New Garments

Today's Scripture

“Provide for those who grieve…a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor” (Isaiah 61:3 NIV).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you need a new garment today? I’m not talking about a physical garment. I’m talking about what’s covering your mind and emotions. Are you clothed with despair and disappointment? Are you wearing “heaviness”? If you’ve gone through a hurtful situation, the Bible says there is a time to grieve, and it’s important to release that hurt to the Lord. But the Bible also tells us that God wants to give you a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. You can put on a garment of praise instead of a heavy, burdened spirit. What’s holding you back today? Are the garments of yesterday weighing you down and holding you back? The garment of praise is light and filled with peace and joy. Don’t carry those heavy burdens around anymore! Today is the day for new garments! Forgive those who have hurt you and begin to praise Him! Thank God for life today. Thank Him for the beautiful sunrise. Thank him for restoring you, even if you don’t see it yet. And this verse says, you will be called an oak of righteousness, strong and secure, and you will display the splendor of the Lord all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I come to You today and ask that You take off my old, heavy garments of despair and heaviness. Make me new today. Give me a garment of praise so that I can be a display of Your glory and splendor. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Blessings on the Other Side

Today's Scripture

“When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings” (Psalm 84:6).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you feel like you are walking through a tough place in your life today? When you walk through the “valley of weeping”, God is walking with you. He wants to strengthen and empower you to keep moving forward. He is leading you to a place of blessing and refreshing! Be encouraged today, it’s not over until God says it’s over, and He always causes us to triumph! The Bible says that weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning! It also says that the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn shining brighter until the full day. No matter how dark your circumstance may seem, you are on a path that is shining brighter and brighter. Know today that there is a place of victory on the other side of your challenge. Keep believing and keep expecting. As you continue to meditate on the goodness of God and declare His favor in your life, you will be strengthened and refreshed in your inner man. You will rise higher and higher, and you will live the life of victory the Lord has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for leading me to my place of blessing. I trust that You are faithful and believe that You have a good plan for my life. Help me to always hear Your voice so I can follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Extend Forgiveness

Today's Scripture

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

When you’ve been hurt or offended, sometimes it’s tempting to hold on to unforgiveness. But we have to remember, when people wrong us, our battle is not against flesh and blood. In other words, that person who hurt you is not the real enemy. The Bible says that your adversary is the devil, and he knows that if you don’t forgive, then your prayers won’t be effective. Unforgiveness puts up a barrier in your life to the power of God. In fact, if we don’t forgive others, we can’t be forgiven by God. But when you choose forgiveness, you open the door for God’s healing power to flow through your life. Disarm the enemy in your life today by choosing forgiveness. Bless those who curse you and pray for those who wrong you. Look at what Jesus did—when He was betrayed, beaten, mocked, and disrespected, He chose forgiveness. As you follow His example, you will open the door for God to move in your life, and you’ll live in victory in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving me and giving me new life. I choose today to extend the gift of forgiveness to others. I bless those who have wronged me and ask You to heal every broken place in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Jimmy Wales' Talk

The founder of Wikipedia discussed: "The Future of Free Culture: Challenges, Changes, and Opportunities. " Really good.

Keep Walking Through

Today's Scripture

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” (Psalm 23:4).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Everyone faces challenges and difficulties in life. If you are going through a valley today, know that you are not alone. God is with you! He is working behind the scenes on your behalf, and He will carry you through. Remember, your challenges didn’t come to stay, they came to pass. Don’t get stuck in the valley by allowing your setbacks to become the focus of your life. Jesus endured the pain of the cross for the joy that was set before Him, and when you focus on your victory, you will be able to keep walking through that valley! Shake off bitterness and self-pity today and be determined to press forward. With God on your side, no weapon formed against you shall prosper. As you keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, your challenges will become easier, and you will move forward and live the life of victory the Lord has in store for you.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Thank You for giving me strength during the difficult times. I trust that You are with me today and choose to focus on the victory You have in store. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Now Faith

