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

The Way Your Story Ends

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Psalm 139:16, NLT)

Did you know that God has already recorded every part of your life from the beginning to the end? He knows every disappointment, every loss, every challenge; and the good news is that with Christ, your story ends in victory! God has written out a plan to bless and prosper you. When you choose His plan, your final chapter concludes with you fulfilling your God-given destiny. Here’s the key: when you go through a disappointment, when you go through a loss, don’t stop on that page in your life. You’ve got to decide to keep moving forward. There’s another chapter in front of you, but you’ve got to be willing to take the next step.

Sometimes, we get so focused on what didn’t work out that we stay stuck, reliving the disappointment. If that’s you, recognize that you’ve been on that page long enough. It’s time to let it go and turn the page to the new chapter God has in store. You may not understand, it may not have been fair, but remember, the next chapter is full of blessing, full of favor, and full of victory! Make the decision to let go of the old so you can move forward into the abundant life God has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for the good plan You have for me. Today, I lay aside the disappointments of the past knowing that You have blessing in store for my future in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Here’s the Way!

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“ ‘...how can we know the way?’ Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ ” (John 14:5–6, NIV)

Do you need direction in your life today? Jesus said, “I am the way.” Not only is He the Way to life in eternity, but Jesus is a Waymaker here on earth. He is the way to everything you need in this life. Do you need to know the way out of debt? Do you need to know the way to having better relationships...the way to overcome an addiction…to live in peace and joy? When you know Jesus, you know the Way!

No matter what you are facing today, no matter what challenges or obstacles are in your life, trust that He will make a way for you. Even when you don’t see how, trust that He is working. Trust that He loves you so much that He wants to strengthen and empower you to live in total victory. Open your heart today and receive all that God has given you through a personal relationship with Jesus. His is the way, and He has made a way for you to live in victory in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to show me the way. I receive Your truth and commit my heart to You. I invite You into every area of my being and choose to follow You all the days of my life in Jesus’ name! Amen.

He Holds Your Destiny

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23, NKJV)

Oftentimes, people who aren’t fulfilling their destiny will try to discourage you from fulfilling yours. They may not do it intentionally, but they’ll tell you what you can’t do and how things won’t work out. They’re quick to remind you of all your impossibilities. Your relatives, co-workers and friends may try to talk you out of your dream, but that’s because God didn’t put that promise inside of them; He put it inside of you! You have to remember that other people don’t determine your destiny; God does. He holds your destiny in the palm of His hand. If you will keep believing, God will not only bring it to pass, He will do more than you can ask or think.

Friend, don’t let someone else’s unbelief keep you from believing. Don’t let other people talk you out of your dreams. It’s time to get into agreement with God. He says you are well able. He says you are equipped. He says you are qualified. He says you are anointed, called and appointed to fulfill every dream and desire He’s placed within you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, I trust that You are leading and guiding me today. I trust that You hold my future. I choose to tune out the discouraging voices and tune into Your Word. Fill me with Your peace and joy as You direct my steps in Jesus’ name. Amen.

When Life Isn’t Fair

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28, NLT)

Everyone goes through things that don’t seem to make sense. It’s easy to get discouraged and wonder, “Why did this happen to me?” “Why did this person treat me wrong?” “Why did I get laid off?” But we have to understand, even though life is not always fair, God is fair. And, He promises to work all things together for good for those who love Him.

I believe the key word is this verse is “together.” In other words, you can’t just isolate one part of your life and say, “Well, this is not good.” “It’s not good that I got laid off.” “It’s not good that my relationship didn’t work out.” Yes, that’s true, but that’s just one part of your life. God can see the big picture. That disappointment is not the end. Remember, when one door closes, God has another door for you to walk through — a better door. Those difficulties and challenges are merely stepping stones toward your brighter future. Be encouraged today because God has a plan for you to rise higher. He has a plan for you to come out stronger. He has a plan to work all things together for your good so that you can move forward in the victory He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for working all things together for my good. I choose to release any doubt, any frustration, any confusion over my past, and I choose to trust in You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hit the Delete Button

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” (Isaiah 43:18, NIV)

Our minds work a lot like a computer. The way we program it will determine how it’s going to function. You can have the most expensive, powerful computer you can find, but if you load the wrong software, it’s not going to perform at its best. In the same way, many people are not living a victorious life, not because there is something wrong with them, but because of what has been programmed in their thinking. They start believing the lies, “I’m not talented. I don’t have a good personality. I’ve made too many mistakes. I’ve reached my limits.” Just like a virus can slow down a perfectly good computer, our wrong thinking can keep us from our destiny. If you’re going to live in victory, you’ve got to know how to hit the delete button.

When that thought comes that says, “You’re just average. You’re ordinary.” Hit delete and say, “I’m a masterpiece. I’m one of a kind.” When you hear, “You’ve seen your best days. It’s all downhill from here.” Hit delete and say, “My future will be brighter than my past.” If you will start hitting the delete button on those negative thoughts, your life will go to a new level, and you’ll experience the blessing He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for loving me and making me in Your image. Today I choose to hit the delete button on negative thinking. I choose to declare what You say about me so I can walk and live the life that You have prepared for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reprogram Your Mind

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind...” (Romans 12:2, AMP)

Many people today don’t realize that the reason they’re not happy, the reason they’re not enjoying life is simply because they’ve trained their minds in the wrong direction. They’ve programmed their minds to worry. They’ve programmed their minds to complain. They’ve programmed their minds to see the negative. But just as we can train our mind to focus on the negative, we can also reprogram our minds to focus on the positive. It all depends on what you meditate on.

