Daily Devotion Daily Word - We Dare To Believe

Beyond What You Can Ask or Think Gloria Copeland Ministries daily devotional 11 February Saturday

2012-02-11T09:13:00.000+08:00

I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all.

– 1 Corinthians 14:18

Few things in the Bible have created more fuss than the issue of speaking in tongues. Churches have split over it. People have been persecuted for doing it. People have even been killed for it.

Who's behind all the trouble? Satan himself. He's so frightened of our ability to pray in tongues that he's continually trying to steal it from us through persecution and strife.

You see, the devil knows (even if we don't) that praying in tongues is the only way you and I can pray beyond what we know. It's the tool God has given us to use to tap into the mind of the Spirit.

When we pray in tongues, we activate the Holy Spirit within us and He begins to teach us and enlighten us. If you want to see an example of what praying in tongues can do, look at the Apostle Paul. He said he prayed in tongues more than anyone in the whole Corinthian church and he was responsible for writing most of the New Testament!

Another example is the first church at Jerusalem. They didn't yet have any of the New Testament to read. They couldn't turn to Ephesians and find out what God's plan was for them.

They just had to pray in tongues until the revelation light of God dawned in their hearts. That's all the equipment they had. So they used it and turned the world upside down.

Some years ago God began directing me to spend an hour a day praying in tongues. After I did it awhile, I began to talk to other Christians who'd been directed to do the same thing. God was speaking to believers all over the world to spend time praying in the Spirit.

If you haven't made a commitment to spend some time each day praying in tongues, make one now. Set aside all the disagreements and confusion the devil has stirred up about it and just say, "Lord, I'm going to do it. I don't care what the devil says. I don't care what any man says. I know You have plans for me that are so good my human mind hasn't even conceived them--things that are beyond what I can ask or think. And by praying in the Spirit, I'm going to receive them."

Don't let the distractions of the devil disturb you. Tap into the mind of God. Speak forth His wisdom. Pray in the Spirit today.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 28:9-12

In Your Midnight Hour - Joel Osteen Ministries daily devotional 10 February Friday

2012-02-10T21:39:00.001+08:00

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose” (Acts 16:25–26, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Paul and Silas were put in jail for spreading the good news. It wasn’t fair. They were beaten with rods without a trial. It was unjust. As they sat in the prison, bloody, bruised and uncomfortable, they began to sing praises to God. As they were singing praises to God, all of the sudden, there was a great earthquake. The prison doors flung open, the chains fell off, and they walked out as free men. What happened? They praised their way to victory!

Friend, if you’re going to live in victory, you have to know how to praise in your midnight hour — when things seem the darkest, when you’re in pain, disappointed, lonely or experiencing a loss. When you praise Him no matter what, that’s when God can enter your situation. That’s when He can break your chains and set you free!

Remember, a sacrifice of praise is when it costs you something, when you don’t necessarily feel like doing it. Praise Him, not because of how you feel, but because He is worthy! Praise Him in your midnight hour and get ready to embrace the freedom He has planned for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father God, right now I lift my heart to You. I declare that You are worthy to be praised, and Your worth doesn’t change because of my circumstances. I will bless You today and every day. I will bless You in the midnight hour knowing that You are good, and You have victory and freedom in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

Spiritual Discipline: Battling Distractions by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 10 February Friday

2012-02-10T17:03:00.000+08:00

“Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:2-5 ESV)

So far I’ve shared about the problem of discipline and the problem of dryness. If the first two problems aren’t impacting your quiet time, it’s very likely that the devil will use the power of distraction to get to you.

It’s what I call the “battle of the brain.” You try to focus on praying and studying God’s Word, but your mind wanders all over the place. It's like spiritual ADD (attention deficit disorder). When that happens, it's very easy to put your head down, close your eyes, and fall back asleep.

Or, you could put up a fight in the battle of the brain by:

Taking a walk. Ever notice that often when Jesus was teaching people, they were eating or walking. It’s hard to fall asleep as you walk or eat!
Keeping a notepad nearby. Just write down whatever distractions are coming to your mind. Then you can just forget it, because it’s on a list you can deal with later.

There’s nothing wrong with getting distracted during a quiet time. It’s natural. But you need a plan for when you do.

Talk About It

Don’t wait until tomorrow morning or your next quiet time to fight the battle of the brain. What can you do right now to help minimize the distractions you might face?

Consider that the battle of the brain is also fought against Satan, who is trying desperately to take your focus off of God. Make this fight personal, and determine that you will not let Satan have control over your thoughts and where your mind takes you.

Punch a Hole in the Dam Kenneth Copeland Ministries daily devotional 10 February Friday

2012-02-10T08:48:00.000+08:00

So [Israel] came up to Baal-perazim, and David smote the [Philistines] there. Then David said, God has broken my enemies by my hand, like the bursting forth of waters; therefore they called the name of that place Baal-perazim(Lord of breaking through).

– 1 Chronicles 14:11

Like the bursting forth of waters. I love that phrase! It paints such a powerful and accurate picture of a breakthrough.

Do you remember the story of the little boy who saw a leak in the dam and plugged up the hole with his finger? He knew that the force of the water flowing through that one tiny hole would have enlarged the leak with every second that passed. And, as the dam gave way to the pressure, that tiny trickle would have quickly become a raging flood.

As you reach out your hand in faith, expect God to break in upon your enemies just like He did for David. That's how your breakthrough will come like the bursting forth of waters!

Punch one little hole in that wall of problems, and no devilish dam will hold you back. Dig one tiny hole in it with your faith and with the Word of God.

