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.

Prayer

“你求告我，我就应允你，并将你所不知道，又大又难的事指示你。看哪，我要使这城得以痊愈安舒，使城中的人得医治，又将丰盛的平安和诚实显明与他们。《耶利米书约珥书33:3,6》”

Give Generously

Today's Scripture

“...the righteous give generously ” (Psalm 37:21).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Did you know that when you give to others in need, the Bible says it’s like giving directly to God Himself? When you step out and bless other people, you are honoring and blessing the Lord. The scripture tells us to give our best, to give generously. In other words, stretch yourself. Go out of your way. It may be uncomfortable to walk over and pay for someone’s gas, but that’s being generous. I encourage you today, look for ways to give generously and meet the needs of others. Remember, people have many different types of needs. There may be someone who needs some encouragement. Give generously when you give that encouragement. There may be someone in your life who just needs a friend. They need some quality time. Give generously of your time and pour into that person. As you give generously to others, God will multiply the seeds you’ve sown, and you’ll live in blessing all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I come to You today, giving all that I have to You. Open my eyes to the needs around me and show me how to be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

He Prepares Your Path

Today's Scripture

“I will go before you and make the crooked places straight…” (Isaiah 45:2 NKJV)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you ever feel like every time you try to move forward in something, you hit a roadblock? Something happens that throws you off course. Be encouraged today because right now in your life, God is going before you. He’s preparing a way. He’s making your crooked places straight. He’s making your rough places smooth. You may be going through a difficult time right now, but it’s not the end. It’s only the beginning. God has equipped you for this journey. You may feel like you’re in a dry season, but don’t look at your circumstances. Look at the promise of God today! If you’ll keep speaking words of faith, God promises that He’ll anoint your head with oil and your cup will run over. That means you’ll be refreshed and anointed to do what He’s called you to do. God is preparing your path and equipping you for the journey. What do you need today to keep moving forward? Start by checking your attitude. Don’t go around complaining and focused on the negative side of things. Put on an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. Thank Him for making your crooked places straight! As you do, you’ll move forward in joy and gladness in the blessed future He has prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today

Lord in heaven, thank You for Your goodness in my life. Thank You for preparing the path for my life and making my crooked places straight. Thank You for restoring my soul and life and for guiding me in everything I do. I submit every area of my life to You today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

God’s Representative

Today's Scripture

“We are Christ’s Ambassadors…” (II Corinthians 5:20).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

As believers in Jesus, we are His ambassadors or representatives in the earth. In the natural, an ambassador is privileged. They are a diplomat with the highest rank. They walk in the authority of the name of the one who sent them. The ambassador makes decisions and solves problems, but their primary role is to promote diplomatic relationships. As God’s ambassadors in the earth, we walk in His power and authority. We are to promote relationship with Him. The Bible also calls us “ministers of reconciliation” in the earth. That means that we are to share the message of the gospel—that man’s relationship to God has been reconciled through Jesus Christ. When you see yourself as God’s ambassador, it will change the way you think and act. It will change the way you approach people. Remember, you are a representative of Almighty God. Look for ways to promote relationship with Him. Show kindness because His kindness leads people to change. Speak words of healing that will draw people to Him. As you fulfill your role as an ambassador of God, He will honor your faithfulness and pour out His blessing upon you all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me as Your ambassador. Help me to fully understand the authority You’ve given. Show me ways to promote relationship with You and build Your kingdom in the earth. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

踏实的幸福 嫁给家常男人 (zt)

　(转自翠花姐)

曾经一个朋友，见过我的老公后，直截了当地对我发了感慨：“我想你的老公应该是个更优秀的人，或者至少在某一方面出类拔萃……”朋友余下的话没说，那意思明显不过：那个身为我老公的男人，配不上我。朋友的话让我思忖许久．．．．．．

　 　我想自己属于这样一类女人。有了一点岁数，不漂亮，谈不上特别的风姿，没有年轻女人的妩媚犹如日薄西山的太阳，光和热力都越来越弱，有的仅仅是一个日渐 成熟的女人的沉静、安稳和岁月积淀起来的人生体验。人经历过些世事，会逐渐成熟，会逐渐懂得识人的深浅，会 明白 自己在生活中怎样面对各式各样的选择，尤其是婚姻。

