Road To Destruction

Jesus said, "Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Matthew 7:13-14

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...

The world wants a Savior but not a Lord. The New Testament is clear, a Savior who is not Lord is no Savior and no friend. If the Old Testament showed us anything, it is that God's seemingly bizarre laws were written not for his fascination but for his people's preservation. Let's not only call Jesus Lord this week, let's live in a way that shows that he controls our lives and his Spirit produces our character.

MY PRAYER...

Most Holy Lord, please take control of my life and my will so I may be wholly yours, not just in word, but in thought and in deed as well. Amen.

IN YOUR MIDNIGHT HOUR

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose”

(Acts 16:25–26, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Paul and Silas were put in jail for spreading the good news. It wasn’t fair. They were beaten with rods without a trial. It was unjust. As they sat in the prison, bloody, bruised and uncomfortable, they began to sing praises to God. As they were singing praises to God, all of the sudden, there was a great earthquake. The prison doors flung open, the chains fell off, and they walked out as free men. What happened? They praised their way to victory!

Friend, if you’re going to live in victory, you have to know how to praise in your midnight hour — when things seem the darkest, when you’re in pain, disappointed, lonely or experiencing a loss. When you praise Him no matter what, that’s when God can enter your situation. That’s when He can break your chains and set you free!

Remember, a sacrifice of praise is when it costs you something, when you don’t necessarily feel like doing it. Praise Him, not because of how you feel, but because He is worthy! Praise Him in your midnight hour and get ready to embrace the freedom He has planned for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, right now I lift my heart to You. I declare that You are worthy to be praised, and Your worth doesn’t change because of my circumstances. I will bless You today and every day. I will bless You in the midnight hour knowing that You are good, and You have victory and freedom in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

source:

http://snowhillmbc.webs.com/

http://alaphas-40days.blogspot.com/2012/05/aw-hell.html

http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/Index.aspx

Source of Strength

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.

Habakkuk 3:19

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...

"The Lord is my strength!" Wow, what power we have in his abiding and empowering presence in the Holy Spirit.

MY PRAYER...

Sovereign God and Almighty Father, be not only my strength, but the strength of those battling depression, grief and despair. I ask your blessings especially and specifically for _________ at this time of difficulty and struggle. Through Jesus I ask this. Amen.

COVER YOURSELF WITH HIM

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature]”

(Romans 13:14, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Is there something in your life that you would like to put a stop to today? Maybe it’s a certain behavior, addiction or bad attitude that isn’t pleasing to God? Just as Adam and Eve were exposed in their sin and needed to be clothed in the Garden, we need to clothe ourselves to protect us from sin. When you “clothe yourself” with the Lord Jesus Christ, He strengthens you against temptation.

How do you clothe yourself with Jesus Christ? In the same way you cover yourself in the natural with clothing — by putting something on. You have to daily “put on” the Word of God. You have to cover your ears by listening to the Word. You cover your eyes by watching only what is pleasing to the Lord. You cover your mouth by speaking the Word and encouraging those around you. As you cover yourself with Christ, you will be strong against temptation, and you will walk in the victory the Lord has planned for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for my sins. Thank You for providing a way out of temptation so that I can stand clean before You. Help me stand strong as I cover myself with Your Word in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

source:
http://www.ourmastersvoice.org/2009/05/11/the-lord-is-my-strength/
http://missionaryblogdigest.wordpress.com/2011/05/16/your-prayers/
http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/Index.aspx

You Brought Forth The Earth

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.

Psalm 90:2 and 4

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...

So many things about our lives are uncertain. This one thing, however, is sure: no matter where, when, or how long, God will be there and will be with us.

MY PRAYER...

Everlasting Father, I find great comfort in knowing that I cannot be in a place or time where you are not. Stir my courage through your Spirit that I may be more bold, by your power and presence, to share the Gospel of Jesus. Through whom I pray. Amen.

