Connected

“Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ The man replied, ‘How can I, unless someone instructs me?’ And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him.”
— ACTS 8:30 – 31 (NLT)

It’s important for believers to be connected to other believers in the body of Christ. You can study scripture alone, but God didn’t intend for believers to learn in isolation. You should pray by yourself, but you’ll also find corporate prayer strengthens the body of Christ. If you want to learn to drive, you find an instructor. If you want to become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, you attend numerous lectures and classes. The same should apply when learning how to fully understand scripture. Connect with a bible teaching church and participate in prayer service, bible study and become more involved in ministry. And if you already are, look for ways to make yourself available (like Philip) to those who may not understand what they are reading.  

Iron sharpens iron

 

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Heavenly Father, thank You for connecting me with Your body of believers that help me to grow more in You. I will be sure to bless someone with the knowledge and understanding that You have blessed me with as You continue to direct me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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Have Mercy

“‘But Lord,’ exclaimed Ananias, ‘I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem!’”
— ACTS 9:13 (NLT)

Saul was on the road to Damacus to imprison believers of Christ. On the way there he had an encounter with Christ that would change his life forever. Christ then spoke to Ananias and directed him to restore Saul’s sight, but he knew of Saul’s past and initially didn’t want to do as Jesus directed him. Is someone waiting for you to be obedient to Christ? Can you have mercy and forgive someone for Christ’s sake? When you hear terrible things about a person, remember God gave you a second chance and can use anyone. Don’t be so quick to throw someone away. Instead, know that they still belong to the Lord and allow God to use you to reach them.

Chosen vessel

 

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Heavenly Father, forgive me for judging others. You can use me to reach Your chosen vessels. Thank You for being a God of second chances. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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Be Different

“Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.”
— DANIEL 6:3 (NKJV)

What separates us from those who don’t know Jesus or have faith in God? We have to make every effort to distinguish ourselves and be different because of the excellent spirit of God within us. This means we have to practice daily to have the same mind of Christ. We have to love others. We have to forgive our enemies. We have to pray for those who spitefully use us. And don’t worry about being taken advantage of while living for Christ. Our God is much bigger than any plan of the enemy. Be distinguished. Be different. Be like Christ.

Light of the world

 

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Heavenly Father, You created me to be different. I am created for Your purpose. Your spirit within me has distinguished me and causes me to be Your light in a dark world. I am available to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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Power to Please

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”
— PHILIPPIANS 2:13 (NLT)

Are your plans working out for you? Are you reaching the goals you set out to hit this year? If nothing seems to be working for you, don’t give up. Instead, make sure what you have set out to accomplish glorifies God and not yourself. God’s power is working in you, but the power He gives you is a loan to do what pleases Him. Remember to seek first His kingdom and God’s righteousness in everything you do, and He will make your path straight and cause you great success. I can guarantee you that when your desire is to please God, His blessings and favor will rain down and overtake you. You don’t have to believe me. Just try it.

I got the power

 

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Heavenly Father, I feel You working in me. I thank You for giving me the desire and the power to do what pleases You and bring You glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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Better Things

“You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.”
— HEBREWS 10:34 (NLT)

“Why does bad things happen to good people?” is a question that is often asked and leaves people pondering and debating the answer. Even when the truth is set before you, trusting and having faith in the only answer can be daunting. The answer to this question is it’s God’s will. It’s also God’s will that after your suffering better things are waiting for you that will last forever! You lost a job only to find happiness and fulfillment in another. You were turned down for an opportunity only for a better door to open. In your temporary suffering God prepares you to receive His lasting blessing. It’s during these rough times that you find out Who He is and what you’re capable of. Accept the will of God with joy knowing He’s setting you up for better things.

Can’t steal your joy

 

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Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing my suffering to be only temporary. I trust Your will. I know You have better things planned for me that will last forever and I claim them right now. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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Expiration Date

“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
— PSALM 30:5b (NLT)

I have an encouraging word for you today! Something that you can believe in, reflect on, and hopefully provide you with some hope for tomorrow. Are you ready? Here goes: Whatever trouble you’re facing today, God has already given it an expiration date! That means, the problem you’re facing, the obstacle in your way, or the enemy that’s trying to steal your joy can’t last past God’s timing. Joy is coming! Find peace in the middle of your storm knowing that your weeping will only last through the night because Jesus has already set an expiration date for it. Rest in Christ believing it’s already done.

It's morning!

 

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Heavenly Father, I believe my weeping will only last for a night because You have given my trouble an expiration date. You are with me, so I have peace in every situation. My morning is here! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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Realize It

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
— DEUTERONOMY 31:6 (NLT)

Have you ever wondered why God allows you to go through things? Why the adversity? Why the enemies? Why the difficulties and setbacks? It’s because God knows who He’s created you to be, and He wants you to realize it. It’s no coincidence when you face difficult times. It’s just a way of God telling you you’re done with the phase of life you’re currently in and it’s time to grow. And God is not telling you to “become” strong and courageous. He’s telling you to “be” strong and courageous because you already are, and He wants you to realize it. Be confident that whatever you’re facing today God is already ahead of you and He will never fail you or abandon you.

