Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Pray to God

Dear God, give me patience so that I can better deal with my students or anyone around me. Everything I say or do should reflect your image. I just pray that I can do better and ask for wisdom from you on everything I do. In Jesus's name, Amen.

Safety in Numbers


Today's Scripture

“Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Are you facing an important decision today? God wants to give you the answer. He wants to direct your steps. Many times, He will speak to us through the people He has placed in our lives. The Bible says that safety is found in a multitude of advisors. God designed us to live in families, communities, and congregations. We need to be open to receiving input from the people who are close to us. That doesn’t mean you have to follow everything everyone tells you, but if you’re in a particular situation or relationship, and all the people around you are giving you the same word of caution, it might be God trying to get a message to you. Take that advice and bring it before the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to confirm His perfect plan to your heart. Remember, wisdom comes from God, and wise counsel will always be in agreement with God’s Word. He will always confirm the answer when you ask Him. What ever you are facing today, be open to receiving wise counsel. As you do, you will be blessed and protected and walk in confidence down the path the Lord has prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for the people You have placed in my life as wise counsel. Help me understand Your truth so that I can make Godly choices. Keep me close to You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Praise the Lord!


This coming fiscal year is tough, I applied an internal grant and got the full money I asked for. Thanks to the Lord!

Living the Full Life


Today's Scripture

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness of it…” (Psalm 24:1).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God wants you to live an abundant and satisfied life. He wants you to enjoy the fullness of the earth and life’s experiences. When you open your mind to new things and new situations, you are broadening your horizons and opening yourself to new opportunities. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, doing the same thing the same way all the time. But when you open yourself to new people and new ideas, you are making room for God to reveal Himself to you. You are making room for Him to work in your life. Make the decision to explore something new this week. Take a different route home from work. Try something new on the menu at lunch. Be open to new people who may not necessarily look like you or act like you. Let God direct and broaden your horizons. As you do, you’ll encounter new opportunities and live the satisfied, full life the Lord has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I open my heart and mind to You today. I ask that You help me broaden my perspective so I can experience the full life You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Have faith in our prayers

1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

15 And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him.

Refresh Others


Today's Scripture

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God’s system works on the principle of sowing and reaping. Simply put, if you are kind to others, then others will be kind to you. What you sow, you shall reap. When you refresh others, you yourself will be refreshed. That word “refresh” means to restore or revive. When you reach out to others to restore them or offer strength to them, you are planting seeds for your own future. And there are many ways to refresh others—a smile, a kind word. You might buy someone a tank of gas. You could pay for someone’s groceries in line at the grocery store. You could make a special meal for a friend in need. If you ask God to show you how to refresh others, He will. Get in the habit of looking for ways to be a blessing to other people. Have a generous attitude, step out and refresh others. As you do, you’ll reap an abundant harvest in your life, and you will live the life of blessing the Lord has for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for being a blessing to me so that I can be a blessing to others. Show me ways to refresh people in my daily life and help always to honor You in everything I say and do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Draw me close to you

Draw me close to you, never let me go. To hear you say I am your friend, you are my desire.

Ask For Wisdom


Today's Scripture

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you need wisdom for something today? Ask God. He loves it when you call upon Him, and He longs to give generously to you. Do you need wisdom to lead your family? Do you need wisdom on your job? Do you need wisdom for a decision you have to make in life? Ask God! The next verse goes on to say that when you ask, you must ask in faith without wavering. That means you have to be absolutely determined to get your answer from Him. You can’t just ask and then decide to do things your own way, or doubt that He will give you the answer. That’s being double-minded. When you’re double-minded, the Bible says you won’t be able to receive anything from the Lord. Don’t let that be you! Have a one-track mind that’s focused on God and His promises. Believe that He is going to generously bless you with His wisdom. As you keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, He’ll cause you to rise higher and higher, and you’ll live the abundant life He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for being a good and generous God. Thank You for pouring out Your abundant blessing in my life. Keep my heart and mind focused on You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Wait on the Lord


