做一個親愛耶穌的人(約翰福音14:21)

愛耶穌的人有三大特點：

1. 他要做耶穌要他做的事

2. 他是父、子、聖靈的寶貝

3. 別人要因他得福

我們要怎樣才是愛耶穌呢?

第一、愛耶穌就要遵行大誡命

A. 要切切實實的愛你的家和弟兄姊妹

B. 愛是要甘心樂意的付代價

第二、愛耶穌就是要完成大使命

A. 記住無論做什麼，你都在傳福音

B. 要讓別人在你身上看見耶穌

第三、愛耶穌就是要保守起初的愛心

A. 所以要愛耶穌多過愛你的恩賜

B. 要愛耶穌〝比這些更深〞

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

II Timothy 1:6

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

以賽亞書 11 : 2

耶和華的靈必住在他身上，
就是使他有智慧和聰明的靈，謀略和能力的靈，
知識和敬畏耶和華的靈。

以賽亞書 9 : 6

因有一嬰孩為我們而生，有一子賜給我們，
政權必擔在他的肩頭上，他名稱為奇妙策士，
全能的神，永在的父，和平的君。

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Romans 8:26

"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…"

彼得前書 4 : 8

最要緊的是彼此切實相愛，
因為愛能遮掩許多的罪。

希伯來書 11 : 6

人非有信，就不能得神的喜悅。
因為到神面前來的人，必須信有神，
且信他賞賜那尋求他的人。

Genesis 26:12, KJV

“Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him”.

哥林多前書 13 : 13

如今常存的有信，有望，有愛，
這三樣，其中最大的是愛。
為什麼愛是最大的呢？
有幾個原因，使愛佔最重要的位子，
第一, 神就是愛，愛是神的本質，
信和望不是神，也非神的屬性。
第二，信心需要有愛的行為才算真實，
盼望沒有愛調和就很自私。
第三，信心與盼望都是對自己有益處，
唯獨愛心是對神，對別人，對自己都有益處。
第四，我們擁有愛能存到永生，而信與望只有今世需要。
愛的力量勝過勇士，愛的笑容化解寒心，
愛是人與人之間最短的距離。
你需要神的愛，也需要人的愛，
你愛神，也要愛人。你願你的生命充滿愛嗎？

願神賜福你！

Choose Life

Today's Scripture

“…I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19, AMP)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Every day we have the opportunity to choose thoughts of life and victory or choose thoughts of defeat and despair. God promises that when we choose His ways, we are choosing life and victory.

Imagine that you’re holding a glass of dirty water. It’s full of all kinds of particles, sand, and dirt. If you were to start pouring good, clean water into that glass and let it overflow, eventually, all the dirty water would be gone and you would have a glass of perfectly clear water. Your life works the same way. You are renewed by the washing of the water of the Word of God. You may be carrying particles of dirt from the past. You may have old destructive habits or mindsets that you are trying to get rid of. But the more you pour God’s Word into yourself, the more clean and alive everything becomes. Don’t choose to sit around with that mucky, dirty water on the inside of you. Allow His Word to cleanse you by reading and declaring it over yourself every day. As you choose His Word, you choose His life, and you’ll experience His hand of blessing in ways you never dreamed!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for Your promise of life and blessing. I choose life in You today and invite You to wash me with Your Word. Help me to stay close to You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

提摩太前書 6 : 6

然而敬虔加上知足的心便是大利了。

宝宝爱妈

Yesterday when I was about to boil the dumpling, my husband was holding my baby boy and he reached his left hand and touched my face for a few seconds. It was so warm, small. I was melted.

我們面臨著世界的千變萬化, 做為一個基督徒我們需要清楚兩件事情.

1. 不是每件事都在改變 : 那什麼是生命當中的不變呢? 有三方面

a. 信仰的本質永不改變 b. 神向人的心意是不改變的 c. 人基本的需求沒有改變

2. 每次環境的改變也都是神的工作季節的轉換

而在此時刻我們一個基督徒當作什麼事呢?

1. 要儆醒禱告

2. 無論得時 不得時 都要傳福音

腓立比書4:12-13

我知道怎样处卑贱，也知道怎样处丰富，或饱足，或饥饿，或有余，或缺乏，随事随在，我都得了秘诀。我靠着那加给我力量的，凡事都能作。

Unhindered Prayers

Unhindered Prayers

Today's Scripture

“…Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7b NLT).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Did you know that the way you treat people has an impact on the effectiveness of your prayers? The Bible says that the prayer of the righteous person is powerful, but if we aren’t treating others with honor, kindness, and respect, then we aren’t allowing His righteousness to operate in us. When we don’t treat others the way we should, it closes the door to God’s power and hinders our prayers.