　　正如我那朋友所说的那样，老公很平常，很不起眼，一介穷书生，要钱没大钱，要权也没权，不像那些很成功男士，头顶有着闪耀光环笼罩着，身边有佳丽簇拥着，尝不尽的佳肴，喝不够的美酒，飞不遍的锦绣山川。

正因为老公太平常，也不引人注目，他不会被女人簇拥、被美酒迷醉，不会被乱花迷幻眼。因为没有很多的钱和权做底气，便不会踌躇满志、目空四海。正因为不招 人眼，不光芒四射，倒让自己感到踏实，感到安全。本人无高远志向，不慕高官厚禄，不图浮华虚名，只求过一种平平淡淡和和睦睦的家居日子。也正缘于此，我那 既不很“优秀”，又不出类拔萃的老公虽没有那种通行天下的公众的趣味，却独独攻占我之心城。在我看来，白马王子、富豪大款、政要高官，或风流倜傥，或事业 有成，或仕途通达，爱他们的人太多，向往他们的人太多。那么，优秀的男人、出类拔萃的男人，不爱也罢，惟独这一个家常的男人，且让我放在心之一隅独自温 存。

日子悠悠晃晃，时间一长，家常男人那种心无旁骛爱家、恋家、疼妻爱子的情状像海绵般一点一点的浸润，那种深而醇香、炽而不张扬的内力在家常中不由让我生出一股眷顾、一种满足，那种平常的不起眼的面目、举止甚至也平添了许多说不出的可亲可爱，连小眼睛也成了韵味无穷。

于是，到后来竟还听到许多尤其是像我这种年龄段的女人对他的赞美、恭维， 特别 是那种什么都不缺、惟独缺人疼、缺人爱的女人，说起我家那个家常的男人简直就有点羡慕的口气了。其实想来，大多数女人的要求并不高，大凡女人看重的是男人 对自己的在乎，对自己的心疼，对自己的体贴关爱。于是，常闻“男人难得在家”的伤叹中，选择一个家常的男人倒也觉得踏实，会省去许多烦恼和忧虑。放眼而 望，现实里，借老公的光环人前尊贵、人后寂寞为情所累所伤的女人不在少数，古往今来，黄昏深夜，枯灯相伴、女人独泣到天明的剧情也常常重演……于是，女人 到了一定的岁数，才懂得一个家常的男人对于女人一辈子的要义。

心中常想到那个场景，儿子“骑马马儿”双脚跨在老公的肩头，我亦步亦趋随其左右，一家人出门，阳光照着，大人小人一脸的灿烂。那幅景象，该是人生最扎实最醇厚的快乐。那份家常、那种温馨在女人的心中荡起的不是喜悦、不是幸福又是什么？

Sealed By God

Today's Scripture

“…I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,' declares the LORD Almighty” (Haggai 2:23).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

We don’t often hear about signet rings anymore; but in Bible times, they were very significant. The signet ring was used to identify the message or messenger and the authority they had. In other words, you knew something was from the king because it was marked by His signet ring. It was representative of power and authority. This verse is saying that you are the mark of authority of Almighty God. You have been chosen and set apart to be identified with Him. When you have someone’s power and authority, you have access to everything they have. It’s like having power of attorney; you have the authority to act on behalf of that individual. As a believer in Jesus, marked with His seal, think of all you have access to today. Think about the authority you have. Everything He has is available to you—healing, provision, strength, peace, joy. You have been given authority to “sign His name” in order to receive His blessings. You are God’s seal, and you are marked to live the abundant life He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me and calling me Your own. Help me to fully understand the authority You’ve given by Your Son Jesus. I receive all You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Get Wisdom