Today's Scripture

“But those who wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you need strength today? Sometimes it’s easy to get down and discouraged when you’re constantly looking at the circumstances of life. You may feel tired and weary from a long battle. But when you wait on the Lord, the Bible says your strength will be renewed. Waiting on the Lord means you’re putting your trust and hope in Him. You’re living with an attitude of faith and expectancy. In the natural, if you are waiting for someone like a special dinner guest, you’re probably not just sitting around the house wondering what will happen. No, you’re probably preparing for that special person by straightening the house and making sure everything is perfect for their arrival. Most likely, you started weeks in advance making the menu and deciding what to wear! In the same way, when you are waiting on the Lord, it doesn’t mean you are just sitting around, it means you are preparing for Him. Are you ready for God to move on your behalf? Are you waiting on Him? As you take a step of faith, He’ll meet you there. He’ll renew your strength and lead you into victory in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for Your promise to renew my strength. I choose to wait on You. I choose to trust You. I choose to prepare for You to move mightily in my life! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

He Leads You to Victory


Today's Scripture

“But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory making us conquerors through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 15:57).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God desires that you live in victory in every area of your life. The scripture says He always causes us to triumph through Christ Jesus! No matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror. Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you Healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restoration and peace. Are you facing a need—physically, spiritually, or emotionally? God wants to give you provision and supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Notice this verse starts out by saying, “Thanks be to God…” Many times in the Bible when God’s people were going into battle, the worshipers were out in front of the warriors. When you choose to be thankful and bless the Lord in the midst of your battle, you are making a way for Him to move in your life. Start today by thanking Him for His goodness and the promise to give you the victory. Magnify your God, don’t magnify your problems! As you do, you’ll see Him move on your behalf and He’ll lead you into victory in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in Heaven, today I give You thanks for Your mercy and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for leading me in to victory! I magnify You and bless Your holy Name today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Sweet Fragrance


Today's Scripture

“For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ which exhales unto God…” (Psalm 42:1).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Did you know that your life is a sweet fragrance to God? Think about how a wonderful aroma affects you personally. When it’s springtime and the flowers are blossoming, everything feels new again. The sweet aroma in the air is a sign that the flowers are fresh and alive. It catches your attention! It makes you want to take a deep breath and partake of the wonderful sweet fragrance. God feels the same way about you! He loves wonderful aromas and when you are living your life to please Him, it’s a beautiful fragrance that captures His attention! Just like the aroma in springtime is a sign that the flowers are alive, the aroma of your life is a sign that Christ is alive in you. It is pleasing to the Father! The next time you experience a fresh fragrance, remember that your life is a fragrance unto God. You can rest in knowing that He is pleased with a heart that seeks after Him. As you continue to seek Him, you’ll be that sweet fragrance and you’ll experience His wonderful hand of blessing in every area of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father in Heaven, I come to You today surrendering all that I am. May everything I do please You and be a wonderful fragrance to You. Keep me close to You today and always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Who should get a PhD?


My dearest friend wants to quit her Ph.D. after passing all the prelims, courses and oral exam. This arises the question: who should get a Ph.D. especially in math? What is the meaning/purpose to get it? Of course not everyone can get it even after many years of efforts.

Everybody has a gift/talent given by God and we should discover and use it. It is our purpose in life. And we should be naturally good at it. We need to try our very best but we should be comfortable pursuing it and enjoying it.

Many times we are in the tunnel and cannot see the end and we doubt ourselves: should I continue doing it or quit? Then from outside, someone there should encourage and help us.

What if we just cannot do it? Either we don't have the quality it needs to accomplish the task or we think we are unable to finish it? How to distinguish the two?

After such a long time that she made this decision, Oh, God, what is your purpose? She grows spiritually, but don't you want her to be successful too in her career? Why now? Is it the best time from you? Dear Father, give her wisdom as you gave to Soloman! You love her so much that your only son died for her and gave her eternal hope and life. Nothing is impossible through you. I just pray you give her the very best, not even the second best.

He Gives Strength


Today's Scripture

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Have you ever felt backed into a corner about a particular situation, and you couldn’t see a way out? We’ve all felt overwhelmed by the circumstances of life at one time or another. Be encouraged today because the Bible says in Isaiah that when you cry to God for help, as soon as He hears, He will answer you! He will give you strength when you are weary and increase your power when you feel weak. No matter what is going on in your life today, God is greater than any obstacle or difficulty you may be facing. Do you need strength today to overcome a challenge in your life? Do you need power to stand strong in the midst of a storm? Call on Him and He will hear you. The answer is on the way while the words are still on your lips! Open your heart and by faith receive His strength and might, and let Him empower you to live in victory all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for hearing and answering my prayers. Fill me with Your strength and power today. I give You my whole heart and ask that You remove anything from my life that isn’t pleasing to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Feeling Closer to the Lord


With my baby inside, I am feeling close to my Lord.

