Does anyone else get daily devotionals e-mailed to them? If so and you want to share them, please post them here.
I am on the e-mail list for Joel and Victoria Osteen's daily devotional.
Today's Scripture
"God is more pleased when we are just and fair than when we give him gifts." (Proverbs 21:3)
Today's Messsage:
Because we are human, it is easy for us to let our choices be ruled by our emotions or to become impatient with God's timing. Many times we are even tempted to compromise what we believe in just because it feels good. It takes tremendous courage to choose what is right. But that's the great thing about it—God can give us all the courage we need for those important choices! Because we are new creations in Christ, those old ways of thinking don't have a hold on us anymore. We are free to choose for Him! You can choose the people you're going to associate with, the things you feed into your mind—and how you see yourself. The choices you're making right now will determine the kind of person you'll be, so ask God today to help you make the right choices, especially those that take courage to make.
Today's Scripture
"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care." (Psalm 95:6)
Today's Message
One key to living a fulfilled life is spending time in worship. The Bible teaches us to worship the Lord throughout the day, every day. Whether you're at home, work, the bus stop or the ball game, take time to worship God for who He is and thank Him for all the blessings He has given you. Another key is spending time each day in the Word. Your Bible is the best tool you have for discovering your God-given purpose! It will tell you who you are, what you have and what you can do. Remember, God's has plans to prosper you and as you walk in His plan for your life, you will experience His abundant blessing on everything you set your hand to!
Today's Scripture:
"Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you." (Proverbs 4:25)
Today's Message:
You have a unique, God-given purpose that only you can fulfill! God is the architect of your life and His Word is a blueprint containing all His hopes and plans for your life. One of the best ways to set goals is to start writing them down — both your short-term and long-term goals. It's amazing how your life can begin to take shape when you can see on paper where you want to go. Once you set your goals, stick with them! Don't allow the distractions of life to take you off course. Ask yourself, "Is what I'm doing moving me toward my God-given destiny? Am I staying focused?" Then, allow God to help you avoid things that are not helping you fulfill your destiny.
Today's Scripture:
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (Romans 12:6)
Today's Message:
There's nothing more encouraging than to discover your purpose, your area of calling, and begin to really focus on it! Don't let the enemy convince you you've been forgotten or left out. God has entrusted everyone with different gifts and talents. You have talents, you have abilities, and you have natural strengths. Become aware of what they are and begin to use them for God's glory. Do you know that there is something important that only you can accomplish for God? We encourage you to discover and follow your God-given purpose and fulfill the destiny He has for you! Then, you can wake up each day with joy and purpose because your life is focused and filled with the blessing and abundance of God.
Today's Scripture:
"One thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize." (Philippians 3:13-14)
Today's Message:
Deciding to focus on your top priorities in life is a daily choice. As followers of Christ, the top priority is to share the love and hope that is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ with others. You can choose to be involved in several activities that are good to do. But, if you try to do everything you'll wind up being average at many things and not excellent at anything! To live your best life, make time for the key relationships in your life—whether it's with your spouse, parents, children, or a special friend or relative. People are God's most precious creation, so do what it takes to share quality time with those the Lord has placed around you.
BEG, I have read your messages and I want to thank you for taking the time to post them. I have enjoyed them all.
Today's Scripture:
"Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." (Colossians 3:23)
Today's Message:
When you love what you do, that doesn't mean you don't work hard, or that you don't have some frustrating days and people to deal with. That's all a part of life. But ultimately, God can help you enjoy what you're doing. When you're in God's will, there will be a joy on the inside. Deep down in your spirit you will feel a sense of accomplishment. You'll live the best life that God intended for you. If you'll live a focused life, with your priorities in order and clear goals for the future, there's no limit to what God will do! He'll take you places that you've never even dreamed of. You'll experience the abundant life He has in store for you. Your deepest desire should be to follow God's perfect will, so that one day you can look back and say, "This is why God put me here."
Today's Scripture:
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Today's Message:
If God simply delivered you from every hard circumstance, and never made you grow and move forward, you would never learn to trust Him completely. Life is not always fun because it's not enjoyable to lose the "training wheels" and step out and grow in faith. But God says that He will always be with us. We just can't see the whole picture like He can. God often works behind the scenes in hard times to prepare you, train you, teach you patience, and develop your character. If you learn how to hang on through the difficult times, you'll get to see His good plan for you. Sometimes you just have to step out and receive what He has for you.