Today's Scripture

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

What are you hoping for in your life today? The Bible says that faith gives substance to the things you hope for. Notice this verse starts by saying, “Now faith…” It’s not “later” faith or “one day” faith. We have to believe that God is working behind the scenes right now. Faith is simply believing that God is a good and faithful God—that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Can you believe that God wants to move in your life, today? Do you believe He can provide for you need, today? Do you believe He can heal your relationships, today? Do you believe He can give you that promotion, today? Whatever you are hoping for, open your heart and expect that God is working on your behalf. Stand strong and declare that victory is already yours. As you face each day with faith and expectancy, you’ll increase in strength and see God’s hand in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, today I choose to believe that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I trust that You have a good plan for me and that You are leading and guiding my every step. Help me stand strong in You, today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Baby's Amazing Growth Inside the Womb

http://forum.5721.net/thread-160223-1-1.html

It is really amazing how God created us, so precise, so beautiful. We need to praise Him, almighty God. The baby's journal inside the womb is astonishing, unbelievable. You have to admit we are created by Him.

By His Spirit

Today's Scripture

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

In this day and age, we are equipped with so many wonderful resources in the natural: technology, education, abilities. It’s easy to rely on our own natural strength for so many things. We have to remember that this natural world is only temporary, but the spiritual realm is eternal. We aren’t limited to the earth’s resources; we have unlimited spiritual resources by the Spirit of God. There are things in life that can’t happen by human thinking and reasoning. There are things that won’t be solved by natural power and might. But God is not limited by the resources of this world. When you open the door of faith in your heart, God will move through you in powerful ways by His Spirit. By His Spirit, you can overcome temptation. By His Spirit, you can receive healing. By His Spirit, you can fulfill every dream and desire in your heart. No matter what challenges or obstacles you may be facing today, know that you can live in complete victory by His Spirit!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for giving me access to all Your spiritual blessings by Your Spirit today. I choose to rely on You and trust that You are working in my life. I praise and bless You, knowing that You are leading me in victory in every area of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Mustard Seed Faith

Today's Scripture

“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea’ and it will obey you” (Luke 17:6).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

A mustard seed is a very small thing. But when it’s planted, it grows into a huge tree. In the same way, Jesus is saying that a little bit of faith can bring tremendous results! As a believer in Him, you already have enough faith on the inside of you to overcome any obstacle. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead actually dwells in you! It doesn’t matter if you grew up in church or not; it doesn’t matter what you know or don’t know; God wants to work in your life today. And you may not see how, but all you have to do is believe God. With God, all things are possible. Do you have mustard seed faith today? The Bible says that faith without works is dead. When you have faith, your words and actions reflect it. Take a step of faith today and declare your trust in Him. Even if you don’t see how, declare that God is working behind the scenes in your life. As you act on your mustard seed faith, you’ll see it grow stronger and stronger, and you will live in victory all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father God, today I confess my trust and reliance on You. Thank You for depositing seeds of faith in my heart so that I can live in total victory. I believe that with You all things are possible! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Sand Drawing

This is so pure and beautiful!

http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/belleger/article?mid=626&prev=-1&next=623

Hope Comes from Him

Today's Scripture

“Find rest, o my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him” (Psalm 62:5).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God is constantly planting seeds of hope and victory in your life. He’s constantly trying to deposit His faith on the inside of you. Often times, when we’re anxious and worried, it’s difficult to hear His voice of hope and confidence. But when we stop and quiet ourselves, when we find rest in Him, we will recognize His voice of hope. You’ll hear Him saying to your heart, “Your best days are still in front of you, you are more than a conqueror, you’re the head and not the tail.” As you receive His hope, it creates a foundation for faith to rise inside your heart. The Bible says that faith gives substance to things hoped for. In other words, your hope gives your faith something to work toward. If the cares of this world have left you frustrated and empty today, make the decision right now to open your heart and allow the Lord to deposit His hope on the inside of you. It doesn’t matter what you are facing today or what’s happened in your past, God wants to give you hope today. He wants to pour out His blessing in every area of your life so that you will live the abundant life He has for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I ask for Your hope today. Thank You for lifting me up into heavenly places with You. Show me how to be a vessel of hope to those who are around me today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The God Kind of Faith