Something Out of Nothing


Today's Scripture

“The earth was formless and void…and God said, Let there be light.” (Genesis 1:2-3).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Are you believing God for something today that seems impossible? We serve a great and mighty God. and He can create something out of nothing. He can make a way when there seems to be no way! Genesis tells us that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. But before He spoke the world into existence, it was formless and void. If God can make the world out of nothing, He can take the empty places in your life and create something beautiful, too! He can speak light into your darkest hour. He can take your formless dreams and give them shape. He can resurrect your dormant gifts and talents! He can make your crooked places straight! Remember, you are created in the image of almighty God. There’s power in your words, and there’s power when you’re in agreement with Him. Start saying what God says about your situation. Speak life to your broken dreams, today. Stay in an attitude of faith and expectancy. As you do, God will take you places that you’ve never dreamed, and you’ll live in victory all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I trust that You are willing and able to make a way where there seems to be no way in my life. Fill me with Your peace and faith and give me a vision for all You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Stay Connected


Today's Scripture

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart form me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you need more power and strength in your life today? When you are connected to the Father through Jesus, you are connected to your life source. Just as a branch is sustained by the vine it’s attached to, we are sustained by being attached to Him. If you think about how fruit grows, it doesn’t just happen over night; it takes time and the right conditions. In the same way, the spiritual fruit in your own life develops over time, too. You might be tempted to get discouraged if you aren’t seeing “fruit” as quickly as you’d like, but be encouraged today! If you’ll keep your heart humble before the Lord and stay connected to Him through prayer and studying His Word, you’ll see that fruit begin to form in your life just as He promised! You’ll see the fruit of joy, which is strength. You’ll see the fruit of love and peace, which will sustain you in the midst of difficulty. As you stay connected to Him, you’ll be empowered and equipped for every circumstance, and you’ll live as an overcomer in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I humbly come before You. I recognize that You are the source for everything I need in this life. Keep me close to You always and turn my heart and mind toward Your ways. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

A Complete Life


I didn't want to have a baby one year ago, I thought it too much trouble, my bad genes would be inherited by him/her, I couldn't be a good mom. But now I believe without a baby, a life is not complete. The loving nature of us hasn't been digged out. It is so interesting that I've changed my mind since the little is inside me. We named him Forrest Samuel, because his dad's name and "heard of God". We prayed and God has given us this precious gift. It is amazing how he grows, you have to admit he is created by God.

Choose to Trust


Today's Scripture

“Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust…” (Psalm 40:4).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Is your trust in the Lord today? Trusting in the Lord is a decision we make just like we choose anything else in life. You chose what to wear today, you probably chose what you would have for breakfast, and you can choose to trust God today, too! Just like the decision to receive salvation, when you choose to trust God, there is a peace that settles on the inside of your heart. There are blessings in store for you when you trust Him. No matter what you are facing in life today, you can have faith that God will come through for you. You can trust that His Word is always true. In Psalm 32, David calls God his “hiding place.” In other words, not only can you choose to trust God in the midst of your difficulty; you can actually hide in Him and find rest for your soul. When the circumstances of life seem to be overwhelming, choose to trust that God is ordering your steps. Find security in Him knowing that He’s making your crooked places straight and leading you into the everlasting life He has prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, today I choose to put my trust in You. I know You are a good and faithful God, and I trust that You have my best interest at heart. Help me stay focused on Your goodness today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Take Refuge in Him


Today's Scripture

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Where do you take refuge when the storms of life come? Where do you go for comfort and safety? Some people find it easy to turn to their friends, their job, or even a bowl of ice-cream! There’s nothing wrong with any of those things, but God the Father wants us to turn to Him first. He wants us to take refuge in Him. He longs to protect us and defend us and give us His strength. We serve a good God, and when we take refuge in Him, He will pour out His abundant blessing in our lives. Taste and see that the Lord is good today. Taste and see that His promises are good. When you turn to God, the Bible promises that you will find rest and refuge for your soul. No matter what you may be facing today, come to the Father. He will give you His peace and strength, and you’ll live the blessed life He has prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, today I open my heart to You and choose to take refuge in You. Thank You for Your peace and rest and for showing me Your hand of blessing in every area of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Friday, April 11, 2008