This is especially true in a marriage relationship. Marriage isn’t just an agreement between two people to live life together. Marriage is a God-ordained institution that helps us understand love and unity. When two people are married, they become one physically, spiritually, and emotionally. And, this particular passage is directed toward husbands, but it applies to all believers as well. We should all treat others “with understanding” which means considering the needs of others above our own. We should always aim to treat others with kindness, dignity, and respect and quickly choose forgiveness. The Bible says that the way we treat others is the way we treat God, so choose love and treat others with respect so that your prayers can be powerful and effective the way God promises!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I want to live in Your ways. I want to treat others with love and respect which shows that I honor You. Show me how to be a blessing to others and teach me how to make my prayers effective. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

我們要怎樣才能經歷神蹟

我們要怎樣才能經歷神蹟 (馬可福音6：32-37, 列王記下4:1-7)

一. 要看見需要

A. 腓力看見是困難，耶穌卻看見機會

B. 有愛就會看見機會，無愛只會怕麻煩

二、 要看見你手所有的

A. 不要埋怨你所沒有的

B. 耶穌要用你現在所有的

三、 將你手中有的獻給耶穌

A. 耶穌每天都在等待行神蹟的機會

B. 耶穌要你和他一起經歷神蹟

为什么要母乳喂养？

恭喜你，你要当新妈妈了。你为宝宝准备了些什么？小床，衣服，玩具，这些是必不可少的。奶粉，奶瓶？你打算用奶粉喂孩子？你不想试试母乳喂养吗？母乳喂养有什么好处？让我们一起来看看吧。
母亲的乳汁是母亲为婴儿特制的食品，也是婴儿的最佳食品。乳汁中的维生素、矿物质、糖等各种营养物质的比例非常恰当，提供婴儿每一步成长所需。相对于奶 粉，母乳更易于消化，因为制成奶粉的牛乳是奶牛为自己的孩子准备的，它的蛋白质分子更大，婴儿需要更多的时间才能消化。乳汁的成分不是一成不变的。初生儿 得到的初乳量很少但是富含免疫球蛋白，保护新生儿不被疾病侵袭。母亲所吃的各种食物的味道都会在乳汁中出现，婴儿籍此尝试不同口味，他也就更容易接受多种 固体食物。
母乳中含有多种不同的抗感染因子，可以让婴儿建立起更强大的免疫系统。乳汁中特别的蛋白质可以抑制肠道中不健康细菌的生长，防止发生腹泻和肠道病毒感染。 母乳喂养的孩子发生中耳炎、呼吸系统、神经系统感染的机率比奶粉喂养的孩子小，即使发生程度也更轻。母乳特别有益于早产儿，可以减少早产儿的住院天数。母 乳喂养还可以降低婴儿猝死症及过敏、肥胖、糖尿病的发生。
乳汁中的氨基酸触及婴儿中枢神经系统和外周神经系统的发育。多个研究发现，接受母乳超过6个月的孩子在智力测试中比接受母乳少于6个月的孩子得分高，也就 是说母乳喂养的孩子更聪明。喂母乳的妈妈不需要买奶粉、洗奶瓶、也不需要冲奶粉、试温度，她的乳汁随时都是新鲜、干净、温度适宜的。母乳喂养确实是一种安 全、方便、经济而有效的喂养方式。
哺过乳的母亲会有什么好处吗？答案是肯定的。哺过乳的妇女发生子宫内膜癌、卵巢癌、乳癌和骨质疏松症的机率低于没有哺过乳的妇女。产后哺乳时泌乳素、催产 素的释放能促进子宫收缩，减慢心率、减轻焦虑，让母亲感觉更轻松愉快。哺乳的母亲不用着急减肥，只要坚持哺乳，自然会慢慢苗条下来。喂哺时母亲跟婴儿皮肤 接触皮肤，加强了母子之间的联系。看见自己的孩子靠着自己的乳汁一天天长大，母亲倍感自豪，更有自信。

Declare Your Freedom

Declare Your Freedom

Today's Scripture

"You have been set free from sin..." (Romans 6:18).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Today we celebrate Independence Day in America. July 4, 1776 was the day America declared independence from Britain, but the battle for freedom went on until 1783—seven years later. Even though they declared their freedom in 1776, they had to stand and fight for many years before the British would accept and recognize the United States of America.