Today's Scripture

“…the life which I now life in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God…” (Galatians 2:20).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Faith is all around us. People have faith in so many different things: faith that a friend will be true, faith that your job is taking you on a certain career path, faith that the chair you are sitting on is going to hold you up! Faith is simply believing in something. But there are different kinds, or levels, of faith. There’s a difference between having faith in God and having the faith of God. When you open your heart to the God kind of faith, you’re actually allowing Him to believe through you. The God kind of faith will cause you to believe for things when you don’t even know how they’ll happen. And it probably won’t make sense in your mind, but you have to allow your spirit to rise higher than your thinking. Don’t talk yourself out of believing. Don’t focus on all the reasons why not, instead allow God’s faith to rise up within you. Meditate on His Word that says, you can do all things through Christ and you are strong in the Lord and the power of His might. As you allow God’s faith to flow through you, He’ll take you places you’ve never dreamed. You will rise higher and higher and live the abundant life the Lord has for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, today I humbly open my heart to You. Use me for Your glory and have Your way in my life. I choose to believe in You and invite You to believe through me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Science and Spirituality Symposium

I think we are limited and cannot absorb everything in our minds. We need to make the right decision and choose the right information.

We are the children of God, He created us and wants us to live an abundant life, until we meet Him in heaven and continue. It is simple but hard to believe for so many people.

Your Sun and Shield

Today's Scripture

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless” (Psalm 84:11).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God has a heart to pour out His favor and goodness in your life. He longs to be your sun and shield. What does the sun do for us? It lights our way, it keeps us warm, it nourishes the plants of the earth so that we can have food. The earth is sustained by its relationship to the sun, and God wants to sustain you through your relationship with Him. He wants to be your shield of protection against all the fiery darts of the enemy. He wants to light and direct your path. Are you ready to receive Him as your sun and shield today? Have you been relying on something or someone else to be your protection or give you direction? If you have, decide today to put down whatever you’ve been putting your trust in and choose to lean on your heavenly Father. Open your heart and receive all He has for you. Receive His favor, blessing and protection today. As you do, you’ll see your path shine brighter and brighter, and you’ll move forward in the life of victory the Lord has prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, today I open my heart and mind to You. I receive Your blessing and favor and ask that You direct my every step. Show me Your ways that I may walk with You today and always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Walk Uprightly

Today's Scripture

“For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see His face” (Psalm 11:7).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Our God is a god of justice! He loves truth, and He loves what is right. The Bible promises that if we follow His plan and walk uprightly before Him, we will see His face. And God wants you to see His face. He wants to reveal Himself to you in ways you never imagined. Walking uprightly simply means following the Word of God with a humble heart. It means you have a heart to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. In this day and age, people have so many different ideas of what they think is right, but God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and His standard, the Word of God, will never change. The Bible also says in Psalm 84, that no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. God longs to pour His blessing and goodness on your life. Choose to follow His Word and allow Him to work His purposes on the inside of you. As you do, you will walk uprightly and see His face and experience His hand of blessing in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, today I submit myself to Your ways. I choose to walk uprightly before You because I long to see Your face. Thank You for guiding and blessing every area of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Forget Not His Benefits

Today's Scripture

“Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits…” (Psalm 103:2).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God has given us many benefits today! He’s given us so much to be thankful for. When you meditate on His goodness, faithfulness and blessings in your life, it will change you on the inside. When you focus on the fact that He saved you and set you free, the challenges and obstacles in your life will begin to fade away. Psalm 103 goes on to say that, “He crowns you with love and compassion and satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed.” No matter what you may be facing today, forget not His benefits! God wants to satisfy you with good things. If you need healing today, healing is a benefit. If you’ve made mistakes in your life, forgiveness is a benefit. If you feel tired and overwhelmed, strength is a benefit. As you turn your thoughts toward the Father today, He will strengthen and empower you to live as an over comer in every area of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I humbly come to You today. Thank You for Your blessings and benefits in my life. I choose to focus on Your goodness and believe You have so much more in store for me. I honor You today in all I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Enlarge Your Territory