NO CONDEMNATION

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit”

(Romans 8:1, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Jesus came to break the curse of sin, shame and condemnation in our lives. He came so that we could see things the way God sees them. Do you know how God sees you? He sees you as valuable. He sees you as strong. He sees you as capable, talented and trustworthy. The voice of condemnation says exactly the opposite. Condemnation is a loss of value. It’s the accusing voice of the enemy that says, “You’re not good enough...you’ll never be good enough...you’re a failure.”

Condemnation is never from God. The Bible tells us there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. When you embrace and declare God’s truth in your life, you activate His power to overcome the voice of condemnation. No matter how you may be feeling, wake up every morning and declare that the Greater One lives in you. Declare that you are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Declare that He loves you and has called you according to His purpose. Choose to see yourself as valuable, the way God sees you. Embrace His truth so that you can overcome condemnation and live in victory all the days of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for setting me free from condemnation. Thank You for believing in me and filling me with Your vision for my life. Help me to see my life the way You see it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

source:
http://www.geniuzdesign.com/?p=193
http://wallpaper4god.com/en/background_psalm-902/
http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/Index.aspx

How High And Deep Is Your Love?

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:17-19

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...

Love that surpasses knowledge. That's very difficult to explain, but when you have loved your spouse for decades you experience what this means. When you love a child and do what you never dreamed you could do for another human being, you understand this phrase. And when you stand before God, adopted as a full heir of all his great riches, a full sibling to Jesus Christ the Lord, and know you are seen as holy, without reproach, and blameless, you begin to understand this phrase.

MY PRAYER...

Holy and incredible God, help me to know in my soul the love that is greater than words and knowledge so that I may not only be like you, but that I may know you in experience just as I know you in faith. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”

(Matthew 6:10, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God longs to give you a glimpse of heaven while you are here on earth. He wants to show you His wonderful plan and bring it to pass in your life. Have you ever thought about how God’s will is accomplished in heaven? In heaven, God’s will is automatic. There are no opposing forces of darkness or anything that would come against His will. On earth, His will is activated in our lives when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior; and then, we must choose His will on a daily basis in our thoughts, words and actions. On earth, we have to stand against the forces of darkness and refuse those negative, self-defeating thoughts that come against His will.

Today, open your heart to the will of God which is the Word of God. As it says in Ephesians 6, you will be empowered by your union with Him. Declare what God says about you and be empowered to overcome opposition. Stand strong in faith and see God's will come to pass in your life just as it is in heaven!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, I humbly come to You today and invite Your will to be done in my life. I submit every area of my heart to You. Let everything I say and do bring glory to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

source:

http://soulthoughts.com/

http://alccorting.wordpress.com/2011/02/09/wait-im-confused/
http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/Index.aspx

Hey, you're doing well

Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...

While Paul's exhortation here is excellent, it is the style of the exhortation we should especially notice. We live in an age where we are constantly pressured to emphasize the novel, new, or improved versions of things. But in our lives as Christians, we need to remind each other of what we are doing right and just simply say, "Hey, you're doing well, just keep doing what you're doing!"

MY PRAYER...

Faithful Father, thank you for noticing and keeping record of the things I've done that are good and pleasing to you. Please help me to keep doing those things that please you, only do them better, that you may be pleased and glorified. In Jesus name. Amen.

POWER IN HIS WORD

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You”

(Psalm 119:11, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Did you know that the Word of God has the power to protect you and keep you from doing the things you know you shouldn’t do? Hebrews tells us that the Word of God is living and active; it’s powerful in our lives. God communicates to us through His written Word, the Bible, and He communicates with us through His spoken Word which can come in many ways. In scripture, God spoke to people through a burning bush, a still small voice, and even a donkey. Today, He may speak to your heart through a friend, a worship song, or something in creation. One thing is for sure, when He does speak, your spirit knows it. There is confirmation in your inner man. God always speaks truth, and truth always sets you free!

God’s Word also protects you. When you hold His Word close to your heart, it acts like a shield around your heart. You hold His Word close to you by meditating on it, focusing on it, thinking about it and declaring it. As you allow His truth to sink into your spirit, it will empower you and change you. It will equip you to live the good life He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word which strengthens and protects me. Thank You for speaking truth to my heart. Help me to hear Your voice more clearly that I may live a life pleasing to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

source:

http://www.sodahead.com

http://gpoo.tumblr.com/

http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/Index.aspx

Who Own the Heaven and Earth?

