“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12, NIV)
One of the keys to seeing your dreams come to pass is to see them come to pass in your mind’s eye first. One of the greatest baseball players of our time told me that all through the day he sees himself hitting the ball. Before he gets up to the plate, he visualizes getting on base. He has this picture of himself succeeding. It’s gotten deep down on the inside and now he’s moving toward it.
Of course, it takes more than just visualization to see our dreams come to pass. It takes obedience; it takes prayer, and it has to be a part of God’s plan for our lives. But what I’m saying is that if you’ll keep the right pictures in your imagination, seeing yourself rising higher, seeing yourself healthy and whole, that’s going to get deep down on the inside and set the course for your life. When your mind is in agreement with God’s Word, it will help guide you toward your destiny. You will have a supernatural strength and power to see those dreams and desires come to pass in your life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, today I submit my dreams, desires and thoughts to You. Use my imagination for Your purposes. Help me to see the dreams You’ve placed within me coming to pass. Help me to see myself rising higher in every area and bring You glory in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12–13, NIV)
It’s one thing to know that you’re going into a challenging season. You get prepared for it. You get mentally ready. But what about the difficulties that we don’t see coming? The unexpected crisis that catches us off-guard? Sometimes, it can seem so overwhelming that it almost knocks the wind right out of us.
The Scripture says that we shouldn’t be surprised by fiery trials. That’s because the forces of darkness would not be fighting against you if they didn’t know that God has something amazing in your future! Sometimes, those unexpected difficulties are just a sign that you’re on the right track. It’s always darkest just before the dawn appears. The enemy always fights the hardest when you are closest to your breakthrough. The key is to stay the course and keep fighting the good fight of faith. Keep your joy and keep declaring God’s Word over your future. God has promised that you will overcome every obstacle. You will defeat every enemy, and right now, I declare that you will fulfill your destiny in Jesus’ name!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, thank You for walking with me in every season of life. Today, I cast all of my cares on You. I cast all of my difficulties, all of my questions, and all of my concerns. Thank You for working all things out for my good. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
“Jesus told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away’ ” (Matthew 13:24, NIV)
Jesus is telling a parable in Matthew 13 about a man who went out to his field and planted wheat in the ground. He sowed good seed. This represents that he was doing the right thing, honoring God with his life, and being good to others. But while he slept, an enemy came in and planted weeds. The man didn’t know what had happened. He was expecting to have a great harvest; after all, he did all the right things. But the weeds sprang up among his wheat.
Sometimes, things happen in life. Weeds spring up that we didn’t have anything to do with. The key is to keep the right attitude and keep focusing on the goodness of God. When these unexpected challenges happen, we can say, “It’s just another weed. I didn’t sow it. I don’t have to reap it.” Then we can keep the door open for God to move on our behalf.
Today, don’t let the weeds take root. Don’t let discouragement creep in. Instead, lift up your eyes of faith to what your father God can do for you. Keep believing, keep praying, and keep hoping because your harvest is on the way!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, thank You for the truth of Your Word which sets me free. Help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You. Give me Your peace as I focus on the harvest that You have for my future. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21, NIV)
Our words have creative power. Whenever we speak something out, either good or bad, we are giving life to what we are saying. Too many people go around saying negative things about themselves, their family, and their future. Things like, “I’ll never be successful. This sickness is going to get the best of me. Business is so slow I don’t think I’m going to make it. Flu season is coming. I’ll probably get it.” They don’t realize they are prophesying their future. The Scripture says, “We will eat the fruit of our words.” That means we’re going to get exactly what we’ve been saying.
Here is the key: you’ve got to send your words out in the direction you want your life to go. You cannot talk defeat and expect to have victory. You can’t talk lack and expect to have abundance. You will produce what you’ve been saying. With your words you can either bless or curse your future. Make sure your words are what God says about you so you can move forward in the life of blessing He has in store for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for the creative power in my words. Thank You for the opportunity to work with You to set my life on the course of victory. I choose to use my words to bless others and receive Your blessing in my own life in return. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)
Many people today wonder if they deserve God’s favor, but do you know what grace is? It’s unmerited favor. It’s kindness from Him that we don’t deserve. Isn’t it wonderful to know we don’t have to earn God’s grace; we simply receive it as a gift?
No matter what has happened in your past, you can receive God’s grace and forgiveness and start fresh today. His grace is enough. It’s all you need. The Scripture says we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Today, let grace empower and strengthen you to live the life of victory simply by receiving it and extending it to others. Instead of holding mistakes over other people’s heads, why don’t you hold out favor and forgiveness? As you allow God’s grace to flow through you, His power will increase in you. You’ll see His favor in greater ways as you rise up higher in the life of victory He has prepared for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace today. I receive Your strength and favor in my life. Help me to extend that grace to others so I can live as an example of Your love in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
“...Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (Hebrews 6:12, NIV)
Are you facing a challenge today that seems overwhelming? Through faith and patience, God’s Word says that you will see His promises come to pass in your life. Understand that the enemy always fights the hardest when he knows you are closest to your breakthrough. He’d leave you alone if he thought you were going to live in mediocrity. But if you’ll keep pressing toward your promise and following the Word of God, you will get there. Don’t be like the Israelites in the Old Testament who were right next to their promised land when they talked themselves out of it. They said, “There are giants in the land. It’s too difficult.” No, don’t look at the obstacles in your life today; lift up your eyes because you serve Almighty God. Instead, follow the example of Abraham who believed God even when his circumstances looked impossible.