Today's Scripture

“Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory…” (I Chronicles 4:10).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God wants to bless you and enlarge your territory. Your territory can be your sphere of influence or your realm of responsibility or authority. Are you ready for increase in your life today? You may desire God’s increase, but the Bible says we have not because we ask not. Are you asking for God’s blessing? Are you asking Him to enlarge your territory? When you ask God to bless you, your faith is activated which opens the door for Him to work in your life. Open your heart today and ask for God’s blessing, ask for His discernment and wisdom. Ask Him to make you more effective on your job; ask Him to increase the quality of your relationships; ask for more people to love and encourage. Ask Him to enlarge your territory so that you can be a greater blessing to those around you. As you take a step of faith in prayer today, God will hear you. He’ll open doors that no man can close and pour out His abundance in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, today I open my heart to You and ask You to bless me. I ask You to increase me in every area and teach me to be faithful to You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The Apple of His Eye

Today's Scripture

“Keep me as the apple of your eye…” (Psalm 17:8).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God cherishes and values you so much today. You are the apple of His eye; the center of His world! In this day and age, people are considered to be important for so many different reasons—titles, position, possessions, where you go, what you drive. But God’s value system is very different from the value system of the world. If you’ve ever thought that God has too many other important things on His plate to be concerned with you and your life, know this today—you are God’s number one priority. And there’s nothing you can do to be more important or less important. God values you today simply because He made you, and your value will never change. You are significant. Your life is significant. The things that concern you, concern God. He carefully watches over every detail of your life, and there is nothing too big or too small for His attention. Take your concerns and cares to the Father today. He loves to hear you call upon Him, and He is waiting to show Himself strong on your behalf. Because you are important to Him, He is ready to bless and empower you to live in victory all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for loving me today. Thank You for making me the apple of Your eye. I open my heart to You today and cast every care on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Rebecca Walker's Feminism Talk

Although I don't fully agree with her ideas, I have to say that she gave us a broader view about feminisms.

I like her dressing style.

According to Your Faith

Today's Scripture

“According to Your faith, be it unto you” (Matthew 9:29).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

A lot of time people think that when they have a need, that if God wanted to, He could just automatically meet it. But Jesus didn’t say, according to your need be it unto you; He said, according to your faith. That’s why it’s so important to have an attitude of expectancy every single day. If we want God to move in our lives, we have to approach every day filled with faith and hope. The scripture tells us in Romans that “faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” The more you have the Word of God in your life, the more your faith will grow and the more you will see Him working in your life. God longs to bless you, and He’s given you everything you need to be successful in life. Remember, all things are possible to those who believe! Believe in His goodness today and take a step of faith toward the life of blessing God has prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for Your hand of blessing in my life today. I open my heart to You and trust that You have a good plan for me. Give me a heart filled with faith and hope today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Ask

Today's Scripture

”Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Is there an area of your life that you need God’s help in? A lot of times, it’s easy to think that we’re not supposed to ask for too much, but the scripture encourages us to go to God with all of our needs. He longs to give you the desires of your heart and pour out His favor and blessing on you. In fact, Jesus said, “You have not, because you ask not.” When you step out and ask for God’s favor, His blessings and His increase, you are activating your faith. And when you pray, make sure there isn’t anything in your heart that would block your faith. Begin your prayers by surrendering every thought and attitude to the Lord. Ask Him to purify your motives and show you if there is any unforgiveness in your life. When you release those things to the Lord, it opens the door for Him to move mightily on your behalf, and you will move forward into the life of blessing He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I humbly come to You and surrender all that I am. I ask that You pour out Your favor and blessing on me so that I can be a greater blessing to others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Big snow

Tonight such a big snow but we were safely home. Thank God!

Wang, Shouren said God put the tree of the knowledge of knowing good and evil is the way that He knows we will choose to eat the fruit of it but still gives us free will to choose, that is His way of love. I understand it in my heart.

Higher Thoughts

Today's Scripture

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God’s dream for your life is so much bigger than your own! He wants to bless you indeed and enlarge your territory. His ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours, and His plan is so much bigger than we can imagine. Choose today to focus on the good things God has in store for you. Don’t allow the circumstances of life to drag your thoughts down. Choose to think God’s thoughts by meditating on His Word. The scripture says to “set your mind on things above.” Those “things above” are God’s thoughts and ways which are, “I am blessed and highly favored. I am above only and not beneath. I am the head and not the tail. I am a victor, not a victim. I am righteous, and my path shines brighter and brighter to the full day. I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus.” When you allow those higher thoughts to fill your mind, they will direct your steps, and you will rise higher in life! You will see yourself as an overcomer and live the abundant life the Lord has for you.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for thinking good thoughts about me. Help me to focus on Your higher thoughts today. Empower me to obey Your Word so that I can live as an overcomer in every area of life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Confess and Believe