Quote from: Isabelle on October 25, 2006, 11:45:44 AM
BEG, I have read your messages and I want to thank you for taking the time to post them. I have enjoyed them all.
I second that! Thanks BEG! :smile:
Today's Scripture:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Today's Message:
You make a conscious choice about what kind of attitude you will have each day. If you choose to have a good attitude every morning and remember that each day is a blessing from God, then you'll set a positive tone for the rest of your day. The apostle Paul chose to be happy and content no matter what kind of circumstances he found himself in. Whether you have much or a little, choose to be happy and decide to serve the Lord faithfully with a vision of victory. God wants your joy to be full no matter what comes into your life!
Today's Scripture:
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17)
Today's Message:
God is the Provider of every good and perfect gift. Although you may have some obstacles in your path right now, thank the Lord for the strength He gives you to overcome them. Thank God continually for all of the gifts He showers on you, both big and small. If you wrote down all your blessings, you would fill up every piece of paper that you own, and then some! Instead of focusing on the parts of your life that are not going as planned, choose to focus on the good things that God has put in your life. Remember, God can take what is broken and make it whole again.
Today's Scripture:
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)
Today's Message:
People who experience the joy, blessings and favor of the Lord are different in one key area: they put the most important things in life at the top of their list where they belong. If you want to experience God's best in your life, stay focused on Him and on the things that truly matter. The Bible says to first aim at and then strive after God's kingdom and righteousness—which simply means to do things God's way. To reach your full potential and be everything God intends you to be, make sure His priorities are your priorities. Doing this will help you make wise use of your time and help you to experiencie God's best.
Today's Scripture:
"So reach out and welcome one another to God's glory. Jesus did it; now you do it!" (Romans 15:7)
Today's Message:
You can get along with anyone you want to get along with! It's possible to live peacefully because every person in your life right now was put there by God for a reason. Many times that person has strengths that can support your weaknesses. Learn to work together with people that are different than you so that you can fulfill God's greater purposes. Make it a point to study and get to know the people around you. Find out what makes them happy or sad, find some common ground to stand on, and work at getting along. Do your best to live peacefully with everyone that God has put in your life.
Today's Scripture:
"Let the weak say, 'I am strong.'" (Joel 3:10)
Today's Message:
Your words have incredible creative power! God says, "Let the weak say, 'I'm strong.' Let the poor say, 'I'm rich.' Let the troubled say, 'I'm free.'" Get your words lined up with God's Word. When you learn to think and speak about your future like God does, you can't help but be excited and hopeful! If you have a lot of obstacles in your path today, say, "I am strong in the Lord and the power of His might. No weapon that is formed against me is going to prosper. God always causes me to triumph." When you speak the words of victory, you'll live a life full of victory. And when you're faced with something that is bigger than you, just remember how small it is compared to God! That will give you a positive and powerful word to speak throughout the day.
Today's Scripture:
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Today's Message:
God wants to do something new in your life today. He knew you would have setbacks and He knew that life wouldn't always be fair. But, God wants to restore to you what the enemy has taken away. He always has something better in store for you than anything you can imagine. God doesn't care where you've been as much as He cares about where you're going. He knows that everyone falls short; that's why the Bible says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us." Don't let the enemy keep you focused on past disappointments and mistakes. You don't have to pay God back for your past mistakes and failures. That's what grace is all about. It's a free gift. You are free to receive God's mercy and forgiveness.
Today's Scripture:
"Give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes." (Isaiah 61:3, The Message)
Today's Message:
Ashes represent what's left over when everything is burned up. These ashes represent your broken dreams, your disappointments, your hurts and your pains. For God to give you beauty from ashes, an exchange must occur. You can't hold on to your ashes and receive something beautiful. You have to lay aside the ashes and accept the bouquets of roses God has for you. Accept God's promise that you "can do all things through Christ" who strengthens you. Accept that God makes you the head and not the tail, to be lenders and not borrowers. He wants you to be the victor, not the victim! Make a decision to let go of the ashes of the past and grasp the "roses" God has for you.