Face it and grow from it

 

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Heavenly Father, I am strong and courageous because of You. I will not be afraid or panic. I realize You have gone ahead of me and that You will never fail me or abandon me. Speak to my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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Who Speaks for You?

“For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
— MATTHEW 10:20 (NLT)

When you speak to loved ones or strangers, what words do you allow to flow from you? When you’re faced with difficult decisions or situations you’d rather not be in, are your works kind, strengthening, or encouraging? What would Jesus say to your family and friends? What would Christ say if faced with your situation? That, my friend, is what you should say because the Spirit of God should speak through you. And when you allow God to speak to your circumstances, they have to change. When God speak to people through you, they will become better and filled with the love of Christ. So, just think for a minute… Who speaks for you?

Life is in the power of the tongue

 

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Heavenly Father, I want You to speak for me. Speak through me to give life and improve circumstances. My words have power through You, Lord. Speak to my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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They Don't Understand

“But the Pharisees said, ‘He can cast out demons because He is empowered by the prince of demons.’”
— MATTHEW 9:34 (NLT)

In today’s scripture, Jesus is seen healing the blind and returning the ability to speak to a demon-possessed man. When the Pharisees witnessed this, they mocked Christ and said Jesus was empowered by the prince of demons even though He was doing the work of God. I want to encourage you to keep doing God’s work even when people criticize you. They don’t understand what God is doing through you or the path you’re on. Like Jesus, don’t even address your critics. Focus even more on pleasing God and bringing Him glory. That way, when your critics become in need of prayer, you’ll able and prepared when they’re ready to understand.

You’re the example

 

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Heavenly Father, I know who I am in You. I draw my power from You to use my gift to glorify the Father. Thank You for Your protection and directing my path. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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It Ain't Over

“When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.”
— LUKE 4:13 (NLT)

The enemy will never give up trying to tempt you. Even though you’ve defeated and rebuked him over and over again, he knows how important you are to building God’s kingdom. So just when you think he’s done tempting you, it ain’t over. The enemy will slide in and convince you to lie to your spouse, too tired to attend bible study, or skip reading your daily devotional. But if you turn from Satan, he will flee from you. Jesus will send His angels to protect and comfort you. Keep the full armor of God on. Stay sober and pray without cease. And remember, when you are tempted, God always provides you a way to escape.  

Be alert

 

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Heavenly Father, thank You for defeating Satan on my behalf. I know he will never give up, but I also know You will never leave me. I choose to turn from the enemy and focus on You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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RISE!

“He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen. Come, see where His body was lying.”
— MATTHEW 28:6 (NLT)

Yesterday, we celebrated Resurrection Sunday. God allowed His Son, Jesus, to suffer the cross and die for the sin of the world so that we could receive salvation. Jesus was lied on, beaten beyond recognition, and left to die, but Jesus said He would rise again! What do you need to rise again in your life? What have you given up on? You have the power through Christ Jesus to speak directly to your situation and rise again. Wherever you are today in life is temporary. Rise! Let what happened yesterday die. You have so much more life to live in Jesus. He got up so that you could too! Rise today.

He got up

 

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Heavenly Father, thank You for dying for my sin. You have shown me that I too can rise from my difficult times and walk victorious in You. I choose to rise today! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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Your Will Be Done

“He went on a little farther and bowed with His face to the ground, praying, ‘My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from Me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not Mine.’”
— MATTHEW 26:39 (NLT)

Everyone wants the muscle and tone stomach without lifting the weights and spending hours in the gym. Everyone would like to earn more money without putting in more hours. Sometimes we have to experience short term discomfort, for long term gain. At one point, Jesus did not want to suffer the cross, but dying for our sin was God’s will. We too must endure discomfort at times and accept the will of God. We have to trust His plan over our lives. Is it then that God can unleash great blessings in our lives beyond what we could ever ask or think. Remember, that the discomfort or set back is temporary and that the blessings of God are always on time and forever!

Blessings ahead

 

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Heavenly Father, I don’t like the discomfort and uncertainty I am experiencing today, but Your will be done! I trust the blessing You have prepared for me is exceedingly abundantly above all I could ask or thing. Pour out Your blessing, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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Have Faith

“Then Jesus said to the disciples, ‘Have faith in God.’”
— MARK 11:22 (NLT)

We may never understand God’s timing. It’s never a good time to lose a loved one. It’s never a good time for our places of business to shut down. It’s never a good time for our health fail. The truth is, it’s not our job to understand God’s timing. Our job is to have faith in God. Have faith that He knows what He’s doing. Have faith that His plan will work out for our good. We may be facing a huge mountain today, but Jesus said through faith we can speak to that mountain and tell it to move. That’s what’s inside us and that’s who we are! That’s the power we have through faith. Let’s exercise our faith in God today and speak to those mountains in our lives.

Move mountain!