In the same way, we have to be determined to stand against the opposing forces in our lives. We have to declare our freedom from addiction, poverty, sickness and lack. We have to stand and fight until we fully experience that freedom and peace that God has promised. I love what the early colonists did once they signed the Declaration of Independence. They read it out loud in public. They published it in the newspaper. They spread the word. They continued to declare and celebrate even though they were in the midst of the battle. Whatever battle you may be facing today, declare that you are free. Declare that you are an overcomer. Celebrate the victory that is on its way! As you stand strong and declare your freedom, you will experience His victory and you will live in true freedom all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for setting me free in every area of my life. I declare today that nothing can hold me back. I declare that I am free from sickness, poverty, lack and addiction. I declare that You have set me free and thank You for freedom in every area of my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Living in the Rain

Living in the Rain

Today's Scripture

"Just as the rain and snow descend from the skies and don't go back until they've watered the earth, making things grow and blossom…so will the words that come out My mouth not come back empty-handed. They'll do the work I sent them to do" (Isaiah 55:10-11, Message).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Rain is symbolic of God's blessing, favor, and refreshing. His Word is like rain that causes us to flourish and blossom in every area of life. The scripture says we should live like a well-watered garden, vibrant and growing. We should live under God's cloud of blessing. How do we do that? In the natural, a cloud is formed when moisture vapors rise up from the earth into the atmosphere. Eventually, the moisture is so abundant that the rain begins to fall. In the same way, your praise is like the invisible vapors that rise up to heaven and form a cloud. Eventually, your praise will activate an outpouring of God's blessing, favor, and provision in your life.

Do you feel like you are in a dry season? Begin to praise and thank God that He is bringing you through to a place of refreshing. Magnify and bless Him for His goodness in your life. As you turn up your praise, God will turn up the rain and you will experience His abundant outpouring. You'll experience His blessing and provision and live as an overcomer in every area of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, today I choose to bless and honor You. Thank You for this day. Thank You for giving me life. Thank you for making me new. Thank you for saving me and filling me with Your peace and joy. Rain on me today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Willing Obedience

Today's Scripture

"If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land" (Isaiah 1:19).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God wants you to have the best in life. He wants to give you the good of the land. God tells us in His Word how to activate His promises in our lives. Notice this verse doesn't say that just obedience will cause you to eat the good of the land, it says we have to be willing and obedient. God isn't just concerned with our actions. He's looking at the motives of our hearts. He wants us to understand His goodness and kindness which draws our hearts toward Him. He wants us to receive His love that causes us to respond to Him with love and obedience in return. Don't just serve God out of obligation today. Don't just read the Word because you think you have to. Instead, open your heart and see His goodness. Receive His love and acknowledge His faithfulness in your life. Let your willing obedience open the door to God's blessing. As you serve Him with a willing attitude, you will experience His favor and increase and live the abundant life He has for you.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, search my heart today. Remove anything that stands in the way of my love for You. I choose to willingly obey You and thank You for giving me Your best. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Love the Word

Love the Word

Today's Scripture

"Great peace have those who love Your law and nothing shall make them stumble" (Psalm 119:65).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Everything you need in this life is found in the Word of God--direction, healing, peace, joy and provision. No matter what situation you maybe facing today, you can live in peace and victory by knowing God's Word and applying it your life. Notice this verse says that the people who love God's Word have great peace. How do you show your love for God and His Word? By studying it, meditating on it, and obeying His commands. When you choose to obey God's Word, it activates His promises in your life. It activates His great peace in your heart. It activates His blessing, power, and provision.

When you hold God's Word in your heart, there's nothing that can take it away from you. There's nothing that can make you stumble or offend you. When you love the Word of God and apply it to your life, you will have great peace and live in victory, and enjoy the abundant life He has prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I humbly come before You, giving You all that I am. I choose to follow Your Word because I love and honor You. Give me your strength and great peace for today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Abide in Him

Abide in Him

Today's Scripture

"I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who abides in Me, while I abide in him, produces much fruit..." (John 15:5).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

When you abide in something, it becomes your very source for life. Did you know God wants you to live in Him? He wants to be your source. Abiding in God means you rely on Him for everything. You rely on Him for your strength, provision, hope, joy. Like the air you breath, you rely on Him for your very life.

When you are abiding in Him, you think about Him when you go to sleep. You think about Him when you first wake up. You think about His promises all throughout the day and continually fellowship with Him in prayer. You make Him your number one priority and stay connected with other believers at church. Notice what this verse says: you will produce much fruit. When you are connected to God, everything you set your hand to will be fruitful and blessed. Just like a branch thrives when it is connected to the vine, you're going to thrive and be prosperous when you are connected to Almighty God. Depend on Him today and make Him your number one priority. As you abide in Him, He will pour out His abundant favor on you and you will live in blessing all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father in Heaven, today I am abiding in You. Like the air I breathe, I am totally dependent on You. Thank You for your promise of blessing me and helping me to always be a blessing to other people. In Jesus' name, Amen.