Today's Scripture

“Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom” (Proverbs 4:7).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God wants us to know Him better. He wants us to know what to do in every situation. He wants us to have His wisdom so we can live the abundant life He has prepared for us. Wisdom is simply knowing the mind of God about a particular thing. It’s found in the Word of God. Proverbs says that when we reverence and honor the Lord, it opens the door to wisdom in our life. God’s wisdom is not like earthly wisdom. In other words, God’s wisdom won’t always make sense to your natural mind. For instance, the world’s wisdom says in order to increase, keep what you have. God’s wisdom says to give what you have and it shall be given back to you in greater measure. God’s wisdom is supreme. How do you “get” wisdom? First of all, James tells us simply to ask for it. And then open your heart to the Word of God; obey His commands and honor Him. As you are diligent to seek wisdom, you will find it. As you honor the Lord, He will honor you. He’ll pour out His favor on you, and you’ll live in wisdom and blessing all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for the privilege to boldly come before Your throne of grace. I humbly ask You for wisdom, for understanding, for Your direction. I receive it all now, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Be a People Builder

Today's Scripture

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” (I Thessalonians 5:11).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God designed us to live in relationship with others. He wants us to help each other grow. None of us will reach our highest potential by ourselves. We need people in our lives to encourage us, and we need to encourage the people in our lives and help them reach their potential. The word “encourage” means to “urge forward.” Many times you can see things in other people that they don’t see themselves. You can see their strengths and talents. You can see that God has a special plan for them even though they may be going through a difficult time. Don’t assume that people see what you see in them. Take a moment and encourage them either with a kind word or a simple note. There might be a special gift you can give that will remind them of their goal or dream. In whatever way you can, urge the people in your life to keep moving forward. If you’ll be a people builder and help others fulfill their dreams, God will help you fulfill your dreams also, and you’ll live in blessing all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for the people You have placed in my life. Help me build them up and find creative ways to urge them forward to Your glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Healing Words

Today's Scripture

“…the tongue of the wise brings healing”

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Are your words bringing healing to the people around you? The Bible clearly tells us that life and death are in the power of our tongue. We can use our tongue to build people up and encourage them with words of healing, or we can just as easily sow negative seeds with our words. The Bible says that the tongue of the wise brings healing. Choose to be wise today by choosing healing words. Choose to look for the best in others and build them up. Choose healing words over gossip; choose words of freedom and peace over anger and judgment. Let your words uplift and encourage the people in your life. Speak strength and hope to others. As you use your words to bring healing, God will pour out more of His wisdom in your life. You’ll reap the harvest you’ve sown with your words. God will pour out His blessing and increase in your life so you can live the abundant life He has in store for you.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, today I choose to be wise and bring healing to others with my words. I ask for increase of Your power and ability in my life so that I can live to honor You in all I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Faith and Righteousness

Today's Scripture

“Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Galatians 3:6).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

So many people today are looking for ways to be righteous or to be in “right standing” with God. The Bible simply says that when we believe God, that’s righteousness. The proof, or evidence, of our faith in Him is found in our actions. The Bible says that faith without works is dead. That means, when we really believe something, our actions will support what we believe. Because Abraham believed God, he obeyed His word and left his father’s land even when he didn’t even know where he was going. In the same way, when we believe God, we have to leave some things behind in order to embrace the new life He has in store. As you let go of the old and, by faith, embrace God’s promises, know that He is leading you down paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake! Keep believing, keep stepping out, knowing that your best days are ahead of you. As you follow His leading, you’ll walk in righteousness and live the abundant life He has in store for you.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, today I choose to accept and believe Your Word by faith. Thank You for making me righteous and help me to follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Set Apart

Today's Scripture

“But now since you have been set free from sin…you have your present reward in holiness and its end is eternal life” (Romans 6:22).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Holiness is a powerful force in our lives. It leads us to eternal life. Holiness simply means being “set apart.” You are set apart when you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He makes His home in you, and His holiness lives on the inside of you, too. The Bible tells us that without holiness, no one can see God. God sets us apart and calls us His own, but it’s up to us to continue living a life that is set apart from sin and destructive influences. We have to set ourselves apart from our old ways, old behaviors, and old mindsets. Remember, God chose to set you apart for Himself because He loves you. He doesn’t want anything to keep you from His promises and blessings. Make the decision to let go of anything that would hold you back today. Remember, you are set apart for God’s purposes. Let that sink down into your heart today and fill you with hope. As you embrace holiness and live a life that is set apart, you will see God, and you will live the abundant life He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for setting me apart and making me holy in Your sight. I choose to live a life that is set apart and pleasing to You. Fill me with Your peace and power today so I can honor You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