The Way


Today's Scripture

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

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you need direction in your life today? Not only is Jesus the way to life in eternity, but Jesus is the way to everything you need in this life here on earth. Do you need to know the way out of debt? Look to the Father through Jesus. Do you need to know the way to having better relationships…the way to overcome an addiction…to live in peace and joy? When you know Jesus, you know the Way. No matter what you are facing today, no matter what challenges or obstacles are in your life, He will make a way for you even when you don’t see how. God loves you so much that He wants to strengthen and empower you to live in total victory. That’s why He sent His Son, Jesus, to this earth—to show you the way to live an abundant life! Open your heart today and receive all that God has given you through Jesus. As you do, you’ll see His hand lead you in the way of victory in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to show me the way. I invite You into every area of my life. Keep me close to You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Embrace Change


Today's Scripture

He changes times and seasons.” (Daniel 2:21)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God is always looking to take us to higher levels. He wants us to grow and increase in every area of life. Change is often a catalyst for growth in our lives. It keeps us from getting stuck in a rut. God will supernaturally open and close doors to keep us on the path toward our destiny. He will “stir us” out of comfortable situations and stretch us because He loves us too much to allow us to live in mediocrity. Just like a mother eagle will stir her young, God will stir His children. Do you know how an eaglet learns to fly? That eagle will take her eaglet to the very highest point—way out of its comfort zone—and then she releases it. As the eaglet falls, the mother swoops down and picks it back up again. She does this over and over until the eaglet spreads its wings and soars through the air. That’s what God wants for you today. He wants you to soar in life! You might feel like that eaglet learning to fly, but know that God is right there with you! He’ll never leave you. Embrace God’s change today, knowing that He is using it to take you up higher so that you can live in victory all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Dear God, today I open my heart and mind to receive all that You have for me. I trust that You are with me directing my every step. I embrace Your seasons of change and thank You for helping me grow and increase in every area. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

A Philosophy of life

1.生气是拿别人做错的事来惩罚自己。

11.上帝从不埋怨人们的愚昧,人们却埋怨上帝的不公平。

14.觉得自己做得到和做不到,其实只在一念之间。

19.人生重要的不是所站的位置,而是所朝的方向。

21.人总是珍惜未得到的,而遗忘了所拥有的。

35.你不能左右天气,但你能转变你的心情。

39.世界上有两种人:索取者和给予者。前者也许能吃得更好,但后者绝对能睡得更香。

25.有勇气并不表示恐惧不存在,而是敢面对恐惧、克服恐惧。

My Prayer


Dear God, please help me be patient, loving and gentle in spirit. Control my tongue and temper and be the woman in Proverb 31. In Jesus name, Amen.

Established in Love


Today's Scripture

“May you be rooted and grounded in love…” (Ephesians 3:17)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Did you know there is tremendous power in love? In the same way that a tree will grow taller and stronger when its roots grow deep, you’ll be stronger and have more of God’s power operating in your life when you are rooted and established in love. Faith works by love, and I Corinthians 13 gives us a picture of what that looks like…among other things, love is patient and kind. It does not seek its own way. It is not jealous or boastful or proud. When you choose love instead of choosing your own way, you are showing that God is first place in your life. You are establishing yourself in love. The more you choose to walk in love, the deeper and stronger your roots will grow. And when you are established in love, you’ll have more of God’s favor and blessing upon your life! Choose love today, and let it be firm within you. Let that love build security in you and empower you. As you do, you’ll see God working through you, and you’ll live as an overcome in every area!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I come to You today and invite You to search my heart and mind. Show me how to love others better so that I can be established in Your love. Thank You for loving me so that I can show Your love to others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Blessed Wherever You Go

Today's Scripture

“If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today…you will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.” (Deuteronomy 28:1-3).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God wants to pour out His blessings on you today. Living in obedience and integrity is the key that unlocks the door to His abundance. When you put God and His Word first place in your life, the bible says you’ll be blessed in the city and in the country—that means you will be blessed wherever you go! This chapter goes on to say that you will be so blessed that you will even lend and not borrow. Can you see yourself in that position? Can you see yourself living in that kind of abundance? It’s not God’s plan for you to live with a “barely-get-by” attitude—our God is more than enough! Get a vision for that in your heart today. Make room in your thoughts for the blessing of God. See yourself as a vessel of God’s blessing in the lives of others. As you live a life of obedience you will prosper in all of your ways. You’ll rise higher and live the abundant life God has for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in Heaven, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life. I choose today to put You first in everything I do. Help me to walk in integrity and honor You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Persevere Until You See the Promise