When we meditate on the Word of God, we reprogram our minds. When we meditate on God’s goodness, we are developing a right mindset. When we choose to be grateful and focus on what’s right rather than what’s wrong, we are choosing a positive attitude. This doesn’t happen automatically; you have to discipline yourself to focus on the right things. You have to make a conscious effort to spend time in the Word of God every single day until a habit is formed.

I believe that as you honor God with your time, He’ll multiply it back to you. As you stay faithful and focused on Him, He will direct your steps, and you will embrace the blessing and victory He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, today I surrender my thoughts and mind to You. Help me retrain my thoughts so that they are in line with Your will for my life. I choose to have a positive attitude of faith and expectancy and thank You for empowering me to enjoy the good life You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Choose Your Friends Wisely

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’ ” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NKJV)

Sometimes, in order to embrace the destiny God has in store, you have to be willing to make some changes in your life. You have to be willing to examine where you are and what you need to move forward. This may mean that you need to change some friends that you’re spending time with. Maybe they were fine for a season in your life, but now you’ve outgrown them. This is a new season, and in order for you to rise higher, you have to break away from relationships that are limiting you. You have to develop some new relationships with people who are going to pull you up and inspire you to rise higher.

And, this doesn’t just mean separating yourself from people who are holding you back spiritually. I’ve found that if you’re the smartest one in your group, your group is too small. Find people who will challenge you to stretch to the next level and become everything God’s created you to be. Remember, he who walks with the wise becomes wise. Choose your friends wisely and don’t be deceived. Surround yourself with people who will cause you to rise higher so you can live in the destiny God has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for the good plan You have for my life. Help me choose my friends and companions wisely so that I can continue to move forward in the destiny You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Breaking Strongholds

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4, NKJV)

Scripture tells us that there is a battle going on in our minds. Our thoughts dictate our actions. That’s why the enemy will do everything he can to get you thinking in the wrong direction. Sometimes, it’s not our own thoughts that are holding us back; sometimes it’s that we’ve believed the negative things that other people have spoken over us. Those words are like seeds. If you dwell on them long enough, they’ll take root and become a reality.

In life, there will always be people telling you what cannot be done, speaking negative things. Too often we latch on to those negative words and develop what the scripture calls a “stronghold.” That’s a wrong thought or action that keeps us from God’s best. The way you break those negative strongholds is by rejecting the lie, forgiving the person, and embracing the truth of God’s Word. In other words, you have to choose to delete that negative file in your mind.

Today, why don’t you take inventory of your thought life? Ask yourself, “Where did these thoughts come from? Do they line up with what God says about me?” Break the negative strongholds and embrace God’s truth so you can be all that God has called you to be!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I choose to reject negative thoughts. I choose to reject lies from the past. I break every stronghold through the power of Your Word and embrace Your truth which sets me free in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Closer Than You Think

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.” (Hebrews 10:35, NKJV)

Have you been praying and believing for something that’s taking longer than you thought? Many times, people can miss God’s best simply because they give up before they see their answer come. Don’t let that be you! Be encouraged today, your answer is closer than you think. If it seems like things are getting more difficult, remember, when the intensity heats up, that means you are closer to your victory. It always seems darkest just before the dawn appears.

Friend, remember, you serve a faithful God. Know that He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Don’t cast away your confidence today because your reward is coming. And just like a new mother forgets about her labor pain when she is finally holding her newborn, you’ll forget about your struggle when you are holding your promise.

While you are waiting, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Wake up every morning and declare, ≴I’ve come too far to give up now. My due season is coming. I will reap my harvest.” Stay in faith and be on the lookout because He has promised you victory, and it’s closer than you think!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, today I stand believing that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. Give me Your strength to continue believing until I see Your promises fulfilled in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Same Favor

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8, NKJV)

One of the reasons it’s so important to know the Word of God is not only to learn His promises and His ways, but to understand His character. What He’s done for others, He will do for you. The same God who displayed His favor in the Bible is still at work today. I believe God wants to flood you with the same favor He flooded Joseph, Abraham and Elijah with. I believe He wants to open new doors, line up supernatural appointments, and bring new increase and provision. The question is, are you ready to receive it? Can you see it with your eyes of faith?

Today, know that our God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is with you and for you. Even before you see things turn around, believe that He is working on your behalf. And when He pours out His favor, it won’t be just a drizzle; it’s going to be a flood — a flood of ideas, a flood of good breaks, a flood of talent. Keep believing, keep hoping and keep praising because the same favor that was in the Bible is coming your way!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for Your favor and blessing which is available to me each and every day. I turn my heart and mind toward You. I submit my ways to You knowing that You are faithful. I open my heart to receive everything You have in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.