He Gives Good Gifts

Today's Scripture

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father…” (James 1:17).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God has so many good and perfect gifts in store for you. Not only does He offer eternal life through His Son, Jesus, but the Bible is filled with His generous and abundant promises in this life. He wants to bless you with provision and supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. He wants to pour out His abundant favor on you and cause everything you do to prosper. He wants to bless you with spiritual gifts to make you strong in your inner man. He wants you to enjoy your job and be proud of your work at the end of the day. These are all gifts from God. Every good gift from God is meant to draw us closer to Him. Often times, people have a picture of God shaped by experiences that have happened in the past, or experiences with their earthly father. I encourage you today to let go of any past ideas and see God according to His Word. He is good and faithful, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him! Seek Him today and experience the life of blessing He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for Your good and perfect gifts. I open my heart to You today and ask that You help me see Your goodness so that I can know You more. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Written On Your Heart

Today's Scripture

“They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts…” (Romans 2:15).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

In the Old Testament, God’s commands were written on stone tablets and kept in the tabernacle. Now, we are living according to the New Testament, and when we accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, we become His temple. He lives in us, and He engraves His promises and commands in our hearts. How can you be sure of this? This verse goes on to say that your conscience, or inner man, has a stronger knowledge of what is right and what is wrong; what you should and shouldn’t do. You are drawn to follow the Word of God. That’s the Spirit of God on the inside of you, guiding and directing you. As you follow His leading, your ability to hear and know Him is strengthened. But if you choose to bypass that prompting on the inside, your heart can become hard which will affect your ability to hear Him in the future. Make the decision today to demonstrate that God’s law is written on your heart by quickly obeying His leading. As you do, He’ll guide you down the path of blessing, and you’ll experience the abundant life He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for making Your home in me and for guiding me down the path of peace and blessing. Help me to clearly follow Your promptings all the days of my life and honor You in all I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

God, our savior

Save the people, save the kids, God, you give us life, you are the conqueror of death, let the Chinese see you with their own eyes so that you will be glorified. We are all your children.

Help Others Succeed

Today's Scripture

“Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you” (Ecclesiastes 11:1 NLT).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God’s system works on the principle of sowing and reaping. What you pour out will come back to you in increased measure. When you give generously, a generous harvest will return to you. When you help others succeed, you will find abundant success on your path, too. What are you investing in the lives of the people around you? Are you helping others get ahead? There are people in your life who hold the keys for you to reach your full potential. These are people that God has placed in your life for you to help along. The higher they rise up, the higher you will rise up. When you give generously of your time, talent, and resources, you are setting yourself up for greater success. People will come across your path that will help you grow and reach your full potential. But you have to do your part to step out and sow the seed. Be on the lookout for ways you can help others. As you give of yourself to help others grow, you’ll rise higher and live the abundant life He has in store for you.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I open my heart to Your heart. I invite You to use me to be a blessing in the lives of others. Show me where to invest my time, talent, and resources for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Choose Blessing

Today's Scripture

“I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live…” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God desires that you live in blessing in every area of your life. He’s given promises in His Word and has established a plan for you to live in total victory. He promises to give you the answers, but you have to be the one to decide to obey His voice. You have the final choice, so choose life and blessing! Every time you choose to obey the Word of God, you are choosing blessing. When you put God first in your life; when you walk in love towards others even when it’s difficult, you are choosing blessing. When you turn away from ungodly influences and when you give to others, God will pour out His blessing on you in return. Start today and do what you know to do. Obey His word and His blessing will overtake you! You’ll rise higher and higher and live the abundant life He has for you.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, today I choose life. I choose blessing by obeying Your Word. Keep me close to You so that I can honor You in all I say and do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Be thankful

Thousands killed by 7.9 China quake today.

I am praying to God, also give thanks that we are safe here. Life is so vulnerable that we don't know when we die, death becomes so vivid even though we don't want to face it. Oh, God, please give strength and protection for those who are alive, and save those who are in danger. You are doing miracles so that millions of Chinese people can experience your power and love. In Jesus name, Amen.