He Teaches the Way

He Teaches the Way

Today's Scripture

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you" (Psalm 32:8).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you need direction in your life today? Maybe you are facing an important decision in your job, at home, or in your relationships. Know this: God, Himself, will teach you what you should do. He promises to show you the path you should take. He's watching over you and giving you advice every step of the way. See, God's not just concerned with the goal, or end result. It's not just about getting you from point "A" to point "B." He is with you every step of the way during the entire process. He wants to see your character develop and mature. Most times, our growth in life happens when circumstances seem to be the most uncertain. Those uncertain times cause us to rely more on God. No matter how uncertain things may seem, God still has His eye on you. He's making sure you make the right choices. He's working with you to shape your character and attitude. Remember, He's promised to never leave you or forsake you. You may not always know the answer right away, but He's instructing you and teaching you and leading you into blessing all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for teaching and guiding me and giving me direction in my life. I receive Your counsel today. Help me to be more like You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Positioned for Blessing

Positioned for Blessing

Today's Scripture

"How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity...for there the Lord has commanded the blessing..." (Psalm 133:1-3).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God loves you so much. He longs to bless you in every area of your life. Deuteronomy says that He wants to bless you when you come in, and when you go out. He wants to bless you when you're in the city, and bless you when you're in the country. He wants to bless and prosper everything you set your hand to. When you are living in peace and unity with the people in your life, you are positioning yourself for God's blessing. Living in unity doesn't mean you always have to agree with everyone. It means that you look for common ground and refuse to allow strife to enter into your relationships. Choose today to focus on the things that bring you together. Focus on your faith in God and dependence on His Word. As you live in unity God will pour out His favor and blessing in your life and you will live the abundant life He has planed for you.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise of blessing in my life. I choose Your ways today and ask that You help me live in unity with the people in my life. Thank You for leading me guiding me in all things. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Perfect Love

Perfect Love

Today's Scripture

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives our fear" (I John 4:18).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

The scripture tells us that God is love. He is perfect and His love for us is perfect. There is nothing you can do right now to make God love you more, and nothing you can do to make Him love you any less. His love towards you is steadfast, it's unchanging. His arms are always stretched out towards you. He's always ready for you to come to Him.

Sometimes people aren't sure how God feels about them. They think He might be mad at them. But the scripture tells us just the opposite. God's not mad at you, He's madly in love with you! It doesn't matter what you've done or where you've come from, God's arms are open to you. He's longing to show you His goodness and grace. It's His kindness that leads us to repent and change our ways. Open your heart today and receive His love. Let His perfect love drive fear out of your life and make you new. As you receive His love, you'll experience His freedom and you'll live in blessing in every area of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father God, I humbly come before You, giving You all that I am. I invite You to fill me with Your perfect love that casts out all fear. Fill me with Your peace and joy today and always. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

This is the Day

This is the Day

Today's Scripture

"This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Every day that we are given is a precious gift from Almighty God. We should wake up every morning with a grateful attitude, full of faith and expectancy for what the Lord has in store. Sure, you may be facing some challenges in your every day life, or maybe things aren't going the way you planned, but remember, each new day is a chance to stand strong in the midst of adversity and see the faithfulness of God. Every new day is an opportunity to praise and thank Him; to magnify your God instead of magnifying your problems. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Be glad that God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Be glad that God has given you a sound, healthy mind. Rejoice that He is making a way where there seems to be no way! As you focus on the gift of every day and rejoice in what God has done in your life, you will begin to experience His increase and blessings. You'll rise up higher and set the course to live in victory all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, today I choose to rejoice in You. Thank You for this day and for every opportunity that You've given me to bless and praise You. I give You everything I am today and always. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Refuse to Worry

Refuse to Worry

Today's Scripture

"Who of you by worrying can add a single minute to his life" (Matthew 6:27).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God doesn't want you to live worried and anxious about anything. He knows that worry is counterproductive. It steals your peace and joy and affects every area of your life, even your sleep! Have you heard the saying, "Don't worry yourself sick?" Yes, worrying will actually make you physically ill. You won't ever gain anything by worrying, in fact it causes you to lose precious moments that you can never live again. The good news is, God has promised to bring you victory over worry. When you make the choice to put an end to worry, God will give you His peace.