Today's Scripture

“If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Salvation comes when you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that He was raised from the dead. In the same way, God’s Word becomes alive in our hearts when we confess and believe it. What are you confessing today? What are you saying about your situation? Are you confessing the Word and believing that God is at work behind the scenes? Or do you talk about your problems and always believe the worst. What ever you confess and put your faith in will come to pass in your life. If you’ve been saying the wrong things, simply repent today which literally means to turn around. You can turn around and start confessing and believing the Word. Don’t just let your mind and mouth wander any longer. Write down some scripture verses and take them with you. Be determined to speak the Word. As you allow His truth to sink down into your heart, you’ll find His salvation and victory in every area of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, today I repent for anything that I’ve been confessing that isn’t pleasing to You. I choose today to keep my mind and heart focused on Your Word. Make Your truth real to me today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Crowned with Goodness

Today's Scripture

“You crown the year with Your bounty and goodness…” (Psalm 65:11, AMP)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

The Lord has crowned your year with bounty and goodness! That means there is an abundant supply for whatever you may need in life—spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially. And God has set up a system so that you can access His blessings. It’s the system of seedtime and harvest. If you have a need in your life, sow a seed. If you need friends, sow a seed by being a friend to someone. If you have a financial need, pray and ask the Lord where you should sow a financial seed. The Bible says to give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. That’s God crowning your year with bounty and goodness. Do you need mercy? Sow seeds of mercy. The more you sow, the more you will reap a harvest from God’s abundant bounty. Remember, He’s already crowned your year with His goodness. Take a step of faith today and believe that God is ready to pour out His abundant blessing on you all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for supplying all my needs according to Your riches in glory. I submit my resources to You today and ask You to show me where I can sow seeds and be a blessing to those around me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Increase More

Today's Scripture

There are those who scatter abroad, yet increase more…(Proverbs 11:24).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

In the book of Genesis, God set up a system of seedtime and harvest. Everything God does starts with a seed. The Bible also tells us that He gives seed to the sower. In other words, if you are a person who has a desire to bless others and sow seed, God will make sure you have plenty to give. Notice what happens when you generously sow seed—you increase more! Just like planting a seed in the natural brings an abundant harvest, planting a spiritual seed brings an abundant harvest as well. You can’t out give God! He will pour out blessings on you that you can barely contain! God’s blessings go way beyond just the financial realm. He wants you to have blessed relationships, good health and a happy career. Take a step of faith today and look for ways to start sowing. What do you have in your hand? Can you start by giving a smile and sowing joy? Do you have five dollars to help someone else at the gas pump? Choose to be blessing today, and God promises to bless and increase you in every area of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father God, today I choose to be a sower and giver. Help me to see the people around me the way You see them so that I can bless them the way You want to bless them. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

He Delights in Your Prosperity

Today's Scripture

Let the Lord be magnified Who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant (Psalm 35:27).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Our God is a running-over God! He doesn’t want you to just have barely enough to meet your own needs, God wants you to be so blessed that when other people get around you, it overflows onto them! He wants you to be so blessed in your finances that not only can you pay your bills and accomplish your own dreams, but you can be a blessing to others. In the same way that a parent loves to see their children doing well and excelling, God wants you to do well and excel in every area. He takes pleasure in prospering you. But the key is that you have to make room for it in your thinking. You have to expect that He wants to bless you. Take a step of faith today toward the dreams that are in your heart. Begin to thank Him for His abundance in every area of your life. Declare that because you walk in obedience, God’s blessings are going to chase you down and overtake you! Don’t just settle for a “good enough” mentality, develop an overflow mentality, and you’ll see God’s hand of blessing in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, today I surrender my thoughts to You. Develop in me an overflow mentality and teach me to be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Thinking

My baby boy is kicking inside, or maybe it is my pulse. Thinking about what happened several months ago, I cannot imagine I am enjoying life now. It is so beautiful to live, isn't it?