Then keep tearing away at that hole by speaking out that faith day after day. Don't quit! Because God's forces are backed up behind you like an ocean of spiritual water. Each time you speak a word of faith, they leak through. The more you speak and the more you pray, the bigger that leak will get.

Begin your breakthrough right now. Say, "Lord Jesus, I rejoice today that You are Lord of my breakthrough. I thank You that the flood of Your power is about to sweep through my life. I know there is no problem that can stand against it. Poverty can't stand against it. Family problems can't stand against it. Nothing the devil can do can stop my victory. I praise You for it NOW! Amen."

Keep praying that. Keep believing that. And before long, the forces of God will come bursting through, demolishing every obstacle in their path!

Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 14:8-17

Spiritual Discipline: Battling Dry Spells by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 09 February Thursday

2012-02-09T17:56:00.000+08:00

“God, are you avoiding me? Where are you when I need you?” (Psalm 10:1 MSG)

We all hit walls at times in our relationship with God. They’re simply a part of the package. Even David, whom the Lord calls “a man after God’s own heart” had times when God seemed very distant. David once prayed to God, “God, are you avoiding me? Where are you when I need you?” (Psalm 10:1 MSG)

Yesterday, I started sharing about the four major problems that tend to derail our time alone with God. I started with the problem of discipline. Today, we’ll look at the problem of dry spells. I call this one the “battle of the blahs”!

We simply can’t judge our quiet times by emotions. Why? Emotions lie. Feelings come and go. Some days it’ll feel like heaven just opened up for you, and you have a great time with God. Then there are other days your quiet time will seem ordinary and bland. Don't expect to have great and glorious experiences every single morning. The issue is consistency.

Yet, if you are having a long period of dryness in your quiet time, you might look at one of these possible causes:

Unconfessed Sin: God isn’t going to show you anything new until you do what he has already shown you.
Physically Unprepared: If you’re tired or stressed, it can be hard to have a fresh quiet time.
Trying Too Much: Pick chunks of Scripture that are too large, and you’ll rush your time with God. You never want to put yourself in a situation where you hurry God.
Routine: If you do the same thing every time, your quiet time will turn legalistic. Experiment with some fresh ideas. Mix up your quiet time.
Not Sharing Your Insights: If you’re not putting into practice what God is teaching you, your spiritual life is bound to grow stale.

Spiritual dryness may be common, but it doesn’t have to be incurable. Ask God where your dryness comes from, and let him help you turn things around.

Talk About It

How can you better prepare for your quiet time so that you are not tired or stressed when you are trying to focus on God’s Word?

What are some of the methods or ideas that you’ve learned from the last week of these devotionals that might help you mix things up in your quiet time?

He Has another Seed for You - Joel Osteen Ministries daily devotional 09 February Thursday

2012-02-09T17:52:00.000+08:00

“...For God has appointed another seed for me...”

(Genesis 4:25, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

In Genesis, Eve went through a great disappointment. Her son Cain killed her son Able, the first murder in the Bible. I’m sure Eve, like any mother, was devastated and heartbroken at the passing of her son. But I love what Eve said in Genesis 4:25, “God has appointed another seed for me.” In essence, she was saying, “I don’t understand it. It doesn’t make sense, but I trust God. This is not the end. He has appointed another seed.”

Friend, when you go through things that you don’t understand, it is not the end. Nothing is lost in the kingdom. God is going to appoint another seed, and that seed represents the future. It indicates what is coming. If you will let go of what didn’t work out, let go of the hurts and pains, then for everything you’ve lost, God will appoint another seed. You’ll give birth to more in the future than you lost in the past. Keep praying, keep believing, keep hoping because God is for you. Trust Him and embrace the good things He has in store for your future!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, You are the giver of all life! You give life to my dreams, life to my relationships, and life to my mortal body. Today I choose to release the past and embrace the gift of life You have in store for my future in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Called to Intercession Kenneth Copeland Ministries daily devotional 09 February Thursday

2012-02-09T08:53:00.000+08:00

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

– Matthew 5:4

Do you know what Jesus was really talking about when He said those words? He was talking about the mourning of the intercessor. He was teaching about the comfort that comes to the intercessor when he is assured by the Holy Spirit that he has prayed through.

To pray through means "to break through the barriers that have stopped the work of God in the lives of others." It means using your spiritual armor to push back the forces of darkness that surround them.

There's a desperate need for believers who are willing to do that today. There's a need for intercessors who will go before God and reach out for His mercy and compassion for the sinner, for the sick, and for this downcast world. For prayer warriors who will stick with it until they have the assurance inside, in their spirits, that every barrier is broken and every area of bondage has been abolished.

God is looking for intercessors like that--and there are certain things that won't happen on this earth until He finds them. There are blessings and moves of God that won't come until someone gives birth to those things by prayer.

Even the Lord Jesus Himself was ushered into the earth by intercession. Remember Simeon and Anna? They were both intercessors, prayer warriors of God. They'd spent years in spiritual mourning, praying for the Messiah to come. But when they were done, they experienced the comfort of the Holy Spirit. For when they saw Jesus as a tiny baby in the temple, they recognized Him and rejoiced.

If you're wondering if you're one of those who's been called to intercession, then you probably are. God is calling believers everywhere to experience that unique kind of mourning and comfort that only the intercessor knows. He's calling you to lay down your life for others through prayer.

Somewhere in the world, someone needs you to pray them through. Spend some time on your knees today.

