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

Discernment

Today's Scripture

O LORD, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. Psalm 119:169, NLT

Whenever you have what seems like a good opportunity and people encourage you to move forward, it’s still important to ask God for discernment. Every good thing is not a God thing. Every word of advice is not for you. Good people can have the best intentions, but what they’re telling you may not be God’s plan for you. In the end, it comes down to what you feel in your spirit. What are you discerning? You can hear from God. Listen to wise counsel, but if you don’t feel peace about it, you may have to go against what certain people believe you should do in order to follow what God wants you to do.

Every morning we should pray as the psalmist did, “Lord, give me a discerning mind.” He was saying, “Lord, help me to tune out the wrong voices, and bring me the right voices. Help me to see beneath the surface, to hear Your voice, and make decisions that honor You.” If you’re listening to the still small voice, you’re going to have wisdom to make the right decisions.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that in the most practical ways You are speaking to me about everything that I am involved with. Help me to have a discerning mind that knows what You want me to do. I declare that I am committed to obeying Your still small voice 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, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men'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

What You Can Become

Today's Scripture

Zacchaeus…took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. Luke 19:6–7, NLT

Zacchaeus was a despised tax collector, known for cheating people. He was the chief tax collector, the worst one. Everyone considered him a crook. The religious people didn’t think God would have anything to do with him. But God doesn’t judge the way we judge. We see people as they are, but God sees what they can become. We see the mess, but God sees the treasure. God sees the miracle.

When Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was passing by, something came alive inside. Even though Zacchaeus was doing wrong, God in His great mercy began to draw him. Zacchaeus felt this longing to see Jesus. No matter how many mistakes or failures you’ve made, God never writes anyone off. He still has a purpose for your life, and He never consults your past to determine your future. What you’ve done in the past doesn’t stop what God has planned. Sometimes religion tries to make you feel as though you’re not worthy. Don’t believe those lies. God’s calling is still on your life. You can still become who you were created to be.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that even though You know everything about me, You still invite Yourself to come to my house for dinner and bring the gift of salvation. Thank You that it’s not about what I’ve done or not done, but it’s about Your mercy and love. Welcome to my house. 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, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men'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

Take the Pressure Off

Today's Scripture

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24, NIV

There’s so much pressure on people to perform these days. Research shows that the largest increase in anxiety has been among young people. Especially with social media, there’s the constant pressure to compare. “Am I good enough, pretty enough, funny enough? Do I have enough followers? Am I popular?” If you fall into that trap, you’ll never feel good about yourself because you’ll always see someone who seems more talented, more beautiful, more successful. There will be the pressure to outperform, outdress, have more friends, more talents, more compliments. That’s a never-ending cycle that will wear you out, take your joy and peace, and cause you to miss becoming who you were created to be.

Take the pressure off yourself. That’s what’s causing the anxiety. You don’t have to keep up. You’re not competing with them. Run your race. Be who God made you to be. Others can’t do what you can do. They don’t have your gifts and talents. They don’t have your beauty. You’re a masterpiece. You’re made in the image of God. Nobody can beat you at being you.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that Your favor, Your blessing, and Your grace are unique to my life. Thank You that I am just right for the race You’ve called me to run and that I’m not in a competition with anyone else. Help me to be the best me that I can be and enjoy my journey. 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, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men'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

Think Yourself Happy

Today's Scripture

“I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews.” Acts 26:2, NKJV

After being in prison for two years on false charges, the apostle Paul was brought before King Agrippa for his trial. The first thing Paul said was, “King Agrippa, I think myself happy.” You would think he would see himself as a victim, be bitter and angry. But he shows us a secret of how to overcome all that. He said, “I think myself happy.” He was saying, “I consider myself fortunate to stand before you even though my accusers want me to be put to death.”

You can think yourself depressed, you can think yourself into a bad mood, and you can think yourself a victim. Or you can do as Paul did and say, “Yes, I’ve had a lot of difficulties. I could be sour and live discouraged, but I’m going to think myself happy.” As long as you’re thinking about your hurts, what you didn’t get, how you were left out, you’re going to be discouraged. Don’t replay the loss, the disappointment, or the failure. Start thinking faith-filled, positive, hopeful, uplifting thoughts. That’s what you’re going to draw in.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that I can set my mind to be happy today and to be my best because You made this day. Thank You that I can keep it set when I meet the challenges of this day that want to push me toward being a victim. I am going to keep thinking faith-filled thoughts that strengthen me within. 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, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men'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 a New Grip

Today's Scripture

Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day! Habakkuk 2:3, TLB

God has an appointed time to bring His promises to pass in your life, and it will not be one day late. You may have been waiting a long time. Thoughts tell you, “You’ve missed out. It’s not going to happen.” No, when you come into your appointed time, God will make up for what looks like lost time. With one touch of God’s favor, suddenly it happens. Suddenly the business takes off, suddenly you meet the right person, suddenly your child is back on course, suddenly you’re well.

We want everything fast, but God knows the right time. He is saying to get a new grip. Take hold of His promises in a new way. Make up your mind that no matter how long it takes or how impossible it looks, you’re going to be a believer and not a doubter. Keep declaring that it’s on the way, keep waiting with expectancy, and you’re going to see God show out in your life. He’s going to do things that are uncommon, unusual. You didn’t see it coming. It’s the greatness of our God.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that what You have purposed for my life will come to pass and You are never late. I choose to stop stressing out over what I don’t have, knowing it will be here down to the very day of when I really need it. I believe that You will make it happen. 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, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men'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

Your Defender

Today's Scripture

“Touch not my anointed ones.” Psalm 105:15, ESV

You may be in a situation where there’s a lot of negative chatter, people trying to push you down, to discredit you. You don’t think it’s ever going to change. But you are God’s anointed. Your time is coming. God has heard every negative word spoken against you. He’s seen every person who’s tried to make you look bad. Vindication is on the way, promotion is coming, new levels are coming. The Most High God is going to make things happen that you couldn’t make happen. He’s going to settle that case. He’s your defender.