Remember, God rewards the people who seek after Him. Stand in faith and keep believing because God will take you places that you never dreamed. As you press toward the promise, you will see His hand of blessing, and you will live in the victory He has prepared for you.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, I come to You today choosing to believe Your promises. I lift up my eyes to You, ready to receive Your strength. Fill me with Your faith and patience as I press forward into victory! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
“It is through Him that we have received grace (God’s unmerited favor) and [our] apostleship to promote obedience to the faith and make disciples for His name’s sake among all the nations” (Romans 1:5, AMP)
Do you want to see more of God’s favor and blessing in your life? Receive His grace. Grace is God’s favor, but it’s also His supernatural empowerment. When you have God’s grace and favor, it enables you to accomplish more and be more effective both in your own life and in building His kingdom.
This verse says that God’s grace enables us to promote obedience to the faith and make disciples among all nations. In other words, grace empowers us to live the life God has called us to. Now, maybe you can’t go to all nations today, but you can make a difference in the lives of the people around you. You can “promote faith” by living a life of love and obedience to God’s Word. You can “promote faith” by encouraging the people in your life and living as an example of His goodness.
Today, open your heart and thank Him for His grace that empowers you. Let His truth set you free and then enjoy that freedom! Live as an example of His love because you are making a difference in the people around you.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace, favor and mercy that empowers me to live the life You’ve called me to. I receive Your grace by faith. Help me to stay obedient to Your Word and live as an example of Your love and light. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV)
What is it that you have need of today? Remember, we serve a God of abundance. Our God is always more than enough. No matter what is on your “plate of life,” God wants to empower you with His grace.
One meaning of the word “grace” is God’s good will, loving-kindness and favor. His grace, His good will is what keeps us. His favor strengthens us and causes us to increase. The wonderful thing is that He’s already extending that grace to you right now; all you have to do is open your heart and humbly receive it by faith.
Notice in this verse that when He pours out His grace on you, you will have all that you need at all times...that’s living in abundance. And when you are living in abundance, you are equipped to pour out that goodness and blessing on those around you. Abundant grace leads to abundant living, and abundant living leads to abundant giving! Today, receive His grace because it abounds to you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, today I humbly come before You. I surrender my heart, my will, mind and emotions to You. I ask that You pour out Your grace on me today and equip me for every good work. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
“May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace” (2 Thessalonians 1:2, NLT)
Grace and peace are such powerful forces in the life of the believer. Grace empowers us and peace directs us. It’s like this: grace is the gas and peace is the navigation system. You need both to reach your destination.
The Bible tells us that we are saved by God’s grace through faith. We don’t deserve it and can’t earn His grace and forgiveness, but He gives it to us anyway. Grace opens the door to salvation, but it doesn’t stop there. His grace is supernatural empowerment to live the life God has called us to here on earth.
Peace is every bit as powerful. It’s not just a feeling; it’s a state of being. Peace literally means “to set at one again.” When we are at one with the Father in thought, word and deed, we can physically feel it on the inside. We are settled internally. And nothing external can move us from our position of peace.
Today, receive His grace and peace and let them carry you into the destiny He has ordained for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, thank You for Your grace and peace at work in my life. I choose to stand in my position of peace by following Your Word. Thank You for guiding me into the life of blessing You have prepared for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
“Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11, NKJ)
God has grace in store for you every single day. Grace is His supernatural empowerment, His unmerited favor on your life. All throughout scripture, we see God giving daily grace, empowerment and provision to His people. For example, when the people of Israel were in the wilderness headed toward their Promised Land, God gave them manna each morning to eat. It would just appear on the ground. But He specifically instructed them to gather up only enough for one day’s supply. In fact, if they got more than that, it wouldn’t last. It would spoil. They were learning to trust God’s grace every single day.
In the same way, God doesn’t give us grace for a year at a time or even a month at a time. No, every twenty-four hours God has a fresh new supply of grace, favor, wisdom and forgiveness. How are you going to make it through the seasons of your life? One day at a time. Look for His grace today. Look for His provision today. Look for His hand of favor and blessing today because He promises to supply everything you need for today.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, thank You for Your grace and favor on my life today. I know that You have a fresh supply of everything that I need — physically, spiritually and emotionally — today. Help me to trust You more as I seek Your face. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.