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-38

File it Away - Joel Osteen Ministries daily devotional 08 February Wednesday

2012-02-08T23:38:00.000+08:00

“Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me” (Psalm 131:1, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

When things happen in your life that you didn’t plan, do you find yourself trying to reason it all out, or look for a “file,” so to speak, in your mind? What happens when you can’t find a “file” to put it in? What if you can’t make sense of it all?

Here’s the answer: Every one of us needs to create a file in our thinking called an “I Don’t Understand It” file. When things come up that don’t make sense and you can’t figure out, instead of getting frustrated or confused, simply put it in your “I Don’t Understand It” file and leave it alone. If you go through life trying to figure out why something bad happened, why it didn’t work out, why my child didn’t get healed, it’s going to cause you to be bitter. Part of trusting God means trusting Him when things don’t make sense, knowing that His plan is always for your good; knowing that He will reveal all things in His time — even if it means in eternity.

Here’s what I’ve learned. Don’t put a question mark where God has put a period. What the enemy meant for evil, God will ultimately use for your good. Keep moving forward because God loves you, God is for you, and He has a great plan for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Precious Lord, today I surrender my questions, I surrender my past, I surrender my need to have all the answers and choose to trust that You have all the answers. I will wait on Your timing to reveal Your ways to me and choose to press forward into the destiny You have prepared for me in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

Spiritual Discipline: The Battle of the Blankets by Rick Warren ministries daily devotional 08 February Wednesday

2012-02-08T19:13:00.000+08:00

"For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly." (Proverbs 5:23 NIV)

How have you been doing with your quiet time? If you’re like most people, you struggle with making time for a quiet time. That’s normal. As soon as you start trying to build the habit of a quiet time into your life, you’ll encounter all kinds of roadblocks. Satan will fight you to keep you from meeting with the Lord daily. In fact, there are four very common roadblocks to having a consistent quiet time. Over the next few devotionals, I’ll share with you a different roadblock each day and a few ways you can overcome the roadblock.

By far, the most common roadblock that Satan puts in our way is the problem of discipline. I call this the battle of the blankets! To win the battle of the blankets, you have to get out of bed in the morning even though you’re tired. That’s not easy! The devil will exaggerate how tired you are. This lack of discipline can have disastrous effects. The Bible says in Proverbs, “For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly” (Proverbs 5:23 NIV). To overcome the battle of the blankets:

Get up immediately! The battle is won or lost in the first few minutes.
Be aware of time robbers. For you, these could be surfing the Web or watching TV — whatever you’re doing instead of your quiet time.
Go to bed with Scripture on your mind. Read a piece of Scripture you read in the morning so that you go to bed and wake up with God’s Word on your mind.

You can do this! Tomorrow morning you can win the battle of the blankets!

Talk About It

What are the time robbers that Satan is using to distract you from your quiet time with God? What adjustments will you make today to give that time to God?

Consider ways to keep Scripture on your mind, like writing verses on an index card and taping it to your bathroom mirror.

Tithe With Joy Kenneth Copeland Ministries daily devotional 08 February Wednesday

2012-02-08T08:31:00.000+08:00

And it shall be, when thou art come in unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance...That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth...and shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose to place his name there.

– Deuteronomy 26:1-2

Tithing. Most Christians aren't very excited about it. But they should be and they would be if they understood how to do it properly.

Scriptural tithing stirs up faith. It activates the power of God in our lives when we do it in gratitude and joy, expecting our needs to be met abundantly.

In Deuteronomy 26:8-9, God told the Israelites exactly what to say when they brought their tithes. He instructed them to acknowledge the fact that He had brought them out of the bondage of Egypt and to say:

The Lord brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:

And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, even a land that floweth with milk and honey.

What does that have to do with you and me? God has done the same thing for us! He's brought us out of a life of bondage and poverty into a life that flows with the abundance of God.

So when you bring your tithe to the Lord, follow the example set by the Israelites. Make it a time of rejoicing. Make it a time of realizing anew the wonderful things Jesus Christ has done for you.

Thank Him for delivering you from a land of darkness and scarcity and bringing you into His promised land of plenty. Thank Him that it is a land of mercy, a land of joy, a land of peace and a land of prosperity.

Tithe in faith, expecting the rich blessings of that land to be multiplied to you. You may soon find it to be one of the most exciting things you can do.

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 26

Probe the Bible with Questions by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 07 February Tuesday

2012-02-07T18:04:00.000+08:00

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” (James 1:22 NLT)

As I’ve taught over the last few weeks, Christian meditation means thinking about Scripture. You meditate on Scripture in the same way a cow chews her cud: by chewing on it and chewing on it and chewing on it.

The “probe-it” method of Bible study is a great way to do that. When you use that method, you probe the text with questions, almost like a jackhammer. To help you do that, I’ll share with you one of the strangest acrostics I’ve ever used: SPACEPETS. Each letter in the phrase is the first letter of a key word of a question you ask of God’s Word.

Is there a SIN to confess? Does God’s Word make me aware of something I need to make right with God?
Is there a PROMISE to claim? There are more than 7,000 promises in God’s Word. Ask yourself if the passage you’ve read contains a universal promise. Ask whether you’ve met all the conditions of the promise. Every promise has a premise!
Is there an ATTITUDE to change? Is there something about which I need to think differently? Do I need to work on a negative attitude, worry, guilt, fear, loneliness, bitterness, pride, apathy, or ego?
Is there a COMMAND to obey? Is there a command I need to obey no matter how I feel?
Is there an EXAMPLE to follow? Are there positive examples to follow or negative examples to avoid?
Is there a PRAYER to pray? Paul, David, Solomon, Elijah, and Isaiah, among others, pray in the Bible. You can use their prayers and know that they’ll be answered because they’re in the Bible and in God’s will.
Is there an ERROR to avoid? It’s wise to learn from experience, and it’s even wiser to learn from the experience of others! We don’t have time to make all the mistakes ourselves. So what can I learn from the mistakes of those in Scripture?
Is there a TRUTH to believe? Often, we’ll read something in Scripture that we can’t do anything about. We simply have to believe what it says about God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the past, the future, Heaven, Hell, or other topics in the Bible.
Is there SOMETHING for which to praise God? You can always find something in a passage you can be grateful to God for, like something God has done or protected you from.