Now quit living upset. Quit fighting those battles, trying to win somebody over who’s never going to be for you. Your goal should not be to try to change their mind or to try to convince them to like you. Just run your race with purpose, with focus, and with joy. Stay on the high road, be your best, and let God defend you. You’re going to live so much freer and enjoy your life so much more if you leave those issues in the hands of God.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You for the anointing You have put on my life. Thank You for being my defender, my vindicator, and my promoter in situations where people are coming against me. I declare that I am going to leave these issues in Your hands and live free. 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, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men'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

As a Child

Today's Scripture

“For the Kingdom of God belongs to men who have hearts as trusting as these little children’s. And anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get within the Kingdom’s gates.” Luke 18:17, TLB

If you ask children if they’d like to go buy a toy at the store, they don’t start debating whether they’re worthy enough. They don’t question whether you mean it or if you have the money to pay for it. No, children just receive the gift happily. They haven’t been contaminated with lies about how they aren’t good enough or have done too many wrong things. But as adults, when we hear about God’s gifts, we start reasoning things out. “I didn’t perform up to par. God’s not going to bless me. I struggle all the time. I don’t feel valuable.”

Why don’t you start receiving God’s gifts? God says you are fearfully and wonderfully made. He calls you a masterpiece. He knew you before you were formed in your mother’s womb and approved you. He didn’t approve you based on your performance. He approved you based on the fact that you’re His child, created in His image, crowned with His favor. Now you have to receive that approval. Receive that validation. You’re not ordinary, but a child of the Most High God.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that You approved me before I was formed in my mother’s womb, long before I made my first mistake. Thank You that You approve and love me despite my weaknesses and shortcomings. I declare that I am receiving Your gifts as Your child. 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, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men'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

He Brings Out Greatness

Today's Scripture

“As for Ishmael…I will make him extremely fruitful and multiply his descendants….I will make him a great nation.” Genesis 17:20, NLT

In Genesis 21, Hagar and her son, Ishmael, had been kicked out of the household of Abraham and Sarah and were on their own in the desert. As a slave, Hagar had obeyed Sarah’s orders and had her son with Abraham. But Ishmael was not the promised child, and his presence brought all kinds of dysfunction into the household. Hagar didn’t do anything wrong, and Ishmael didn’t choose his parents, but their whole world fell apart. Just when Hagar didn’t know how they were going to survive, God said, “Hagar, I’m going to take care of you, and I’m going to make Ishmael a great nation.” God is so merciful. Out of a great mess, He brought greatness.

You may be in a difficult situation today that was caused by somebody else. It’s not fair, and it’s put you at a disadvantage. God is saying, “I’m not going to let other people’s poor choices ruin your life.” God has you covered with mercy. He’s going to bring greatness out of that mess. You will still fulfill your destiny and become everything God created you to be.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You for being the amazing God who can take messes and mistakes and bring greatness out of them. Thank You that You don’t let other people’s wrongs ruin my life. I believe that You are working all things together for my good. 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, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men'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

Mike will be back with the devotions on Tuesday, August 5th

Some Things You Have to Ignore

Today's Scripture

While he was still talking to her, messengers arrived from Jairus’s home with the news that it was too late—his daughter was dead and there was no point in Jesus’ coming now. But Jesus ignored their comments and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just trust me.” Mark 5:35–36, TLB

In Mark 5, Jesus was delayed on the way to heal Jairus’s daughter when messengers came to Jairus, saying, “We’re sorry, but your daughter has died. There’s no use bothering Jesus anymore.” Jesus overheard what was said, but He ignored their comments. Notice the principle: There are times when you overhear negative words about problems you face, but you have to ignore them. Don’t dwell on it. Don’t give those negative seeds any room in your soil. You’re not denying the problem, you’re not acting as though it doesn’t exist, but you’re not letting it take root. You can’t have faith if there’s doubt, fear, and worry.

The Scripture says to “lean not to your own understanding.” Yes, use common sense, but there is no solution to some things we face in the natural. If you try to figure it out, you’re going to get confused and discouraged and talk yourself out of it. You can’t stop that you heard it, but take the next step and ignore it. Jesus ignored it, prayed for the little girl, and she came back to life.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that no matter what other voices may be saying about my life, You have the final say. Thank You that I can stay in faith and choose to not dwell on negative reports. I believe that as I get my thoughts in agreement with Your Word that I shall overcome. 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, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men'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

By His Stripes

Today's Scripture

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5, NKJV

Imagine Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father and hearing us pray, “Lord, if it’s Your will, You can heal me.” He says to the Father, “So after I took all those stripes, endured all that pain for them, to take their sickness, now they’re wondering if it’s My will?” That doesn’t honor God. After the price He paid, the way to honor God is to have the attitude: “Lord, I know You want to heal me.”

We see all through the Scripture that healing is His will. One of the best things we can do is to remind God of what He says. If you want to pray with confidence, bring His stated will to Him. Pray what He promises. “God, You say You will restore health to me. You say You took my infirmities, carried my sickness, and by Your stripes I have been healed. You say You wish above all things that I prosper and be in good health.” When you pray the promises, you won’t say “if it is Your will,” because you know His will.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that You have come into my life as my Savior, as my provider, and as Jehovah Rapha, the Lord my healer. Thank You that it is Your stated will to heal and restore. I will trust You to keep me strong and healthy, always taking new ground. 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, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men'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