Today's Scripture:
"Choose life, that both you and your descendants may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19)
Today's Message:
God has given you the wonderful ability to choose – and you can choose the best life . . . or death. Make the kind of choices that say, "I'm choosing my best life!" For example, today you can choose faith instead of fear . . . happiness instead of depression . . . success instead of failure . . . godly living instead of compromise. The Lord wants you to make the wise choices of a champion every day and when you do, you'll experience the abundance of His love and joy in every part of your life. The Spirit of God is in you, and you have the power to choose God's best!
Today's Scripture:
"Don't waste time arguing over foolish ideas and silly myths and legends. Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit." (1 Timothy 4:7)
Today's Message:
Paul said that he didn't waste his time thinking about or participating in things that kept him from achieving his goals and fulfilling his destiny. That's the attitude of victory you need to have in your daily life! God wants to help you make good decisions every day. He predestined you and all believers for greatness and for a life filled with victory. God wants you to experience His presence and His power in your life as He prepares you for a lifetime of wise decision-making. Have the positive attitude of Paul. Don't be bothered by insignificant things of life, rise above and see the spiritual greatness that is your destiny in Christ!
Today's Scripture:
"For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His love." (Romans 8:38)
Today's Message:
No matter how many weaknesses you think you have, you are very special to God! You are beautifully, wonderfully and uniquely made, and you need to celebrate His handiwork in you! Too many times people compare their lives to others rather than looking to God's promises and celebrating what God has given them. Worrying about your weaknesses will sidetrack you and keep you from fulfilling your destiny. You may be saying, "You just don't know how I've lived. You mean to say I'm not supposed to feel guilty and condemned? That I don't need to pay God back for all my mistakes by going around feeling bad about myself?" Yes, that is exactly right! Jesus came so you can have an abundant life, so begin seeing yourself today as God sees you.
Today's Scripture:
"I will not forget you. I have swept away your sins like a big cloud; I have removed your sins like a cloud that disappears into the air." (Isaiah 44:21-22)
Today's Message:
Clouds don't linger. They're swept away by winds. That's what God says about your sins and shortcomings—they're swept away before you know it. God is a loving, forgiving, redeeming, life-changing God. So start agreeing with God and change the image you have of yourself. Instead of telling God what you can't do, agree with what He says you can do! You can turn your entire life around if you look at yourself the way that God sees you and agree with His purpose. God is with you, so you be fearless and victorious each day. Gideon, the great hero of the Bible, thought of himself as weak, but God called him a "mighty man of fearless courage." The Bible says, "If you believe, then all things are possible." Get God's vision of victory for your life. See yourself as the champion God created you to be!
Today's Scripture:
"As they went a woman who wanted to be healed came up behind and touched him, for she had been slowly bleeding for twelve years, and could find no cure (though she had spent everything she had on doctors). But the instant she touched the edge of his robe, the bleeding stopped." (Luke 8:43)
Today's Message:
Are your hopes, dreams, and visions way big today? I hope so, because there are no limits for the powerful and loving God that you serve! When God puts a dream in your heart, even a big dream that seems almost impossible, He will also put in your heart the ability and the opportunity to complete it. The tough part is that you're going to have to step outside of your comfort zone, and allow God to give you what you need. The woman described in Luke 8 had a dream of being healthy, but nobody could help her. She kept dreaming and reached out for Jesus to be healed. Reach out for your dream today and watch God do the rest!
Today's Scripture:
"The thief 's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." (John 10:10)
Today's Message:
Is all of your trust in God today? Many people say that they believe in God, but act like He's a distant and uninvolved relative. To have the fullness of life that God promises you, you must believe what God says, not just believe in His existence. God wants you to step out and leave the ordinary behind. He is speaking to you today and encouraging you to believe in Him. God is waiting to bless you more than you could ever think, but you have to take the first step. Your step may be big or small, but you must take it to come closer to God and experience everything that He wants you to experience.