Every question in this list has a verb in it. There is something you can do associated with them. Write them in your Bible or put them on a note card you keep with your Bible. They’ll help you be “doers of the Word” every time you meditate on the Bible.

Talk About It

After reading about the probe-it method, go back to the Scripture you read yesterday for your quiet time and apply this method to that passage. What new truths do you discover?

What promise from God are you leaning on today?

Let This Be Your Prayer - Joel Osteen Ministries daily devotional 07 February Tuesday

2012-02-07T18:01:00.000+08:00

“...Nevertheless not my will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42b, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Like many people today, I have big dreams and goals. I have desires in my heart. But my prayer now is, “God, not my will, but let Your will be done.” If a door closes, it’s no big deal; I let it go. If my plans don’t work out, no big deal; I know God has something better. I’ve learned to not get so consumed by a dream that if it doesn’t happen my way, I get all bent out of shape.

Maybe you’ve gone through a disappointment. You don’t understand it. You could easily be bitter, live with a chip on your shoulder, and give up on your dreams. Realize today that God is at work in your life. He is directing your steps. What you thought was a setback is going to turn out to be a setup for a comeback! When you surrender your will to Him, when you humble yourself before Him, that’s when God can take you to another level.

Today, shake off the self-pity. Shake off the disappointment and realize that God has you in the palm of His hand. Know that He has good plans in store for your future, better than you could ever imagine! Trust Him with your whole heart today and every day!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Precious heavenly Father, today I surrender every area of my heart, mind and life to You. Have Your way in me. Do Your will in my life. Let everything I am bring glory to You in all things! I bless You today and always in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

Thank God Instead Kenneth Copeland Ministries daily devotional 07 February Tuesday

2012-02-07T08:36:00.000+08:00

If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with every one.

– Romans 12:18

When I was a new Christian, it was almost impossible for me to live at peace with anyone! Almost every time I opened my mouth, I said something ugly. I was constantly hurting the people I was close to. In fact, I spoke more harshly to them than to anyone else.

I criticized Gloria's driving so much that she nearly refused to drive while I was with her. I criticized my children so much that they began to avoid me. I didn't want to be so insensitive, but I couldn't help it. I had a well-developed habit of speaking harshly and didn't know how to change it.

Then I found Ephesians 5:4. It said, "[Let there be] no coarse, stupid, or flippant talk; these things are out of place; you should rather be thanking God" (New English Bible). When I read that, I realized I needed to replace the words I was used to saying with words of thanksgiving. That would solve my problem. After all, I couldn't speak harshly and thank God at the same time. I couldn't criticize those around me if I had a thankful attitude about them.

I immediately decided to put this principle to work in my life. Rushing into my son's room one day ready to lambaste him about something he had done, I recognized my old behavior pattern. I just stopped and said to myself, "The Word says this kind of behavior is out of place, so I am going to stop and thank God." I wasn't nearly as angry after I spent a few minutes praising and thanking the Lord.

If you've developed the habit of speaking harshly, start changing that habit today. When someone crosses you on the job, at school, or wherever, and you're tempted to tear into them with cruel words, stop! Then take a few moments to give thanks and praise to God. Once you begin thinking about how good God is, more often than not, those harsh, angry words will just slip away unspoken.

Instead of using your tongue to tear people down, train it to lift God's praises up. Then living at peace with others will come easily to you!

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:26-32, Ephesians 5:1-4

Why Applying Scripture Is So Tough by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 06 February Monday

2012-02-06T23:16:00.000+08:00

“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.” (Ephesians 3:16 NLT)

Applying Scripture to our lives isn’t easy. If it were easy, more people would be doing it. Most people who read the Bible don’t really apply what they read to their lives. Why?

It’s hard work! But what makes applying God’s Word so hard? Here are three reasons it’s hard for you and me to apply Scripture to our lives.

Application requires serious thought. It takes long periods of concentrated prayer and thought before you can apply the Scripture you’re learning. You won’t always understand the application immediately. You have to think about what you’ve read. You have to meditate on it. That takes time most people often don’t want to give.
Satan fights application. He fights it viciously. The devil's strongest attacks are going to come in your quiet time when you’re trying to apply what you've studied. Satan knows that as long as you’re content with merely hearing the Word or reading the Word, you are not much of a threat to his plans. But as soon as you get serious about making changes in your life, he's going to fight you tooth and nail because he hates doers of the Word.
We naturally resist change. It’s human nature; no one likes to change. But that’s God’s main purpose with his Word. He wants it to change our lives. He wants to make us more like Jesus. The key to making us more like Jesus is applying God’s Word. That’s why most churches focus on interpreting Scripture and learning about the Bible’s background. Most people are happy to do that. You can learn all about the people of the Bible, the background of the Bible, and the doctrines of the Bible, and still live carnally. We’re happy to apply God’s Word to other people, but we don’t like doing it to ourselves.