Faith and Honor

Today's Scripture

“Jesus said to them, ‘Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor.’ He could not do any miracles there…And he was amazed at their lack of faith” (Mark 6:4-6)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Did you know that honor and faith work together? When Jesus walked the earth, the people in His own hometown couldn’t believe that He was the Son of God because they were too familiar with Him. They didn’t honor Him, which affected their ability to have faith in Him. When you honor the Lord, when you respect and make room for Him in your life by following the Word of God, it impacts your faith in Him. Part of honoring the Lord is honoring the people He’s placed in your life. God works through people, and the Bible says that the way you treat others is the way you treat Him. Choose to honor people and make room for the Lord to work in your life, today. Look for the greatness in the people around you: your spouse, your children, your friends and family. Treat others with respect, knowing that God is building His character in you. As you choose honor, you open the door for faith to grow. You’ll see God’s hand working in your life, and you will see His hand of blessing on everything you do!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, today I choose to honor You by honoring the people You have placed in my life. Show me how to love others the way You love me so that faith will grow stronger in my heart. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Keep Sowing

Today's Scripture

“As long as the earth remains, there will be seedtime and harvest” (Genesis 8:22).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God loves you so much, and He wants you to live in abundance in every area of your life. In the book of Genesis, in the very beginning, He established a system for increase. Everything in life operates off of seedtime and harvest. As long as you have seed, you have increase in your hand. But a seed will lay dormant until it is placed in the right conditions. You have to plant that seed and water it in order for it to grow. What are the seeds you have in your hand? It can be as simple as the seed of a smile that will produce happiness in your life. It can be a financial seed that will produce provision in your life. Give and it shall be given back to you in greater measure. The Bible says that God’s Word is water and when you speak the Word, you are watering your seeds. Ask the Lord today to show you what seeds you have in your hand. He’ll show you where to plant them, and He’ll watch over those seeds to produce an abundant harvest in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for seedtime and harvest. Thank You for the system to activate blessing in my life. Show me where to give the seed I have in my hand so that I can reap the harvest You have prepared for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Victory is On the Way

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

Everyone goes through seasons of difficulty and challenge in life. One of the enemy’s traps is to isolate you and convince you that you won’t make it. But God promises that He will deliver the righteous out of all of their afflictions. You are righteous because of your relationship with God through Christ Jesus. You are righteous simply by having faith in Him, His goodness, and the promises in His Word. If you’re going through a tough time today, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Declare His promises over your life. You are more than a conqueror through Him! The joy of the Lord is your strength! As you continue to stand, even during the difficult times, you can be assured that victory is on the way. It might be today…it might be next week…next month, or next year, but God is faithful! Through faith and patience, you will inherit the promise. You will get beyond your difficulty, and you’ll increase in wisdom and strength and live the abundant life He has for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise of victory in every area of life. I choose to trust You, knowing that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

An e-mail from my student

I almost had given up on myself, but I want you to know that I really enjoyed your class. I've always enjoyed math, but lately I get discouraged when I can't remember things as well as I used to. But I enjoyed your class, and your style of teaching the material really helped things to make sense. I want to thank you for helping me and giving me the chance to take the final. I really appreciate it. Hoe you have a great summer!

------ Gratefully, Elaine Stephens

God, praise and thanks to you!

The Power of Two

Today's Scripture

“Two are better than one… If one falls down, his friend can help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God likes two together. The Bible says in Matthew 18 that there is power when two or more pray in agreement. One can put a thousand to flight, but two can put ten thousand to flight! Where there are two or more gathered in His name, God is there. And just like Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs of two to fulfill their mission, God will send a friend or partner to come along side you to help you fulfill your life’s mission. You may not see that special friend or partner right now; but remember, you are never alone because you and God are a majority. Why don’t you step out and be that friend that someone needs today. Is there someone in your life that you can reach out to and offer encouragement and support? Can you be that friend that helps someone when they fall? Sometimes a simple phone call or note of encouragement is all it takes. Be willing to support your friends. Get behind their dreams and encourage them to press forward. As you sow those seeds of hope and faith, God will bring people in your life to encourage you, too, and you’ll move forward in victory all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father God, thank You for the privilege to come before Your throne. Thank You for empowering me by Your Spirit. I ask that You show me ways to be a blessing and encouragement to the people around me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.