Decide today to put an end to worry in your life. Don't feed worry by focusing on bad news all the time. Sure, we should be informed, but we should be most informed of the truth of the Word of God. Choose today to feed your faith and fill your heart and mind with God's promises. Declare everyday, "My God shall supply all my needs. He makes a way out of no way. He is a Restorer and Redeemer." As you focus on God's Word, you'll drive out worry and fill your heart with faith and expectancy. You'll be filled with hope and joy and move forward into the blessings God has in store for you.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, today I choose to put an end to worry in my life. I choose to feed my faith by studying in Your promises and declare your Word over my life. Help me to totally trust in You today and always. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Don’t Give Up

Don’t Give Up

Today's Scripture

“So let’s not get tired of what doing good what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Are you believing God for something? Is it taking longer than you thought or expected? No matter how long you may have been standing, don’t give up! Your season is coming. Your harvest of blessing is on its way. It might be today, it might be tomorrow, it might be next week, next month or next year, but remember, at the right time you will experience your breakthrough. Be encouraged today because God is faithful and His promises are true. Keep standing, keep hoping, keep believing. Keep doing good. Keep declaring the promises of God over your life. Choose to be around people who are going to encourage you and fill your heart and mind with God’s Word. Let a song of praise come out of your mouth. As you continue to press on in faith and keep an attitude of victory, you will see your harvest of blessing and live as an overcomer in every area of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Fill me with Your strength to keep doing good and standing firm until I see my harvest of blessing. Thank You for Your peace in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Set Your Thoughts

Set Your Thoughts

Today's Scripture

“Set your minds and keep them set on what is above, the higher things, not on the things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Faith is simply seeing what God sees. It’s choosing God’s way, even when things look differently in the natural. When you set your thoughts on higher things, you are looking at life through your eyes of faith and seeing what God sees. For example, you may have a financial need today, but when you look higher, you see God’s promise to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. You may have sickness in your body today, but when you look higher, you see that Jesus paid for your sickness and diseases. You may feel lonely today, but when you look higher, you see that God has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. As you study the Word of God, you are setting your thoughts on higher things. As you set your thoughts on higher things, your faith will become stronger, and you will begin to see those things become reality in your life. You’ll see God’s hand of blessing, and you will live the abundant life He has prepared for you.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I choose to set my thoughts on higher things. I choose to focus on Your ways, knowing that You have a good plan for my life. I bless Your holy Name, today and always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Fix Your Mind

Fix Your Mind

Today's Scripture

“Whatever is true, whatever is honest, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is kind, if there is any virtue, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

What you think about determines the quality and direction of your life. Naturally, people who think positive, uplifting thoughts have happier, healthier, longer lives. They are less stressed, more vibrant and enjoy better sleep. That’s why the scripture encourages us to think on good things—things that are true, noble and lovely. Some translations say to “fix your mind” on them. When you fix your mind on noble things, you close the door to the negative voices and open your heart to allow God to work in your life. Choose today to fix your mind on good things. Do whatever you need to in order to keep those good thoughts before you. Write them on note cards and put them in a place where you can see them. Confess God’s promises over your life and declare His blessing on a daily basis. As you fix your mind on the goodness of God, you will rise higher in every area of your life. You will be filled with His peace and victory, and you’ll see every dream and desire in your heart come to pass.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I choose to fix my mind on noble things. I choose thoughts of peace and victory. Fill my heart with Your goodness that I may glorify You in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Transform Your Thinking

Transform Your Thinking

Today's Scripture

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

You life will move in the direction of your most dominant thoughts. You can choose to think according the world’s system or according to God’s system. The world’s system says to “look out for number one,” to do whatever you can to get ahead and make yourself happy. But in God’s system, you find happiness and blessing by serving and putting others first. God doesn’t want us to have an attitude that is self-centered, or jealous, or greedy. He knows that those thoughts end in destruction. God wants us to live a blessed and prosperous life. That’s why the scripture tells us to renew our minds, or transform our thinking. We have to make sure our thoughts are the same as God’s thoughts. Just like a computer, whatever you allow into your mind is what will come out in your attitude and actions. The more you meditate on God’s Word, the more you will transform your thinking to be like God’s thinking. Choose today to focus on the Word of God and allow your mind to be renewed. As you focus on God’s thoughts, you will see your actions become more like Him, and you will see His hand of blessing in every area of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I submit to You all that I am. I ask that You renew my mind by the Word of God so that my thoughts are Your thoughts. Transform me into Your image. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

No Condemnation

No Condemnation

Today's Scripture

“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus and walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit” (Romans 8:1).