We grow spiritually and become mature Christians by applying God’s Word to our lives. You and I need to ask the Holy Spirit to give us the strength, because we don't have the strength on our own to obey. The Bible calls us to ask God to empower us through his Spirit: “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit” (Ephesians 3:16 NLT). These obstacles will get in our way every time in our own power. But God has “unlimited resources” to help us apply his Word to our lives. We just have to ask him.

Talk About It

What are the distractions today that are keeping you from deeper meditation on God’s Word?

When you pray for strength, God may use people in your life to provide the support you need. Do you have people in your life with whom you share your struggles and who will hold you accountable to grow spiritually?

Letting Go - Joel Osteen Ministries daily devotional 06 February Monday

2012-02-06T23:13:00.000+08:00

“I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead” (Philippians 3:13, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

We all go through disappointments, setbacks and things that we don’t understand. Maybe you prayed for a loved one, but they didn’t get well. Or maybe you worked hard for a promotion, but you didn’t get it. You stood in faith for a relationship, but it didn’t work out. One of the best things you can do is release it. Let it go. Don’t dwell on it anymore. If you go around wondering why things didn’t work out, all that’s going to do is lead to bitterness, resentment and self-pity. Before long, you’ll be blaming others, blaming yourself, or even God. You may not have understood what happened. It may not have been fair. But when you release it, it’s an act of your faith. You’re saying, “God, I trust You. I know You’re in control. And even though it didn’t work out my way, You said, ‘All things are going to work together for my good.’ So I believe You still have something good in my future.”

There is power in letting go of the past and the frustration of trying to figure everything out. When you release your questions, you are saying, “God, You are in control. I trust You.” And when you put your hope in God, that's when He can heal your heart and lead you forward into His path of blessing.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father God, I come to you in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Help me to forgive and release the past. Heal my heart and restore my soul. Show me the good plan You have for my future as I keep my mind stayed on You in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

Your Final Authority Gloria Copeland Ministries daily devotional 06 February Monday

2012-02-06T08:33:00.000+08:00

I am the Lord, I change not.

– Malachi 3:6"

The world's order of things is unsure and indefinite. Desperate words of uncertainty are crying out daily from radio, television, and newspapers. Everything around us seems to be in turmoil.

But, praise God, if you're a believer you have something you can depend on: the unchanging Word of God!

God has no double standard. He doesn't say one thing today and something else tomorrow. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

If you will make the Word the final authority in your life, it will give you stability when everything else around you gives way. If you'll let what God says settle the issues of life, you'll be confident when others are confused, peaceful when others are under pressure. You'll be overcoming when others are being overcome!

What does it mean to make God's Word the final authority? It means believing what He says instead of believing what people say. It means believing what He says instead of what Satan says. It means believing what He says instead of what the circumstances say.

Determine in your heart to do that today. Make up your mind to live by faith, not by sight. Fearlessly commit yourself to the authority of God's Word and there won't be anything in this unstable world that can steal your security from you.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 9:1-10

Three Questions to Ask of Any Bible Passage by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 05 February Sunday

2012-02-05T17:57:00.002+08:00

"Does the LORD really want sacrifices and offerings? No! He doesn't want your sacrifices. He wants you to obey him.” (1 Samuel 15:22b CEV)

If you aren’t experienced in applying God’s Word to your life, you might be frustrated. How do you do it? Today I want to give you three questions you can ask of any passage that will help you apply the Bible to your life. Here are the three questions:

What did this Scripture mean when it was written?
What is the timeless truth behind what God is saying?
How does it apply now to me?

We call this the application bridge. We’re building a bridge between the world of the Bible and our world. Let’s try to build this bridge when applying what Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 8 about eating the food sacrificed to idols. Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, and then ask yourself the questions above.

1. What did this Scripture mean when it was written? There were people in the church of Corinth who knew that idols meant nothing and the food offered to them had no magic power. It was just hamburger or a good steak. There was no harm in eating it because the idols to which they were sacrificed weren't real. So this group would eat freely but with no regard to what other people might think. Yet there were also new believers who were offended by that practice. They didn’t think that believers should eat food sacrificed to gods of other religions. Paul tells the mature believers not to allow their freedom in Christ to offend their brothers.

2. What is the timeless truth behind what God is saying? Don't use your freedom in Christ to offend others. Freedom must be used in love.

3. How does it apply to me now? It's not very common to come into contact with food being offered to idols where I live in Southern California. I’m guessing it doesn’t happen in your area either. So does that mean it’s irrelevant for us? Of course not! If the timeless truth is: “Don’t use your freedom to offend others. Freedom must be used in love,” I need to be sensitive to people around me, because that’s how you demonstrate love. Ask yourself, “Lord, is there anything I'm doing out of selfishness, arrogance, or deliberate insensitivity to other people that could be causing a fellow brother or sister to stumble? Am I being puffed up by my own knowledge of freedom, or am I building up others in love?”

Talk About It

Think of a Bible story with which you have been familiar for a while. When you re-read the passage and use the three questions above, what new truths or applications do you discover about the story?

Do you believe that God intended for you to use the Bible as a guide for life? Do you believe that its truths are timeless, that the messages and applications are still relevant today?

Uncommon Protection Kenneth Copeland Ministries daily devotional 05 February Sunday

2012-02-05T15:03:00.000+08:00

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.

– John 10:10

Considering how much the devil hates people and how dead set he is on destroying them, it's no wonder we see so much tragedy and disaster in the world. In fact, it's amazing that we don't see more!

