Delmar answers, “come on in boys, the waters fine!"

Approval Addiction

Today's Scripture

“Your approval means nothing to me.” John 5:41, NLT

After the religious leaders in Jerusalem criticized Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath, He told them that their disapproval meant nothing to Him. He wasn’t dependent on who liked or supported Him. He received His approval from His Heavenly Father.

We all want to be liked, but too many people let the opinion of others determine what they do and who they are. They run everything through a filter: “How’s this going to make me look? Will others be impressed and applaud, or will they look down on me?” They don’t realize they’re addicted to approval. They have to keep pleasing others in order to feel good about themselves. But some people will never give you their approval no matter what you do. Sometimes people are for you, and sometimes they’re not. Your destiny is not predicated on their approval of you. God laid out your plan. He called you, equipped you, and gave you favor. When you’re secure in who He made you to be, you know you’re valuable, talented, attractive, and a masterpiece. You don’t need anyone else’s validation.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that I can feel good about who I am because You made me just as I am. Help me to not become dependent upon other people’s approval or try to get my value from them. I declare that I have Your approval and love and that’s all I need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, IT, National women's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878

It’s the Small Things

Today's Scripture

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. Colossians 3:23, NKJV

It’s not always the big things that are keeping us from God’s best; it’s the small things. If we aren’t showing respect and honoring our spouse by doing a small thing that’s important to them, that small thing will keep you from your greatness. You can’t be harsh, contentious, and hard to get along with and reach your potential. Sometimes it involves things we don’t feel like doing, something that doesn’t seem fair. At work, you’re not getting credit or someone is not treating you right. Why should you be kind to them, keep a good attitude, and go the extra mile? God is saying, “Will you do it as unto Me? Will you keep your mouth closed for Me? Will you be kind to that undeserving person for Me? Will you be your best at work for Me?” Do it as unto God. He’s the One who matters. Promotion doesn’t come from people; it comes from Him. When you do the right thing when it’s hard, you’re passing the test. You’re going to go to levels that you’ve never imagined.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You for calling me to be a person of excellence in everything I do, to go the second mile and always be my best. I want being my best to flow out of my heart of love for You. I believe that as I give it my all, I will see Your goodness and favor in my life in new ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, IT, National women's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878

Get Your Expectations Up

Today's Scripture

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion….Blessed are all who wait for him! Isaiah 30:18, NIV

Did you notice in today’s Scripture that God longs to be good to you, that He wants to show you His favor and compassion, but there’s a condition? He’s looking for people who wait for Him, who are expecting His goodness. He’s looking for people who believe that healing is coming, that breakthroughs are on the way, that their future will be brighter than their past. Could it be that God is longing to show you His goodness, but you’re not seeing it because you’re not looking for it? It’s easy to become passive and complacent, thinking you’ve seen your best days. No, God has an awesome future planned for you. The Scripture says His favor is for a lifetime, but you have to be looking for it. You have to be expecting things to turn around, believing that good breaks are coming, thanking Him that the best is still ahead. Don’t put your faith on autopilot. God didn’t create you to reach a certain level and get stuck. He promises that your path will get brighter and brighter. Are you looking for it?

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that You are the all-powerful God who longs to be gracious to me. Thank You for being the God who rises up to show me compassion. I declare that I am believing that the best of Your goodness is still ahead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, IT, National women's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878

Strength to Endure

Today's Scripture

…being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience. Colossians 1:11, NIV

It’s interesting that in today’s Scripture, the apostle Paul didn’t pray that God would remove every difficulty from the Colossians or deliver them instantly. He prayed that they’d have the strength to go through the tough times with a good attitude. He knew that when we’re being stretched, God is developing our character. If we keep the right attitude, if we remain at peace and rest, we will come out better than we were before.

You may be facing some battles today that have you feeling you’re not going to make it. Pray for the strength to go through it with a good attitude. The Scripture says that you have the power of the Most High God inside you to withstand whatever comes your way. You are more than a conqueror, a victor and not a victim. You have to turn the situation over to God and let it go. Don’t let it dominate your thoughts or words. Stay in peace, knowing that God is going to turn it around at the right time and use it to your advantage.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that Your power to strengthen me in times of difficulty is greater than the greatest force that can ever come against me. Thank You that I can put discouragement behind me and stir up my faith. I believe that I am more than a conqueror and will overcome this. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, IT, National women's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878

Steps of Faith

Today's Scripture

Then the LORD asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth?...Is it not I, the LORD?” Exodus 4:11, NLT

Sometimes we almost miss the great things God wants to do in and through us because we talk ourselves out of believing what He says. When God told Moses to go and tell Pharaoh to free God’s people from slavery, Moses said, “I can’t do that. I’m not a good speaker.” God’s response was a question: “Moses, who made your tongue?” He was saying, “I’ve already put in you exactly what you need. Take a step of faith, and you’ll discover gifts inside that you’ve never realized are there.”

Don’t let the size of your dreams or the challenges to your dreams intimidate you. And don’t let naysayers discourage you from pressing forward. You have to realize that God will never put a dream in your heart without first equipping you with everything you need to accomplish it. If you feel that you don’t have the necessary wisdom, talent, or resources, remind yourself that God has matched you with your world. Do as Moses did and keep taking steps of faith, and God will do the rest.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You for the gifts and talents You put in me to accomplish my dream. Thank You that I don’t have to feel I have everything I need in order to move forward. I declare that I will keep taking steps of faith and trust You to get me to where You want me to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, IT, National women's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878

A New Beginning

Today's Scripture

Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” John 5:8, NLT

In John 5, the man who Jesus healed had been crippled for thirty-eight years. This man never dreamed he’d be able to walk, play ball with his children, dance with his wife, or take a stroll on the beach. That’s the mercy of our God. Notice that Jesus didn’t say, “I’m going to get you a better mat to lay on, lighter and more comfortable. I’m going to get more help and better caregivers.” Jesus came to give the man complete freedom from his problem so that he never needed that mat.

