Title: Prayer Will Get You Through
Scripture: John 16:24
Passage: Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
Thoughts: We're living in challenging days that can cause us to get off track as a Christian and lose our focus. Maybe you're asking yourself, "Where is my life going? What is my purpose?" Well, let me ask you... have you truly experienced the awesome power of prayer in your life? Maybe you aren't focusing on the most important thing as a believer--your own personal relationship with the Lord. I believe that more than ever, we have to spend time on our knees in prayer... not only for situations in our own lives, but also for those around us. When you're trying to dig your way through the mess of life, it's prayer that will get you through. Without prayer, you'll never know the provision, the peace and the power you desperately need! I want to remind and encourage you today that prayer dramatically changes situations. So be sure not to remain silent, but to boldly bring your requests to Him!
As we face the challenges in this life, we have to remember that prayer is what will get us thru.

DON'T FORGET THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, THURSDAY, MAY 1ST!!!!!!!!!

Title: Lift Your Voice To Praise Him In The Hard Times
Scripture: Hebrews 13:15
Passage: Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
Thoughts: Paul and Silas were two great examples of men who praised the Lord despite their circumstances. Even being in prison, they lifted their voices to God in praise (Acts 16:25)! Even though we may never be imprisoned for sharing the gospel, the Bible says that we will have hard times in this life. The question is this----how will you choose to respond when those hard times come? Learning to praise the Lord in every circumstance is so important. It doesn't mean that you're happy about the situation... or that you're denying the problem you're facing. It just means that you're making a choice to remember who God is in the middle of your crisis, and you're lifting Him up above the situation. You're boldly declaring that He has power and wisdom in every situation... and that's something to be thankful for! So the next time you're faced with one of life's storms, remember to lift your voice in praise to God. As you do, you'll experience peace and strength that aren't your own.

Title: Risking Rejection
Scripture: Isaiah 53:3
Passage: He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief...
Thoughts: The Christian life has always been a high-risk life. It's not for the weak. Barnabas and Paul were "men who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 15:26). And even today in many countries, Christians are still risking their lives by following Jesus. In our culture, you probably don't run the risk of being killed for your faith... but you will run the risk of being rejected and having your faith rejected by others. Sometimes that's enough to make Christians silent. They're afraid of rejection, so they choose not to share their Christian convictions. I think we need to be people with enough courage and Holy boldness to take a stand for our Christian faith--and speak the truth of God's Word even if that will cause rejection at times. We have to be prepared to take a few knocks for what we believe! God never said it would be easy---just worth it! Paul said of his sufferings for the sake of the gospel, "I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed..." (2 Timothy 1:12). When you're convinced of what you believe, you can well handle the opposition that will inevitably come. Don't let the fear of rejection silence you! Be prepared to take a risk... to speak up, boldly and out loud, about your faith... even if it does bring you rejection!
To truly and completely follow Jesus, you risk rejection.
But remember that He was rejected too.......for YOU!

Title: Living A Great Life For Jesus
Scripture: Acts 6:8
Passage: And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.
Thoughts: Stephen was a giant when it comes to our faith. He was a man of impeccable character and commitment, and the Bible says that his face glowed like an angel! What was this man's secret, that he could live such an outstanding life and die such a courageous death? I think there are several characteristics that helped Stephen be the godly man that he was... here are just three that each of us can imitate:
Integrity: Stephen was a man of "good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom" (Acts 6:3). Even though his enemies despised him, they respected the holy man of God that he was. Servanthood: Stephen was actively involved in serving widows and those in need among the Christian community. His compassion was known to everyone... and even with his last breath-his dying breath-he was forgiving those responsible for his death (Acts 7:60).
Tenacity: Stephen boldly preached the gospel and stood firm in his faith, regardless of the threats, intimidation, or violence of his persecutors.
If you're like me, I know you want more than anything to please the Lord in all you do.
But this requires the kind of impeccable character that Stephen had!

Title: Be A Witness For God
Scripture: Mark 16:15
Passage: And He said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."
Thoughts: You don't have to be a preacher, a missionary, or Televangelist to be a strong witness for Jesus. You don't even have to have all the answers! God has empowered you through His Holy Spirit to be a witness for Him and He will give you the words you need... at the right moment... that will speak to the heart of the person you're witnessing to. Every time you witness, you'll become more effective, and more confident in your witness. You just need to be willing and available to share the hope that you know and have experienced in Jesus Christ... and the Lord will do the rest! If you're a Christian, you have a testimony of how Jesus has changed your life. You've experienced times when your prayers were answered, or when Scripture gave you direction or comfort at an important time. That's your story... and that's what people around you need to hear! I want to challenge you to ask the Lord to give you a Holy boldness, and start to share your faith with others. You'll be amazed at how God will use you to be a witness for Him!
Your testimony of how God is at work in your life is so powerful!