I asked the Lord about that one time and He told me it takes the realm of darkness a long time to set up major disasters. Take the aviation industry, for example. It's highly regulated and works hard at policing itself because safety is its product. You take a highly regulated system like that and the devil has to work terribly hard to cause disasters.

He can't just come roaring in and rip things up any time he wants to. If he could, he'd knock every plane out of the sky tonight. But he can't do it.

Why? Because he's bound. The Bible says he's bound to things that are common to man. He has to line up certain things in this natural, human realm before he can lay a finger on you. He has to use people to get his work done.

But, bless God, we're not bound to what's common to man. We're free to use what's common to God! We fight our warfare with uncommon weapons. What does that mean? It means you ought to have the devil wrapped up and sewed up. You ought to put him in a sack with a ribbon on top.

The devil can't cause disaster in your life unless he has been given place. He can't come in and start destroying and stealing from you unless he can get you into a place of sin, doubt, ignorance, or disobedience. So if he's been giving you trouble, ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you've let those things in. Then repent and get rid of them.

Once you've done that, pull out the weapons God has given you and fire away with both barrels. Pull out the Word. Pull out prayer. Pull out faith and use it to tie the devil in knots. Use the uncommon power of God to keep him bound and he won't be able to put anything over on you.

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18

Bible Study Is Dangerous Work by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 04 February Saturday

2012-02-04T19:32:00.000+08:00

“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24 NIV)

Did you know studying the Bible can be dangerous? In fact, the results of Bible study could
be disastrous.

Sounds strange, I know. But God intended for us to apply the Bible to our lives, not just read
it. The Bible is about transformation, not just information. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24, NIV). Applying God’s Word is vitally important.

So why is it important that we apply God’s Word to our lives?

Knowledge produces pride if we don’t apply truth to our lives. 1 Corinthians 8:1 says, “Knowledge puffs up but love builds up” (NIV). We’ve all seen people who know the Bible backward and forward, but they’ve never let it seep into their lives. They use the Bible has a hammer to pound on other people. We can be the most cantankerous, evil, mean-spirited, cranky, critical, judgmental people we’ll ever meet — if we never take the extra step and apply the Bible to our lives.

Knowledge without application produces pride. It’ll “puff” you up without a love-based application. It’ll cause harm, not help.
Knowledge requires action. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (NIV). What a person knows should find expression in what he or she does. We’re deceiving ourselves if we think we're growing simply by taking notes on a Bible study. God's commands are not optional.
Knowledge increases responsibility. James 4:17 says,” Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it” (NLT). With a deeper knowledge of Scripture comes a stronger judgment if we fail to apply what God shows us. When we start studying the Bible, God begins to show us areas of our lives that need to be changed, and he calls us to greater and greater responsibility as he does that.

Talk About It

What do you do with your sermon notes once you leave church or with your Bible study notes once your quiet time is finished?

Think about your words and actions of the last hour. Do they reflect what God has been teaching you lately from his Word?

Let Peace Rule - Gloria Copeland MIinistries 04 February Saturday

2012-02-04T09:37:00.000+08:00

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from the Christ rule(act as umpire continually) in your hearts--deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds.... And be thankful--appreciative, giving praise to God always.

– Colossians 3:15

Have you been praying that God will let you know whether a certain action you want to take is agreeable to His will or not? Let this peace of Christ be your guide. Let it help you settle the issue. If you start to take that action and you realize you don't have peace about it, don't do it.

Remember, though, that this inner leading of the Holy Spirit, this subtle sense of uneasiness or peace He gives you, is something you have to watch and listen for carefully. He generally won't just come up and knock you out of bed one morning and tell you what you need to do. The primary way He speaks to you is by what the Bible calls an inward witness.

So, you have to listen. You can't just stay busy about the things of the world all the time. You have to give Him time and attention.

Also, watch out for strife. If you're irritated and upset about things in your life, it will be very hard to receive that quiet guidance from the Holy Spirit. So take heed to the instructions at the end of this scripture and "be thankful... appreciative, giving praise to God always." Maintain a thankful, grateful heart. You'll find it much easier to hear the "umpire of peace" when He makes a call.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 95:1-7

He’ll Get You Back on Track - Joel Osteen Ministries daily devotional 03 February Friday

2012-02-04T08:48:00.000+08:00

“Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths” (Psalm 25:4, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Like most cars today, I have a navigation system. I can program it to take me to a certain location. All along the way, the announcer will give me instructions, “Turn left in a quarter of a mile. Take this freeway three miles. Exit in one mile.” But sometimes I don’t follow the directions. I may miss a turn, stop to get gas or go another way. The announcer doesn’t come on and start yelling at me and say, “What in the world are you doing? I told you to turn left! You ruined my plan.” No, the moment I get off course that GPS system immediately starts recalculating another plan. Within a few seconds, it will give me new directions.