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.

Take the Limits Off

Take the Limits Off

Today's Scripture

“He raised us up together with Him…that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable, limitless, surpassing riches of His free grace, His unmerited favor…” (Ephesians 2:6-7AMP).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

We serve a God of unlimited grace, favor and blessing. He longs to show you His goodness and pour out His abundance in your life. When God sees you, He sees unlimited possibility. He sees unlimited potential. He sees unlimited resources. God’s grace and favor in your life enables you to become what He sees, but you have to first open your heart and take the limits off. Thoughts of doubt, unbelief and unforgiveness in your heart will close the door to His favor. We limit God in our thinking.In Mark chapter 6, it says that Jesus could do no mighty works in a particular town because of the unbelief of the people. It works the same way today. But when you choose thoughts of faith and expectancy, you are opening the door for God to work in your life. You are taking the limits off. You are giving Him the opportunity to multiply what you have in your hand. Choose to take the limits off by choosing His thoughts of victory. Choose thoughts of increase and blessing. As you do, you’ll rise higher and higher and live the abundant life He has prepared for you.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I choose Your unlimited grace and favor today. I choose to believe that You have good things in store for me. I give You everything that I am and ask that You use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

He’s Working on Your Behalf

He’s Working on Your Behalf

Today's Scripture

“We know that God will work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God is working behind the scenes in your life, today. No matter what you may be facing, no matter what trial your may be going through, God has a plan to turn things around in your favor. Right now, He is working out a plan for your good. Right now, He is orchestrating the right people to come across your path. He is orchestrating the right opportunities to open up to you. You may not see it in the natural, but look with your eyes of faith today. Keep standing. Keep believing. Keep hoping. Keep following His Word. Focus on His goodness in your life, knowing that He rewards the people who seek after Him. As you meditate on the faithfulness of God and show your love for Him by following His Word, you will see His plan come to pass. You’ll experience His peace and joy, and you will live in victory all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. Give me Your strength and peace today, and fill me with Your faith to overcome. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Reflect Him

Reflect Him

Today's Scripture

“Let this same attitude and purpose and humble mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus. Let Him be your example in humility” (Philippians 2:5 AMP).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

When you reflect something, you are exhibiting its likeness. You are displaying its characteristics. Like a mirror, the Bible tells us that we should reflect the character and likeness of Jesus. We should have His same attitude. That may sound like a pretty tall order; after all, Jesus was the Son of God. But remember, when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, we become sons and daughters of the Most High God, too. We become empowered by the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead. That means we have the same spirit of humility—the same strength, the same love, the same power on the inside. We are empowered to follow His example and do what He did. When Jesus walked the earth, the scripture says He went around doing good and bringing healing to others, physically, spiritually and emotionally. That’s what we should be doing, too. Notice this verse starts by saying, “Let…” We have to invite God into our attitude and actions. Choose today to invite Him to work in you. As you do, you will reflect Him in your attitude and actions and bring good to others, and you will reap an abundant harvest of blessing in every area of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I invite You to dwell in my thoughts, heart and attitude. I choose to follow Your example and bring good to others. Help me to be a pure reflection of Your love in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Power of the Tongue

Power of the Tongue
by Os Hillman

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." - Proverbs 18:21

Words have the power to motivate or destroy, energize or deflate, inspire or create despair. Many successful executives can remember the time their father failed to give affirmation to them as a child. The result was either overachievement to prove their worth, or underachievement to prove he was right.

Many a wife has lost her ability to love because of a critical husband. Many a husband has left a marriage because of words of disrespect and ungratefulness. Stories abound regarding the power of words. There are just as many stories of those who have been encouraged, challenged, and comforted with words that made a difference in their lives.

Jesus knew the power of words. He used parables to convey His principles of the Kingdom of God. He used words of forgiveness and mercy. He used words to challenge. He used words to inspire His disciples to miraculous faith.

Do your words give life? Do they inspire and challenge others to greatness? Who does God want you to encourage through your words today? Affirm someone close to you today.

Forgiving Ourselves

Forgiving Ourselves

by Os Hillman

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9

As It Is in Heaven

As It Is in Heaven

Today's Scripture

“Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

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 first make Jesus our Lord and Savior; and then we must choose to come into agreement with His will on a daily basis through our thoughts, our words and our actions. On earth, we have to stand against the forces of darkness. We have to refuse those negative, self-defeating thoughts. As you open your heart to the Word of God and invite His will to be done in your life, it says in Ephesians 6 that you will be empowered by your union with Him. As you declare what God says about you, you will overcome all opposition, and you will see God’s will in your life 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.