Tuesday, April 22

Title: Discern The Voice Of Truth From Deception
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:14-15
Passage: ...Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness....
Thoughts: Alot of people are clueless when it comes to understanding the manipulation that Satan uses to attack and defeat them. And the main weapon he uses to do this is deception. False religion and witchcraft run rampant in our culture. Sometimes they can seem to appear so appealing and even godly... but yet their source is from the enemy! Jesus warned us about the satan and his schemes, saying, "He is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). He'll use any scheme or opportunity to draw people away from the truth. The challenge for us is to be so thoroughly immersed in the Word of God, and to walk so closely with Jesus, that we know His voice. This is absolutely necessary to be able to recognize, and avoid following, the voice of a stranger (John 10). I want to encourage you today... be on your guard! There are many voices claiming to be the truth, but keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and you'll avoid falling into the trap of deception.
Immerse yourself in God's word and his presence and you will know the voice of truth from deception.

Saturday April 12

Title: Stay Connected To God Thru Prayer
Scripture: Acts 4:31
Passage: And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
Thoughts: The secret to experiencing God's power is through prayer. As this Scripture tells us, God moved powerfully because of the prayers of the early church. In the same way, we need to stay connected to God by prayer so that we can allow Him the opportunity to move in our hearts... and open the door for Him to show His power through us. For example, maybe you're in a situation today where there seems to be no way out. Maybe you're in an tough place that doesn't seem to have an answer. Whether your marriage is in trouble or your finances are falling apart, there's power, comfort, and wisdom in God through prayer. And as you take your request to God, other people will see the work of His power and peace in your life. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
I pray today that you'll show off God's power in your life as you submit to Him in prayer... and as His peace and power is seen in you!

Friday April 11

Title: Trust God In Everything

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

Passage
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Thoughts
Someone once wrote, "Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation." Think about that for a moment. But for alot of us there are times when we can't fully understand all the things that are going on in our lives. There are things that don't make sense to us. There are painful times that can sometimes make us question God's plan for us. But it's in those times that we have to fully trust God. To have a faith that is without reservation!!!!!!! And how do you do that??? By understanding the truth in Romans 8:28-29: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." God is working things together in your life...taking the forces and the circumstances and the situations of your life and working them all together for your good. That's why you can fully trust God...even when things are not going as you had hoped. Yes, God DOES have an incredible plan for your life...and that plan is truly your purpose. Trust God to work everything in your life together for your good.

Thursday April 10

Title: Victory Over Evil Warfare

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

Passage
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

Thoughts
I think there are so many Christians who don't really understand the reality of the evil forces at work to undermine their walk with Christ. First, we need to recognize the reality of the spiritual forces that are at work against us. You are a target of the enemy forces who want nothing more than to see you fail in your Christian walk! And second, you have to live in the victory of Jesus over those forces. His power is in you and me... in the words that we speak and in the message that we claim. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus says, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." This means that Jesus has ultimate power over Satan and his demonic forces. So I want to challenge to you today to live in light of the evil spiritual forces at work against you to ruin your life. As you do this, claim the victory that is yours in Jesus over those forces! VICTORY is yous!!

Wednesday April 9

Title: Signs and Wonders?

Scripture: John 4:48

Passage
So Jesus said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe."

Thoughts
Human nature hasn't really changed much since Jesus walked the earth 2,000 years ago. Back then people wanted a sign...a miracle...from Jesus. They wanted something they could see to believe in Him. And alot of people are the same way today! So many people say they'd believe in Jesus if only He'd show Himself physically...if only He'd come through miraculously in their lives. But when Jesus said, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe," He was saying, "Don't wait for a sign to believe and trust in Me. Don't wait on some miracle. Don't demand that I perform for you in order for you to believe in Me." You might be struggling to trust Jesus today in your life. Even though I don't know what you might be facing today, I want to challenge and encourage you to trust Him even if you can't see Him in your circumstances right now. Jesus had no confidence in the kind of faith that demands sight. Because faith that demands sight is not real faith! It's just doubt expecting evidence! I know it's hard to understand this, but alot of the time you just can't figure God out. There will be times when you can't see in the dark. There will be times when you just have to keep clinging, singing, and bringing your heart to God by FAITH........And this may be that kind of time in your life. I know it's hard....I've been there too. But Jesus wants to get you to that place in your life where it's not about the miracle...but all about Him. He wants to get you to that place where you're willing to trust Him....regardless of the outcome. So, if you find yourself in a place today where you need a miracle, look to Jesus. As the writer of Hebrews says, "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted" (Heb. 12:2-3). It's my prayer that this encourages you to trust Jesus today, no matter what you face. Because He is fully trustworthy! TRUST CHRIST TODAY...EVEN IF YOU CAN'T SEE HIM IN YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES.