Today's Scripture:
"One thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize." (Philippians 3:13-14)
Today's Message:
Deciding to focus on your top priority in life is a daily choice. As followers of Christ, your top priority is to share with others the love that is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you try to do everything, you'll wind up being average at many things instead of excellent at anything! To live your best life, make time for the key relationships in your life--whether that is your spouse, your children, or your parents. People are God's most precious creation; so set aside quality time for the special people the Lord has in your life.
Today's Scripture:
"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, 'With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.'" (Matthew 19:26)
Today's Message:
Conquerors don't give up when they lose ground. They march forward with confidence knowing that they will claim victory. It should be the same with us in our daily lives. The Bible says you don't have to worry – you are an overcomer in Christ! The Holy Spirit lives in you and is fighting your spiritual battles for you. As soon as you kneel to pray, the tide of the battle can turn! That's why the Scriptures say over and over again that you can overcome anything. You are more than conquerors in Jesus Christ! You can claim victory through Him today!
Today's Scripture:
"If you want a happy, good life, keep control of your tongue, and guard your lips from telling lies." (1 Peter 3:10)
Today's Message:
The Bible teaches to choose your words wisely. In fact, God's Word says life and death are in the power of the tongue. That's why you need to be very careful about what you say each day. Your words can either be a positive and encouraging influence, or a discouraging one. It may be easier to grumble and become negative when things aren't going your way, but God calls you to speak words that strengthen and lift others up. When you do that, you will be blessed as well. Today, experience a new sense of joy by speaking positive words of faith and victory over your life and those around you.
Today's Scripture:
"Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Today's Message:
Too many people are filled with fear; it consumes their thoughts and paralyzes their lives. There are still "monsters" in this world that may frighten you, but God offers you peace that can drive even the scariest things in your life away. When you are afraid, reach out to God. The Scriptures say that He has already overcome fear for you. Instead of choosing to live in fear, choose to live in faith! The world may be full of trouble, but God is bigger than the troubles in your life. Rest on Him!
Today's Scripture:
"Do not rejoice against me, O my enemy, for though I fall, I will rise again! When I sit in darkness, the Lord himself will be my Light." (Micah 7:8 )
Today's Message:
Holy warriors for God never quit. Every warrior experiences setbacks and challenges, but the fact that God is on their side means that nothing on earth can hold them down. With God's strength and support, you can become an unstoppable holy warrior who is victorious in every spiritual battle. That's because when it comes to warriors, failure is never the final ending. God has guaranteed victory for those who live right in His name. Today, will you refuse to lose to the enemy? Will you rise up and reach a whole new level of abundant living? Live victoriously today; that's what God has called you to do!
Today's Scripture:
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:57)
Today's Message:
Today, take time to reflect on and give thanks to God for all of His blessings in your life. Whether you are eating turkey, playing games with your family, watching football or visiting a friend, remember to take time to focus on God's goodness. Count your blessings and notice all the grace, favor and love that God has given you. Psalm 95:2 says to "come before His presence with Thanksgiving...shout joyfully to Him with psalms." No matter the circumstances in your life, give thanks and praise to God for all that He has done. Remember how good He is and that His love will endure forever. The Bible says that you show your love for God through your actions towards other people. Reach out to those around you this holiday season and share His love and forgiveness with them. You are blessed to be a blessing to others!
Today's Scripture:
"Wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short." (Proverbs 24:14)
Today's Message:
God wants you to have a victorious and blessed life. Sometimes people think that an abundant life full of joy and blessings is waiting in heaven, but the fact is God wants you to have it right now! God wants you to be wise and blessed, and you don't have to wait until eternity to have a bright future! When you pursue God's wisdom you will find that God's promises are as bright as the sunrise. His promised blessings of happiness, fulfillment, favor and wisdom come when we receive them. If you want to have a bright future full of hope and faith, start walking on the path of wisdom today.
Today's Scripture:
"I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power." (Philippians 4:13)
Today's Message:
The things that you believe about yourself will probably come to pass. If you see yourself happy, then you will probably be happy. If you see yourself well, you may have good health. The Bible says that you can do all things through the strength of Christ. All you have to do is believe it. God is going before you, making your paths straight and surrounding you with His favor. The Bible also says that His blessings will chase you and overtake you! The key is to make God the center of your focus. Problems shrink when you put your focus on the Him!