Press Towards the Promise

Press Towards the Promise

Today's Scripture

“Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:12).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Are you facing a challenge today that seems overwhelming? Through faith and patience, you will see God’s promises come to pass in your life. Understand that the enemy always fights the hardest when he knows you are closest to your breakthrough. He’d leave you alone if he thought you were going to live in mediocrity. If you keep pressing on toward your promise, through faith and patience, you will get there. Don’t be like the Israelites in the Old Testament who were right next to their promised land when they talked themselves out of it. They said, “There are giants in the land. It’s too difficult.” No, don’t look at the obstacles in your life today; lift up your eyes because you serve Almighty God. Follow the example of Abraham who believed God even when his circumstances looked impossible. Remember, God rewards the people who seek after Him. Stand in faith and keep believing because God will take you places that you never dreamed. As you press toward the promise, you will see God’s hand of blessing in your life and live in the victory He has prepared for you.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I come to You today choosing to believe Your promises. Fill me with Your faith and patience to press through to victory. I give You all the glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

His Grace is Enough

His Grace is Enough

Today's Scripture

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (II Corinthians 12:9).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Grace is God’s unmerited favor. It’s kindness from Him that we don’t deserve. Grace empowers us and strengthens us. No matter what has happened in your past, you can receive God’s grace and forgiveness and start fresh today. You can hold your head up high because His grace is enough. You may not be perfect, but you are forgiven. When you go around holding on to your past mistakes or think you have to try to make things up to God, it’s like saying that His grace isn’t enough. Jesus has already paid for your mistakes. All you have to do is receive His grace today and thank Him for His favor and empowerment in your life. In the same way, extend that grace to others. Don’t try to punish people for their past mistakes; instead, give them favor to start over. As you allow God’s grace to flow through you, you will be strengthened and empowered. You’ll see yourself rise higher, and you will enjoy God’s blessing in every area of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace today. I receive Your strength and favor in my life. Help me to extend that grace to others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Live in Integrity

Live in Integrity

Today's Scripture

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches…” (Proverbs 22:1).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

What do people think when they hear your name? Do they think, “Oh that person is always so trustworthy and faithful; they always do the right thing.” Or do they think, “Watch out for that person. You never know what they’re going to do.” You might say, “Oh I’m a pretty good person. I do the right thing most of the time.” But understand; it’s the little foxes that spoil the vine. You can veer off course just a little bit, and before you know it, you’re miles away from your destination. Don’t allow the little things to keep you from your destiny. Choose integrity—even when no one is looking. For instance, you might need some paper at home, but you shouldn’t take supplies from the office. Or you might be running into a store for just a minute, but don’t park in the handicap parking spot unless you’re supposed to. Sure, you might need a few extra bucks this week, but if the check-out clerk makes a mistake and gives you back too much money, that’s not God’s provision, that’s a test of integrity. If you’ll be faithful and choose integrity in the little things, it will be a great treasure in your life. God will pour out His blessing on you as you honor Him all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father God, today I commit to live a life of integrity. I choose a life of excellence and ask for Your hand of favor. Show me any area that is not pleasing to You so that I can continue to grow and increase in You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Encourage Yourself

Encourage Yourself

Today's Scripture

“David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him…But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (I Samuel 30:6).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

It’s good to have friends and family around to cheer you up when you’re down, but in order to truly live in victory, that encouragement has to come from the inside. When your mind is telling you it’s not worth it, when your circumstances seem difficult, deep down inside, your spirit has to have the resolve that says, “I refuse to settle where I am.” That’s what David had to do. He was facing a major setback. His family was killed, his city was destroyed, and his own people were now against him, but he still managed to encourage himself in the Lord. How did he do that? He replayed in his mind the victories from the past. He recounted God’s faithfulness. As he rehearsed over and over the goodness of God, strength began to rise in his heart. There are so many places you can see the hand of God at work. Thank Him for saving you today. Thank Him for the miracle of life. Thank Him for His faithfulness. Focus on the fact that God didn’t bring you this far to leave you now. Stir up that inner strength and encouragement. As you do, you’ll rise higher and higher and live the life of victory the Lord prepared for you.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for Your faithfulness today. I choose to focus on You and the good things you have prepared for my future. I thank You for making a way out of no way, and I will bless You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Give Your Faith A Voice