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

1 Chronicles 29:11

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...

Praise is letting God know we recognize him for who he is, what he has done, and what he is doing. But more than informing God of his greatness, praise is rejoicing before him in his greatness and recognizing that not only is his grace without comparison, his majesty and might and holiness and faithfulness and righteousness and mercy and love and forgiveness and justice and... are without comparison. Praise is thankful celebration that he is God, and even more importantly, that he is our God.

MY PRAYER...

Great and Gracious God without comparison, you are truly worthy of my best words and best thoughts and best imaginings. I worship and submit to you, rejoice that you are who you are, celebrate what you have done, and long for what you are yet to do. You are magnificent, my Father and my God. Through Jesus, and because of his matchless love, I praise you. Amen.

IN AN INSTANT

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“...And in an instant, suddenly, you shall be visited and delivered by the Lord of hosts...”

(Isaiah 29:5–6, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Throughout the Bible, we have examples of how God suddenly showed Himself strong on behalf of His people. But sometimes when we’ve struggled in an area for a long time, it’s easy to just give up and accept things the way they are. One of the enemy’s favorite lies is to tell you that nothing is ever going to change. He’ll tell you that you’re never going to get well, that your marriage isn’t going to work out, that you’re never going to break that addiction. But I want to tell you today, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in those circumstances, God can change things in an instant! In a split second of time, He can turn it all around. One touch of God’s power can heal your body. One touch of His favor can promote you. One touch of His goodness can solve that problem. Just one touch from Almighty God can instantly change your life.

I encourage you today, keep believing, keep standing, and keep hoping. Don’t let the enemy drag your thoughts down because God is working behind the scenes. Your time is coming, and I declare that your breakthrough is going to happen suddenly — in an instant!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, I choose to trust that You are working things out for my good. I choose to stand in faith, believing that my season of breakthrough is coming. Give me Your strength and peace as I patiently wait on You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

source:

https://www.versaday.com/Months/03/0329.aspx

http://turtlesalad.deviantart.com/art/1-Chronicles-29-11-183127603

http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/Index.aspx

Unjust Or Unfair Criticism

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...

Why is it so hard to endure an unjust or unfair criticism? Why do we always have to defend ourselves no matter how ridiculous the charge? Often the problems we have with others simply escalate because we do not choose to forgive and let them go on in the Lord!

MY PRAYER...

Precious and Holy God, help me more carefully guard my speech from things you despise, especially gossip, slander, and innuendo. Thank you. Through Jesus' grace. Amen.

FILE IT AWAY

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me”

(Psalm 131:1, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD

When things happen in your life that you didn’t plan, do you find yourself trying to reason it all out, or look for a “file,” so to speak, in your mind? What happens when you can’t find a “file” to put it in? What if you can’t make sense of it all?

Here’s the answer: Every one of us needs to create a file in our thinking called an “I Don’t Understand It” file. When things come up that don’t make sense and you can’t figure out, instead of getting frustrated or confused, simply put it in your “I Don’t Understand It” file and leave it alone. If you go through life trying to figure out why something bad happened, why it didn’t work out, why my child didn’t get healed, it’s going to cause you to be bitter. Part of trusting God means trusting Him when things don’t make sense, knowing that His plan is always for your good; knowing that He will reveal all things in His time — even if it means in eternity.

Here’s what I’ve learned. Don’t put a question mark where God has put a period. What the enemy meant for evil, God will ultimately use for your good. Keep moving forward because God loves you, God is for you, and He has a great plan for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Precious Lord, today I surrender my questions, I surrender my past, I surrender my need to have all the answers and choose to trust that You have all the answers. I will wait on Your timing to reveal Your ways to me and choose to press forward into the destiny You have prepared for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

sources:

http://insidetheshrink-dailygrace.blogspot.com/2010/06/gentle-or-harsh-words.html

http://radiantfear.blogspot.com/2010/03/day-77-deuteronomy-32-34-mark-1526-47.html

http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/Index.aspx