It’s the same way with God. When you have a heart to please Him, you may miss an exit, you may make a wrong turn, but God has already recalculated another route. He’s still going to get you to where you’re supposed to be. He loves you with an everlasting love, and when you seek Him with your whole heart, no matter where you are in life, He’ll get you back on track!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father God, show me Your path, teach me Your ways. My heart’s deepest desire is to know You and to be known by You. You are my King, and I humbly submit my ways to You. Thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

The Picture-It Method of Bible Meditation by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 03 February Friday

2012-02-03T17:58:00.002+08:00

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us ...” (John 1:14a NIV)

A few days ago I shared a method of Bible meditation that requires very few tools, the pronounce-it method of Bible meditation. You can do it with just a pencil or pen and a Bible.
Today’s method is equally simple. You only need a Bible, pencil, and some creativity.
The picture-it method of Bible meditation is useful because the Bible is full of stories. In this method, you put yourself into the scene of a biblical story as if you’re an active participant. Then you ask yourself, “How would I feel if I were involved in this situation? What would I say? What would I do?”
When you do this, God’s Word becomes “flesh” in your life, and it’ll change your life.
Let’s try one example: the story in Mark 2 about the four guys who help their paralyzed friend get to Jesus. The man can’t get to Jesus on his own. The four friends put the man on a mat, each of them take a corner, and they carry the man to Jesus. When the men get to the house where Jesus is, it’s too crowded. They can’t get in, but they’re pretty resourceful.
They climb up on the roof of the house, tear the tiles off, and lower their paralyzed friend down through the roof. Then, Jesus heals their friend.
This is a passage you could easily picture in your time of Scripture meditation. Picture yourself as the man on the mat. Imagine yourself looking up at the crowded room after your friends have led you down through the roof. Dust is still coming down. Imagine yourself looking at the four faces of the friends who’ve been helping you. What expressions do you see on their faces? Ponder that a bit.
Then imagine looking into Jesus' eyes as you've just interrupted him. But instead of him being angry, he's looking lovingly at you. He already knew you were going to show up because he's God. What are you thinking as he looks at you? What's the crowd thinking? What are you thinking as Jesus says, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home” (Mark 2:11).
Now apply the Scripture to your life. That’s the whole point of picturing the passage. Are you paralyzed by something — like fear, doubt, or stress — and you can’t get to Jesus on your own? You’ve put yourself in the shoes of the paralyzed man in the story. Maybe you need to realize that Jesus wants to heal you, too. He wants you to get up and walk again. Maybe you, too, need to ask some friends to carry you to Jesus.
That’s a truth you can apply today — all because you stepped into the words of Scripture and let it become “flesh” in your life. You can do this with any character in the story or any story in the Bible.
It’ll change how you read your Bible.
Talk About It

Do you see Scripture as “stories” or just “text”?

Consider your favorite childhood Bible stories. Were they more real to you because your imagination created memorable images of the story? How do you apply the truth of those stories to your life today?

Your Mistake is Not Bigger than God - Joel Osteen Ministries daily devotional 02 February Thursday

2012-02-02T20:19:00.001+08:00

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Oftentimes, I hear people say, “Joel, I’ve just blown it so many times. I had this major setback. I don’t see how I could ever get to where I’m supposed to be.”

But we have to realize — our mistakes aren’t that powerful. Our mistakes aren’t too big for God. He’s not up in the heavens shaking His head saying, “I never dreamed they would do that. They’ve ruined My plan.” No, God knew every mistake we would ever make. He knew every wrong turn, and He’s already prepared a new route. He already has your detour figured out.

Scripture says that God knows the end from the beginning. If you’ve made some mistakes, the good news is that He has already planned a way to get you back on track! Just come to Him with an open and humble heart. Let Him wash you clean and make you new. Your mistakes aren’t bigger than God. He loves you and has a good plan in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father God, thank You for choosing me and accepting me beyond my mistakes. Thank You that the blood of Jesus cleanses me and makes me new. I invite You to have Your way as I submit every area of my life to You in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

You Need a Plan by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 02 February Thursday

2012-02-02T18:09:00.000+08:00

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5 ESV)

Having a quiet time is like many other activities you might do in life — in at least one respect. To be successful, it helps to have a plan. The Bible says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5, ESV).

If you’ve never had a quiet time before, you may not have a good, simple plan for doing one. Simplicity is important with any plan you develop. If you make it complicated, you’re more likely to get off track. All you really need for an effective quiet time is a Bible, notebook, and maybe a hymn or songbook.

So what does a daily quiet time look like?

First, be quiet before the Lord. The Bible calls it waiting on God. You start by simply sitting down and shutting up. As you do this, you’ll find yourself revving your engine down and calming yourself.

Second, pray briefly. Start off with a short opening prayer. Ask God to open your mind and guide you. Ask him to cleanse your mind.

Read a portion of Scripture slowly. This is where your conversation with God begins. He starts speaking to you through his Word, and then you speak back to him through prayer. Read the Bible slowly. Don’t try to read too quickly or too much. The more slowly you read Scripture, the more you’re forced to think about what you’re reading.

Meditate on the Word. Spend some time chewing on what God is saying. Chew on the Word like cows chew on cud. Ponder and wrestle with it in your mind. There are lots of great methods for meditating on the Word. You can find specific ideas on how to meditate on the Bible in my bookRick Warren’s Bible Study Methods.

Write down what you discover. When God speaks to you through his Word, care enough about what he is saying to write it down. Writing enables us to remember what God has said to us and record our discoveries.

Pray again. Be quiet. Ask God to show you his Word. Talk to God about what he has said to you. Tell him what you’re thinking about what he is saying. Talk to him about anything else that’s on your mind.

There’s not just one way to have a quiet time, but following a plan similar to this can get you started on a rewarding devotional journey.

Talk About It

Have you ever thought about your quiet time as an intimate conversation with God?

What distractions do you need to eliminate in order to “be quiet”?

"Thank You, Lord" - Gloria Copeland Ministries daily devotional 02 February Thursday

2012-02-02T08:35:00.002+08:00

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

– 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Notice that this scripture instructs us to give thanks in all things, not for all things. When tragedy or temptation strikes, we are not to thank God for them. He is not their author. He's the One who provides our way of escape from them. And that's what we're to thank Him for.