Today's Scripture:
"So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step." (1 Corinthians 9:26)
Today's Message:
When you're living according to your purpose, there's nothing in this world that can stop you. You can develop a vision of victory in your life knowing that God can handle anything that comes your way. The Bible says that "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world." Simply shake off anything that the enemy throws at you and don't let it hinder or bother you. Lift your eyes to God - when you magnify him, the obstacles in your life will become so much smaller.
Today's Scripture:
"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit." (Matthew 12:33)
Today's Message:
God wants you to spend time doing meaningful things. But how can you tell if what you're doing is really the best way to spend your time? One way to find out is to take an inventory of your life to see where your time is going. The next step is called pruning and it may cause discomfort. Pruning is necessary to not only keep healthy growth, but also to make sure that the growth is in the right areas and directions. Your thought process should start with, "How can I make more room in my life for God's best?" God's best is so much greater than anything else that you could ever put your time into. Go through the pruning process to produce all that God has for you – the very best!
Today's Scripture:
"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Today's Message:
Surround yourself with the right people and you can fulfill the dreams God gives you. Put yourself in relationships with people who are not only like-minded, but are also seeking to honor God in their own lives. Here is a thought to consider today: if your friends don't point you toward God's goal for you, then they're not very good friends. You want to be around dream-builders, not dream-crashers! When you prune the relationships around you, you're not cutting things out of your life; you're making room for growth so that you can reach your God-given potential! When you make room for God's best, you can walk away from the lesser things that the world has to offer.
Today's Scripture:
"My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." (John 10:10)
Today's Message:
God doesn't just want you to be happy, He wants you to be full of joy! You don't have to give yourself a pep talk, and you don't have to pretend every day just to play it off. Something happens that no one can explain when a person turns their life over to God. That supernatural something flows out of you every day when you live your life to the fullest for the glory of God. When you live life to the fullest, you'll seek to bless others and God will make your dreams come true in His name!
Today's Scripture:
"It is possible to give away and become richer!" (Proverbs 11:24)
Today's Message:
Start giving your life away, and before you know it the blessings of God will chase you down and overtake you. You may think that there is very little, if anything, that you can give, but that's just not true. You've got plenty to give because many times giving has nothing to do with money or possessions. You can give a smile, you can give a word of encouragement, or you can give your time. Begin each day with a determination to be a blessing to as many other people as possible. That's a great goal to begin each day chasing!
Today's Scripture:
"The godly shall be firmly planted in the land." (Psalm 37:29)
Today's Message:
According to the Bible, you can't just sit on a seed and expect it to grow at the perfect moment. You have to crack the outer shell and plant the seed in order to gain a harvest. Just like a grain or other seed that is planted in the ground, you have to have your outer layer cracked to prepare for growth. This means you have to break down your previous ways of thinking and living and allow Christ to change you. When you allow that change to take place, you will experience true joy and fulfillment. The best part is that when God's timing comes to pass, you'll be ready to grow up and be productive for Him!
Today's Scripture:
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant." (Philippians 2:5-7)
Today's Message:
The Bible says that because Jesus lowered Himself, He is given the name above every other name. Jesus is exalted because He chose to lay down His life instead of turning away, and because He chose to put the good of others ahead of His own good. That is the example that he wants you to follow. Jesus laid down His own life. What are you willing to lay down so that others may experience His life-transforming power? Choose today to live to give, because giving to others is the secret to a life of joy, fruitfulness, and abundance.
Today's Scripture:
"Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)
Today's Message:
You must remember that God is not only with you, He is also for you and He is in you! His goodness and mercy follow you everywhere you go, no matter where you go. He has also promised that no matter what path life takes you on, He'll go ahead of you and make the crooked paths straight. As long as you're following His path, you simply can't lose! Once you begin to see the future through the eyes of faith, you'll discover that victory is within your grasp. Begin to see yourself the way God sees you, and it will change your perspective on everything.
Today's Scripture:
"If God is for us, who is against us?" (Romans 8:31)
Today's Message:
The Bible says that we are more than conquerors through Christ. Rise up and see yourself as an overwhelming champion in Him! You can be and you will be victorious through Him. The problems that so often intimidate and defeat many people can't have a firm hold on you if you're sold out completely to Christ. Someone who belongs completely to Christ knows the strength and victory that comes through Him. Here's something to remember today: if Christ is on your side, it doesn't really matter who is against you! The opponents you face don't really matter, and don't amount to much, when Christ is standing next to you.