Today's Scripture

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Hebrews 10:36).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

What are you believing God for today? Promotion? Healing? Stronger relationships? Deliverance? God has promised all these things to you in His Word because it’s His heart for you to live in blessing and wholeness all the days of your life. When you do the will of God by obeying His Word and precepts, it opens the door for His promises to be fulfilled in your life. You may be doing all the right things today—don’t give up! Perseverance will carry you to the promise. Perseverance means that you are focused and believing in what God says about your situation. It’s looking away from distractions and any negative, defeating thoughts. Perseverance looks away from discouragement and looks to the Word of God. Perseverance has a voice, and it says things like, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper…if God is for me, who can be against me! I am more than a conqueror through Jesus!” Whatever you are believing for today, keep believing! Stand strong and fight the good fight of faith. Ask God to give you endurance, perseverance, and patience so that you can see His promises fulfilled in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for Your good promises to me. I ask that You give me a heart that is steadfast and fixed on You today. Fill me with Your peace and perseverance so I can live in victory all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

But God!


Today's Scripture

“O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!...but you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head” (Psalm 3:1-3)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

When David wrote this verse, He was in a very difficult situation. He was actually running for his life from his very own son who wanted to kill him and take over the throne! Can you imagine?! David was probably feeling overwhelmed, distraught, heart-broken, betrayed, and abandoned. Have you ever felt that way? But notice that David didn’t just tell the Lord all about his problems, he told the Lord about his faith when he said, “But you, God, are a shield around me…” David made the choice to focus on God’s goodness no matter what! We have to remember, circumstances may be tough, but God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. You may have a difficult relationship, but God is your Restorer today. You may have an overwhelming need, but God is your Provider today! The doctors may have told you that you have an incurable disease, but God is your Healer today! Things may look impossible today, BUT WITH GOD all things are possible! If you’ll keep that constant attitude of faith and victory, you’ll see the hand of God move in your life, and you will experience the life of victory He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father God, thank You for always being faithful and working in my life. Today, I open my heart to You and choose to focus on Your goodness no matter what my circumstances look like. I know that with You, all things are possible. In Jesus Name. Amen.


Wednesday, April 2, 2008

What’s In Your Hand?


Today's Scripture

“Then the LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you ever feel inadequate for what you are called to do? You’re not the first one! So often, when we think of Moses, we remember him as the great spiritual giant who led the Israelites out of captivity. But did you know that Moses doubted himself, too? He didn’t feel equipped. In fact, he was even self-conscious because he had a stuttering problem! God simply said to him, “What do you have in your hand?” In the next few moments, God showed Moses that it didn’t matter what equipment he thought he needed. The God of the universe can take what you have and turn it into whatever it needs to be in order for you to accomplish what you’ve been called to. So what’s in your hand today? It may not seem like much, but God wants to use it. He wants to take you to places you never dreamed. He wants to pour out His blessing and favor so you can live the abundant life He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, today I release to You all that I am and all that I have. I invite You to flood every part of my being and use me for Your glory. Thank You for using what is in my hand. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

He Delivers You From All

Today's Scripture

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Aren’t you glad we serve a Deliverer today? An affliction is defined as the cause of persistent pain or distress. You might feel afflicted today, but God is working to bring you out of that difficult situation. It may not be in the way you thought, but you have to trust that God has your best interest at heart. I know that afflictions can take on many forms—a sickness or hardship, a temptation, a coworker or family member. There are so many things that can come against us, but God promises in His Word that no weapon formed against us shall prosper! Those afflictions are only temporary. Stand in faith believing that God is on your side. Remember, you and God are a majority. It doesn’t matter what your circumstances look like, get up every morning and say, “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” As you stand and trust the Lord, He will deliver you out of all your afflictions, and you’ll see His hand of blessing in every area of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for making me righteous through the blood of Jesus. I trust that You have a good plan for me, and that You will deliver me out of all affliction. Thank You for Your strength and peace in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.