Today's Scripture

“And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Every believer has been given a measure of faith. In order to see the promises of God come to pass in your life, you have to give your faith a voice. You must declare what God says about you in His Word. Those seeds of faith inside you are activated when you speak them out into the atmosphere. That’s why the scripture tells us, “Let the weak say I am strong. Let the poor say I am rich.” When you give your faith a voice and send forth the Word of God out of your mouth, the Bible says that He watches over His Word to bring it to pass in your life. Don’t dig up your seed by speaking against His Word. Don’t allow words of defeat or negativity to come out of your mouth. Instead, water your seed by continuing to declare the Word of God. When you wake up every morning, thank Him that His promises are coming to pass in your life. As you do, you will see those things come to pass, and you will live the life of victory God has prepared for you.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I humbly come before You giving You my thoughts, my actions, and my words. Help me to activate my faith by speaking Your Word daily. May my words and thoughts be pleasing to You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Seek Him

Today's Scripture

“Seek Me and live” (Amos 5:4).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

The Bible tells us that Jesus came to give us abundant life. Not only did He come to give you life in eternity, but He desires that you experience abundant life here on earth. He wants your relationships to be vibrant and alive. He wants your dreams to be alive. He wants your body, heart, and mind to be alive and full of vitality. God is the source of all life and when you seek Him, you will find Him, and the result will be everlasting life. Are there areas in your life that need to be resurrected? Are there dreams that you’ve put on the back burner that you need to revive again? Do you need hope or faith for something today? Seek God and allow Him to breathe His life into you. Seek Him with your dreams; seek Him with your plans. Seek Him in all things, and you will find His abundant life, and everything you set your hand to will prosper in Jesus’ Name.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus so that I can have abundant life, both now and in eternity. I humbly come before You, giving You all that I am and ask for Your hand of blessing and guidance in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Covenant of Peace

Today's Scripture

“And I will make with them a covenant of peace…” (Ezekiel 34:25).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Aren’t you glad we serve a God of peace? No matter what you may be facing in life, God is with you. You don’t ever have to feel anxious, worried, or upset because you have a covenant of peace with Almighty God. God is always faithful to His Word, and you can have confidence that His peace is always available to you. The Bible tells us that God’s peace passes understanding. That means you can have peace when it doesn’t make sense to have peace. When the rest of the world seems to be upset or fretting, you don’t have to be upset. When gas prices go up, you can be at peace knowing that God has promised to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. When the housing market seems unstable, you can trust that God is your refuge, and He will cause you to dwell in safety. He’ll make a way where there seems to be no way. Begin to thank God for His peace and faithfulness in your life. Declare that the peace of God rules in your heart and mind. As you dwell on God’s promises, your heart will be at rest, and you’ll experience the blessing of His peace all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your covenant of peace. I receive it by faith today. I choose to keep my heart and mind fixed on You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

"Would you consider why God referred to Himself as the 'God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob'? Why didn't He simply say, 'the God of Jacob'?"

I believe that what we also see in the patriarchs are examples of three distinct types of personalities. If the Lord had cited only one of the patriarchs, we would tend to seek to model that leader. However, the Lord has given us three distinct personalities in whom He performed His work. Abraham was the pioneer who ventured out into unknown territory and was considered righteous for his faith. Isaac was faithful to follow in his inheritance with few ups and downs in his life. He had the fewest calamities among the three. He was called simply to be faithful to what had been already given. Jacob had extreme conflict in his life. He suffered more pit experiences than either of his predecessors. He had much conflict in relationships that became the source of his inheritance. Each of us can identify with one of these men in how God has related to them."

God works in each person's life uniquely, and He has provided examples of lives for us to identify with from the Scriptures.

Samuel Speaks to Eli

孩子撒母耳漸漸長大，耶和華與人越發喜愛他。撒母耳記上 2 : 26

The Kingdom

Today's Scripture

“It is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom” (Luke 12:32).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Our God is an extravagant God. He loves to do exceedingly beyond anything we can hope for or imagine! It gives Him pleasure to pour out His abundance and goodness in your life. It gives Him pleasure to give you His Kingdom. What is the Kingdom of God? It’s simply God’s operating system, or His way of doing things. Throughout the Word of God, He reveals His principles and precepts for living the abundant life He has in store. When you follow His Word, when you do things God’s way, you get God’s results; you get His success and blessing. Choose God’s Kingdom today by following the Word of God. Romans chapter 14 tells us that the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Do you need more joy and peace in your life? Follow the Word of God in everything you do and open your heart to His Kingdom. As you do things God’s way, you will get His results and walk in victory and blessing all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your hand of blessing in my life. Thank You for giving me Your Kingdom. I receive it by faith today and choose to follow Your Word in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.