Today's Scripture:
"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Today's Message:
When you think about it, the people of this world have always seen much less than God intended to show them. Do you ever have trouble thinking big and trusting God for something big? If you do, you're not alone, because everyone has. But in order to experience all the blessings God has in store for you, you must step out of your small box and dive into the large box of God's love. Sometimes it's difficult to have a God-sized life view and expectations, but when you learn to really trust God, you'll see Him do great things for you.
Today's Scripture:
"I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.." (3 John 1:2)
Today's Message:
God is interested in the smallest details of your life. He wants you to prosper in your emotions, your work and your relationships. Look at all of these areas, and others, and see just how prosperous you are. If there is any area of your life where you are not prospering and enjoying God's best, then perhaps that is something you need to hand over to God. Some things in your life may need to be weeded out. Take an inventory today, and see how God wants you to grow in every area of your life!
Today's Scripture:
"Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever."
(Psalm 145:2)
Today's Message:
Christians experience daily obstacles and struggles. But even though you aren't immune to life's day-to-day challenges, you have the power of Jesus Christ to overcome them! His power is available every day to help you win not only the big battles, but the little daily battles as well. God has an abundant life in store for you, which includes victory over the little things in your life that may seem big. Nothing can prevent you from being all that God wants you to be—so choose to claim victory today in the name of Jesus!
Fall on your knees
Today's Scripture:
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:14)
Today's Message:
Christmas time is a good opportunity to share with others your excitement and to share the good news: Because Christ came to earth, you are free!
You can experience true peace and goodwill only when you have His Spirit in your life. "And His name shall be called Emmanuel, God with us."
Today, give Him praise as the multitude of heavenly host did on the day He arrived. As you glorify and worship Him this Christmas season, you will be filled with His love, peace, and joy. He is able to meet all your needs today.
God Bless You.
Today's Scripture:
". . . and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him." (Matthew 2:9b-11a)
Today's Message:
The three wise men traveled a considerable distance to see the great king whose arrival the Bible foretold would be heralded by a bright star shining in the east. When they found Him, they rejoiced exceedingly. The Bible says they had "great joy."
Those men were so happy they couldn't hide it. In fact, God warned them in a dream to take the long way home to avoid being seen by Herod's men. Can you imagine that one look at their faces, and Herod would have known that they had been in the presence of the Messiah?
How about you? Can people tell by looking at your face that you have met Jesus? Let this be an encouragement to you to smile more, especially during this Christmas season. Don't allow the pressures and busyness of the holidays to steal your joy. Let those around you – your family, your friends, and those who don't know Jesus – see Him in your face. Your smile is contagious, and the outward expression of your joy will bring glory to God.
The angel declared; "I bring you good tidings of great joy." Let your face, and your heart, reflect the real joy of Christmas.
Today's Scripture:
"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men with whom He is well pleased.'" (Luke 2:14)
Today's Message:
When the angels appeared to announce the birth of the Messiah to the shepherds, they wished them "peace." During this season, Christians celebrate the birth of the Messiah and promise of eternal life that was sent on that first Christmas morning. But it is during this time, a time that should be filled with joy and peace, that the enemy would try to distract you. He will try everything he can to take away your joy. The devil will try to turn your focus on the little things that irritate you most—relatives, shopping, decorations...
Instead, hold on to your peace. One way to do that is to take your focus off of your needs and your problems and think about how you can be a blessing to someone who doesn't expect it.
Leave some cash in an unmarked envelope on the desk of a co-worker that is struggling this Christmas. At a restaurant, buy somebody's dinner and leave them a note wishing them a "Merry Christmas." Clean up the kitchen at the office and don't tell anybody that you did it. When you do good things in secret, when no one thanks you and you don't get any credit, you are honoring God and opening up the windows of blessing for Him to do great things in your life.
The Bible says that when you do good things secretly, God sees it and you will receive an even greater reward.