Monday April 7

Title: Trusting God To Open a Door

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20-21

Passage
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Thoughts
Jesus is in the business of opening doors for faithful Christians. Even when the circumstances seem impossible. Today, maybe you feel like the Israelites felt when they were trapped against the Red Sea... with Egypt's army behind them, and the mountains on either side of them. That must have seemed like a pretty impossible situation! But what did God do? With a wave of His hand, He parted the waters and paved a highway right through the Red Sea... allowing the Israelites to escape from Pharaoh's army. God opened a door for them... and God can do the same thing for you! You might say "But wait---you don't know how far in debt I am." Or, "You don't know how bad I've messed up." And you know what? I don't know. BUT WHAT I DO KNOW is that the size of your God will determine the size of the way He blesses and delivers you from whatever Red Sea you might be facing today. Ephesians 3:20 says that God "is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us." Do you really believe this? Maybe you've been waiting for God to part the waters in your life for a while now... and you're starting to lose patience. If so, stay faithful. Keep your eyes on Jesus. If you're a child of God, He's got His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat. He won't give you more than you can bear! I want to encourage you that whatever your situation, no matter what you might be facing today, you'll faithfully look to God and trust Him to open that door for you!

Saturday April 5

Title: Helpless & Crippled by life? Turn to Jesus

Scripture: Acts 3:1-3

Passage
Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms.

Thoughts
Just like the man in this Scripture was crippled and had no hope, a lot of people today feel just as helpless.....and they act a lot like he did too--crying out for answers, looking for help... but really going nowhere. The most beautiful part of this story is the picture we get of Jesus in the way that Peter and John responded to the crippled man. They paid attention to him... just like Jesus pays attention to the broken people of the world. And they showed him the way to restoration and healing. Christ came to save those who are crippled at birth just like the man in this Scripture. He came to help those who've been crushed and crippled by the strains and stresses of life. In Acts 3:8, it says, "And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God." This man went into the temple for the first time leaping, dancing, and praising God because he had been healed! Jesus is the only One who can do this. He's the only one who can get you back on your feet. So I encourage you, if you're in need of healing, turn to Jesus today!

Thursday April 3

Title: The Truth....Nothing But The Truth

Scripture: John 8:32

Passage
"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Thoughts
Jesus is the truth that sets us free. John 8:36 tells us "So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free." He is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from slavery to sin, from self deception, and from deception by satan. He clearly shows us the way to eternal life with God. So Jesus doesn't give us freedom to do what we want, but freedom to follow God. As we seek to serve God, Jesus' perfect truth frees us to be all that God created us and called us to be. We have an urgent needed in our society right now for the contagious and uncompromising ministry of the local church. Not a body of believers stuck on cruise control or living in the past.....but those who know the needs of today's culture and those who pray, truly believe, and are passionate about sharing Christ with this generation of people! More than anything, this generation is searching for people who know the truth and will tell it just like it is. That's why I want to challenge and encourage you today to tell people around you the truth about who Jesus is. Cut to the heart of the gospel so that others can come to Jesus!

Wednesday April 2

Title: God Is In Control

Scripture: Philippians 4:6

Passage
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Thoughts
If we're going to pray successfully, we have to pray with conviction. What does it mean to pray with conviction? Nehemiah 1:5-6, Nehemiah prays, "O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant...." Nehemiah is praying with conviction because he knows that his God is in control. When it seemed like everything in Jerusalem was out of control, Nehemiah knew that God was still on His throne. Nehemiah knew that the Lord would answer his prayer because He was a great and awesome God---Because He was a wonderful God---Because He was a faithful God---Because He was a God who could meet all of Nehemiah's needs! And in the same way, God can handle any problem in your life. God is bigger... God is greater... than any situation or problem in your life. And the first thing Nehemiah did is also the first thing that we need to do when we have a problem or a need: We need to turn it over to God. We need to give it to God, not as the last resort, but as our first choice! When you know that God has everything under control... and when you know that your place is surrendered under the lordship of Jesus Christ, then you can find your place and know your prayers will be answered! TRUST THAT GOD CAN HANDLE ANY PROBLEM IN YOUR LIFE

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