 

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Heavenly Father, I have faith in You. I may not always understand or know Your plan, but I do know You love me and are working everything out for my good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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Your Request is Known

“Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
— Matthew 6:8 (NIV)

Even when you don’t realize it, God is paying attention to you. He sees each decision you make each day. He knows what you need in life before you ask Him. The tough part is exercising patience on the receiving end. Have faith that God knows the perfect time to release your blessing. While you may feel that you’re ready for your breakthrough today, God already planned it for next week before you were even born! Believe that Jesus has already answered your prayer and taken care of all your needs, so your prayers can now focus on others, the needs of your church, and the condition of your community. Live life knowing that your request is already known and answered. 

He knows before you know

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing what I need before I ask You. I have faith You will release my blessing exactly when I need it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

This is my prayer

 

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Infinitely More

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
— EPHESIANS 3:20 (NLT)

God is all powerful and able to do anything and everything, and there is a tremendous amount of blessings He wants to work through you. When today’s scripture says that God wants to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think (some bible versions say “exceedingly abundantly”), it’s not always about what God wants to give you, but what Christ wants you to become. When you renew your mind, and think as Christ does, you’re able to receive infinitely more because your focus changes from thinking inwardly – me, me, me, to thinking outwardly as Jesus does. You’re not concerned with lack or abundance, but you’re concerned with the will of God. And when this mindset becomes a lifestyle, God’s mighty power will work through you infinitely more.

Glory to God!

 

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Heavenly Father, I want Your mighty power to work through me. Use me as Your vessel. Allow me to accomplish infinitely more than I can ask or think as I focus on Your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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Convinced

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
— ROMANS 8:38 – 39 (NIV)

The mind is a powerful instrument. It can control the thoughts of your heart and even manifest them into the physical. Every action you take today will begin with a thought. This is why you must constantly think about what you’re thinking about. This is how you remember and remind yourself of who God says you are. Instead of allowing negative thoughts to take over, convince yourself that nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. Convince yourself you are more than a conqueror, that you can do all things, that no weapon formed against you will prosper. It starts in the mind. Convince yourself. You are who God says you are.

I am convinced…

 

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Heavenly Father, I am convinced that nothing is able to separate me from Your love. I am convinced that You are for me, with me, and love me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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Stay Sharp

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
— ROMANS 12:2 (NIV)

Stephen Covey has a book called The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The seventh habit he presents is to Sharpen the Saw. There are many ways to sharpen your saw *|FNAME|* . One way is to establish relationships with other godly people. They can help you remember what Jesus says about your situation and offer godly advice. Scripture refers to this as iron sharpening iron. In order to be steadfast and immovable in this world, your mind has to continuously be renewed and reminded – not just Sunday or at Wednesday night bible study (although these are good starts). Make a daily effort to renew yourself in four areas of your being: spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Stay sharp and take time for yourself, so you will be ready and able to do the work Christ called you to do.   

Continuous improvement

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Heavenly Father, I will not conform to the pattern of this world, but instead I will be transformed by renewing my mind daily. I will stay fresh so I will be able to test and approve what Your will is.  In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Lose the Crowd

“Then Jesus stopped the crowd and wouldn’t let anyone go with Him except Peter, James, and John (the brother of James).”
— MARK 5:37 (NLT)

In today’s scripture, Jesus is about to do something big – a miracle, but He didn’t take everyone with Him. He chose those close to Him, whom He knew had faith, wouldn’t speak negatively, and would support Him in His endeavor. God has placed individuals in your life that love you, have faith in you, and support you. Don’t waste time thinking or worrying about the ones not for you, gossiping about you, or breathing threats against you. You’re missing out on the precious time you can feel loved, supported, and cared for. You don’t need a crowd of people where Jesus is taking you. You only need a couple of faithful people and God will do the rest.

You are loved

 

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Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me and sending people into my life that love, care, and support me. I will not focus on my enemies, but the energy I get from positive loved ones You have given me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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In God's Time

“Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, ‘Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?’”
— GENESIS 17:17 (NIV)

Abraham thought he was too old to carry out what God purposed for him, but God kept His covenant with him. God is not limited by your resources or what you perceive as unqualified. He is capable of making something out of nothing. He can speak light into darkness. He can restore life where there was once death. Don’t ever think it’s too late to do what God has called you to do. Have faith knowing that God will reveal Himself through you in His time, not yours. While you’re waiting on the Lord, continue to serve Him and others. Before you know it, the blessing God birthed in you will be revealed for all to see.

Don’t give up 

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Heavenly Father, I believe I will be all You have blessed me to be. I have faith You will keep your covenant with me. I will wait on You and serve Your people until Your glory is revealed in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

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Swat Sin

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently … Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
— GALATIANS 6:1 - 2 (NIV)

As believers, God wants us to help others from feeling the sting of sin. Instead of scattering and leaving your brothers or sisters in the midst of their trouble, help them to process and identify a better way of recovering from it. Show them there’s a better way through your support instead of leaving them to fend for themselves. When you hang around to help swat sin, other believers will become encouraged to do so as well. Before you know it, that sin will have flown away and you will have saved a friend from an unnecessary pain he or she didn’t have to experience.   

Hate the sin, not the sinner

 

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Heavenly Father, give me the courage to live by the Spirit and restore others gently who are caught in sin. I will carry the burdens of others and in doing so, fulfill the law of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

 

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Meeting ID:  838 0326 1501     Passcode:  190605