Today's Scripture:
"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down to worship Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him gifts..." (Matthew 2:11)
Today's Message:
Can you image how the wise men felt as they first looked upon our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! As part of their worship, they wanted to give Him gifts. They gave valuable presents to symbolize the love, honor, and appreciation in their hearts. In the same way, you can show your love and appreciation as you give gifts to others.
As you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during this holiday season, remember to show your love and appreciation to those around you. Not just through material gifts, but through words of love, kindness, and encouragement. Go out of your way to show honor to others, just like the wise men went out of their way to show honor to Jesus.
Today's Scripture:
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalm 23:6)
Today's Message:
Many people never really manage to enjoy their lives. They spend day after day just going through the motions, hoping things will get better. Maybe you're one of them. If so, listen to this: Your life can be better. You can be the happy, healthy, victorious, and overcoming champion God made you to be! Everything you need to start enjoying life is already inside you. You just need a little help to bring it to the surface. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and help bring out the best in you—because it's already there!
Today's Scripture:
"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)
Today's Message:
Everyone wants to live joyful and victorious lives. That's what God wants for you, too, and He knows the best way to get you there. But He also wants you to enjoy the trip! Here are two things to remember today that will help you slow down and enjoy this day God has given you. First, God is in control! He is directing your steps according to His plan. Second, God has your best interest in mind at all times. That means His plan for you is good, one that is designed to help you be the person He created you to be. So relax and enjoy the journey! Let God take you where He wants you to be in His timing, not yours. Remember, God is never late!
Today's Scripture:
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 3:14)
Today's Message:
If you want to live a joyful and fulfilling life, learn to celebrate each moment of each day. All it really takes is a decision on your part to relish the events, people, and tasks that make up everyday life. Of course, you should have goals. God has put dreams and desires in each person's heart. And there will always be another dream, another challenge just over the horizon. Slow down and enjoy each stage of what He is doing in your life. You don't have to make everything happen today. Pursue the goals that God has planted in you, but don't forget to enjoy each stage of the journey!
Today's Scripture:
"Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly." (Romans 12:6)
Today's Message:
The key to living a happy, fulfilling, satisfied life, is really very simple. Just be the person God made you to be, and have the courage to do what God called you to do. He has a unique and individual plan for your life, and the way to becoming a champion for God is to discover that plan and follow it wherever it may lead. But because you are human, it's easy for you to get distracted—many times, because you're trying too hard to please other people. Of course, there are legitimate demands on your time that must be met. The good news is that these things don't have to thwart God's plans for you. Just make it your desire to follow and please Him, and you won't be thrown off the path by life's demands and distractions.
Today's Scripture:
"God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done." (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Today's Message:
Nothing moves the heart of God quite like taking the time and effort to meet the needs of hurting and desperate people. When you focus on meeting the needs of others, you won't have time to worry about your own needs—which is actually fine since God has promised to take care of your own needs when you spend yourself in behalf of others. The Bible says that God wants to bless you and give you in abundance what you need, so why wouldn't you give? Give anything and everything you can, whether it's time, money, prayer, or just a kind word. So if you want God to satisfy you with every good thing, go out and help somebody in need. Give your life away
Today's Scripture:
"We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Today's Message:
God wants you to focus on the good things He has for you, which are far greater than the things you can see around you. Unfortunately, too many people give up when they face tough times. They stop expecting anything good to happen. But the truth is, hardships and trials are really opportunities for you to go higher. Whatever struggles you're going through right now, no matter how large or small . . . they are subject to change. God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Your health may not look very good today, but it's subject to change. You may be out of work today, but that's subject to change. Your finances may look dismal today, but that's subject to change! You may be struggling in your relationships or marriage, but that's subject to change too! No matter what your circumstances might be . . . you can experience real positive change when you look to God.
Hold on to Hope
Today's Scripture:
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)
Today's Message:
Satan wants you to give up and quit so he can have the victory in your life. But you can overcome him through the almighty power of God! Christ performed many miracles in the Bible, and He is still doing miracles today. The Bible says He is the same yesterday, today and forever. No matter what weapon the enemy may throw at you, it cannot penetrate the defense that Christ has put around you! Guard your hope, your joy, and your victory in Christ, because they are God-given blessings that He wants you to enjoy every day.