Life is too short for you to have things lingering that are holding you back. Sometimes, we don’t realize how restricted we are. We’ve become so used to a dysfunction that it feels comfortable. You have to stir yourself up. God’s idea of freedom is not to make you more comfortable in a dysfunction but to set you free. It’s to set you on a whole new path of health, peace, joy, and blessing. God is doing a new thing. You’re about to rise, take up your bed, and walk in freedom.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that with Your calling upon my life comes the power to release any old thinking, old habits, discouragement, and dysfunction that would keep me stuck. I’m dropping the excuses that hold me back and taking steps of faith for a new beginning today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, IT, National women's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878

See the Best

Today's Scripture

To the pure, all things are pure. Titus 1:15, NIV

If you can’t see anything in a positive light, if all you see is what your spouse or your child or your boss does wrong, the problem is not with everyone or everything else. At some point you have to look in the mirror and say, “Maybe I’m the one who needs to change. If I’m always critical, maybe I’ve developed a habit of seeing the bad rather than the good. If I’m always skeptical, maybe I’ve trained myself to be cynical and sarcastic rather than believing the best. If I’m always finding fault, maybe I’ve become judgmental and condemning instead of giving people the benefit of the doubt.”

What’s the solution? When the temptation comes to be critical, deal with negative thoughts one at a time. If you see something or someone you don’t understand or you don’t agree with, don’t be quick to judge or allow that critical spirit to come out. Instead of seeing them through critical eyes, look at them through God’s eyes. Start praying for them. Train yourself to see and believe the best about them.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You for always calling me to come higher and lay aside everything that keeps me from being my best. Help me to be honest and confront the areas where I struggle with negativity. I believe that with Your help that I can overcome and be victorious. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, IT, National women's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878

Shouts of Praise

Today's Scripture

“But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’” Jonah 2:9, NIV

Today’s Scripture was spoken by the prophet Jonah while he was inside the huge fish that God sent to spare his life after he had disobeyed God’s command. You can imagine how it reeked almost unbearably inside the fish’s digestive system. For eight verses, Jonah had talked about how bad his life was, how he was in the depths of despair, how he didn’t see a way out. All that was true, but it didn’t change his situation. Then in the midst of the stink and difficulties, he suddenly offered up a sacrifice of praise and surrender. That’s what caused God to go to work and have the fish put Jonah back on dry ground to fulfill his destiny.

You may be in a stinky situation today. You could describe what you’ve done wrong, how you aren’t treated right, or how you’re not getting well. But that creates an atmosphere of doubt, defeat, and negativity that keeps you where you are. Be a Jonah and send up a shout of praise. Send up faith. Send up hope. You’re about to see that negative situation turn around.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that when I make a mistake and bring trouble upon myself as Jonah did, You cover me with mercy and give me second chances. Today I will offer up a shout of grateful praise to You and declare You as my Lord. I believe You will get me to where I’m supposed to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, IT, National women's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878

Speak Faith, Speak Victory

Today's Scripture

Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3, NIV

When David went out to face Goliath, you can imagine the thoughts that flooded his mind. “He’s twice my size. He’s their champion fighter, and I have no battle experience. This is impossible.” All these negative thoughts bombarded his mind. One thing that made David a champion is he didn’t speak them out. He recognized that he had to put a watch over his mouth and not speak defeat or uncertainty, but rather change the negative thinking by speaking positive. He declared to Goliath, “You come against me with a sword and shield, but I come against you in the name of the Lord God of Israel.”

In the face of difficulties, you first have to zip your lips from speaking negatively. Then your report should be, “I am well able. I will defeat this giant. I will accomplish my dreams. God being for me is more than the world being against me.” When you speak faith, speak victory, speak health, speak abundance, negative thoughts can’t stay. Use your words to give life to your faith, not your doubt.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that You are the Most High God and that no giant is too great for You. Thank You that You being for me is more than anything that comes against me. Help me to be like David and put a watch over my lips and declare Your Word to the enemy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, IT, National women's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878

Unharmed

Today's Scripture

Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. Acts 28:5, NLT

When the apostle Paul survived being shipwrecked and was safe on the shores of the island of Malta, a poisonous snake bit him on the hand. The natives who saw it happen knew that it was only a matter of time before he would swell up or suddenly drop dead. But Paul simply shook off the snake and went on with his business, unharmed. From a logical, human point of view, he should have been afraid, but he already had a promise from God that he would make it to Rome and stand before Caesar. He knew that nothing could snatch him from God’s purpose.

When we overanalyze problems, try to reason them out, it hinders our faith. That’s why the Scripture says, “Lean not to your own understanding.” Take this in the right sense, but sometimes you have to turn off your mind. Faith is not of the mind; faith is of the heart. We should use common sense, make good decisions. But don’t let your logic talk you out of what God put in your heart.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that no matter what the problem or obstacle, it will not stop Your purpose for my life. Thank You that I am not limited to leaning on my own understanding or abilities. I believe that You always have the final say, and what You have purposed is on the way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, IT, National women's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878