there a dream or promise in your heart that seems impossible? Sarah was 90 years old when God gave her a son. After the birth of Isaac, whose name actually means laughter, Sarah was so full of the joy of the Lord that she just had to laugh! What looked impossible with man became possible with God.

Whatever your circumstances may be today, God wants to make you laugh. He wants to fill you with joy knowing that He has victory in store for you. Maybe you're sick and you know God has told you you're going to be well. Or you're struggling financially, but God is saying He's going to prosper you. Perhaps your family is pulled apart. God is saying He's going to bring them back together. Don't listen to negative, self-defeating thoughts. Instead, remember the story of Abraham and Sarah. No matter how you may feel, no matter how bad it looks, let out the laugh of faith and just say, "Ha, ha! I've got inside information. I know God has already worked it out. He's already arranged things in my favor. It's just a matter of time before these promises come to pass."

A Prayer for Today

Prayer for Today: Father in Heaven, thank You for working in my life. Thank You for Your joy which is my strength. I trust You have a good plan for me, and I know I can laugh at the days to come. Let my joy be contagious to all who hear me today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Rejoice in the Lord

Today's Scripture

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NKJ)

Today's Word

When was the last time you had so much joy that you couldn’t contain yourself? Maybe your favorite football team won the big game. Or maybe you received some unexpected, good news. There are many reasons to rejoice in this life, but the scripture tells us to rejoice in the Lord.

To rejoice simply means to express great joy. There are many ways to express your joy in the Lord. You can sing, shout, clap, and one biblical definition is to literally spin around! Notice these are all action words. That means we can choose to take action no matter what our emotions are telling us. We can choose to rejoice in the Lord no matter what’s going on around us. And keep in mind, when you make the choice to rejoice even when you don’t feel like it, you are giving God a sacrifice of praise. That’s something that pleases the Lord. That’s something that opens the door for Him to move on your behalf. When you take a step of faith and choose to rejoice, before long, your feelings will get in line. You’ll feel His joy bubbling out of you like rivers of living water, refreshing you and giving you strength to live in victory in every area of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father in Heaven, I choose to rejoice in You. I set my mind, heart, and emotions on You today knowing that You are faithful! I will sing of Your mercies and goodness all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Take Your Medicine -

Today's Scripture

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (I Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV).

Today's Word

Did you know that it is God’s will for you to be joyful always? God wants you to be happy and carefree. He wants you to love your life no matter what your circumstances look like. In fact, when you have joy in the midst of difficult circumstances, it’s evidence of your faith and trust that God is going to bring you through.

Understand that God’s supernatural joy is His strength. He wants you to have joy so that you can stand strong no matter what’s going on around you. You might say, "I’m just not a real jovial person. I’m more serious. I never laugh that much." I realize God made us all differently, but you can train yourself to laugh more. I read where the average child laughs over 200 times a day, but the average adult only laughs 4 times a day. What’s happened? We’ve allowed the pressures of life, stress, and more responsibilities, little by little, to steal our joy.

Make the decision today to get your joy back. Decide that you are going to look beyond your problems and look to God Who will see you through. Ask Him every day to fill you with His supernatural peace and joy so that you can live in strength and victory all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I humbly receive Your Word today. I choose to open my heart to You and invite You to fill me with Your joy and strength. Thank You for showing me Your goodness and empowering me with Your grace. I bless You today and always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Take Your Medicine


Today's Scripture

"A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones" (Proverbs 17:22, AMP).

Today's Word

So many people today live with sickness, headaches, digestive problems, lack of energy and so much more because they don't have the joy they should. They aren't sleeping well at night and are living under so much stress and pressure. But the Bible tells us that when we are happy and joyful, it's like medicine to our bodies. One of the greatest stress relievers God has given us is the gift of laughter. It not only makes you feel better, but it actually releases healing throughout your system. In fact, medical science tells us that when people laugh, it boosts their immune system. It reduces blood pressure. People who laugh regularly are 40% less likely to have a heart attack than people that don't laugh regularly. Laughter triggers the right side of the brain, which helps release creativity so we can make better decisions. Laughter activates the body's natural tranquilizers that not only help us calm down, but it helps us sleep better.

If you need to rejuvenate your mind and body, it's time to take your medicine! Make time to laugh every single day. Don't take yourself so seriously. When you approach life with a happy, light-hearted attitude, you'll begin to rise higher and higher into the life of health and blessing the Lord has in store for you.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of laughter. Help me to see the joy in all circumstances so I can receive Your inner healing. Show me ways to help those around me so together we can live in Your joy and strength. In Jesus' Name. Amen.