If you read the four Gospels, you'll find that Jesus never gave thanks for sickness or death. Instead, when He encountered them, His response was to overcome them by God's power. So give thanks as Jesus gave thanks--not for Satan's activities but for the victory God has given you over them.

Scripture Reading: John 11:1-48

How to Start the Day - Joel Osteen Ministries daily devotional 01 February Wednesday

2012-02-01T23:04:00.000+08:00

“Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds” (Psalm 149:5, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

As you woke up this morning, what was the first thing that went through your mind? Did you wake up with a song of praise on your lips?

When we start the day in worship, we start the day connected to Almighty God. When we live a lifestyle of praise, it shows that our faith is constantly in Him. We make glorifying God a priority. It’s not secondary, “Oh, if I have time.” No, you’re always talking about God’s goodness. You’re constantly telling your friends how God has blessed you. In your car, you’re singing songs of praise. At the office, under your breath, you’re thanking God for His favor. You get up in the morning and say, “God, I love You today. I praise You today. Thank You for another beautiful day.” Then, when you go to bed at night, you bless Him for His faithfulness!

Friend, when you have the high praises of God coming out of your mouth, the scripture says Almighty God will go to war against your enemies. Praise precedes the victory, so start the day right and live a lifestyle of praise!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, thank You for Your good and precious promises to me! I choose to receive Your goodness by faith and sing a song of praise to You. I commit the day to You and make praising You a priority. Thank You for working on my behalf in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

The Right Attitude for Your Quiet Time by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 01 February Wednesday

2012-02-01T23:01:00.001+08:00

“The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7b NIV)

You can have a quiet time anywhere, but it all starts with a great attitude. God wants to know that your heart is in the right place. The Bible says in 1 Samuel 16:7, “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV).

What is the right attitude to have during your quiet time?

1. Come with expectancy. Be eager to come before God’s presence. You’re meeting with God — the creator of the universe! You should expect to have a good time of fellowship with him and receive a blessing.

2. Come with reverence. You’re going to meet God, so don’t rush into his presence. Prepare your heart by being still before him. If you were going to meet with the president of the United States or the queen of England, you’d get there early. You'd look your best. How much more reverence should we have when we come into the presence of the creator of the universe?

3. Come with alertness. Get yourself wide-awake before you meet with God. Again, you’re meeting the creator of the universe. Don’t have your quiet time in bed. You’ll probably fall asleep. In fact, the best time to prepare for your quiet time is the night before. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier if you need to. Be in good shape when you meet with God. He deserves your full attention.

4. Come with the willingness to obey. Don’t start your quiet time with the idea that you’ll hear from God and then decide whether or not to obey. Instead, tell the Lord you’ve already decided you’re going to say “yes.”

Have a good attitude before you start your quiet time, and you can expect a good result from your quiet time. Come before the Lord with the wrong attitude, and it’ll be just the opposite.

Talk About It

What specific ways will you change the way you do your quiet time once you consider your attitude toward your time with God?

How do you think your attitude would change if you had a sense of expectation about what God is going to do in your heart during your quiet time and not if he will work in you?

Hit Him With the Rock Kenneth Copeland Ministries daily devotional 01 February Wednesday

2012-02-01T09:01:00.000+08:00

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

– Psalm 23:1-2

Have you ever thought about David and wondered how a shepherd boy could become a man after God's own heart? A man so strong in spirit that God chose him to be king of Israel? I have.

In fact, I asked God about it, and He showed me that revelation was what turned David into such a spiritual powerhouse--revelation that came to him through hours of thinking about the things of God. I imagine the day he wrote Psalm 23 he was just sitting and singing praises to God and meditating on His goodness. Just fellowshipping with Him when suddenly the anointing of the Lord came upon him and he said, "The Lord is my Shepherd!"

Suddenly he thought about the sheep he watched over as a boy, I faced death for those sheep. I led them where pastures were green and waters were cool, clean, deep, and peaceful. He kept on meditating on that until it started to thrill him. When the lion and the bear came, didn't He prepare a table before me in the presence of those enemies? He gave me victory. "My God! My God will fight for me. The Lord is my Shepherd! I shall not want!"

That revelation welled up in David so strong that the devil couldn't beat it out of him. So when Goliath tried to make a fool out of Israel, David went after him. Goliath was able to scare off everyone else, but he couldn't shake David because he had a revelation inside him that said, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for my God is with me." That revelation enabled David to say, "I come against you in the name of the Lord of Hosts" and to send a rock sailing into that giant's brain.

Is the devil out to destroy you? Do what David did. Meditate on God and His Word. Sing praises to your King. Fellowship with Him until the revelation of who He is in you starts to thrill your soul. Then tell the devil, "You're not going to kill me. The Lord is my Shepherd!" Hit him with the rock of revelation knowledge, and you'll knock him flat every time.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 23

The Sacrifice of Praise - Joel Osteen Ministries daily devotional 31 January Tuesday

2012-01-31T17:09:00.000+08:00

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Have you ever thought about what it means to continually offer up a sacrifice of praise? That word “sacrifice” means that it cost you something. It means doing something when you don’t feel like it. It’s when you say, “God, I’m hurting, but I give You praise.” “God, I’m lonely, but I give You praise.” “God, it wasn’t fair. They did me wrong, but I give You praise.”

When you praise God beyond your feelings, that’s when praise becomes your faith at work. That’s when praise becomes a weapon. Nothing gets God’s attention any more than when you call on Him in your time of trouble. When most people would become negative and bitter, you have a song of praise. You’re thanking God for who He is and what He will do in your life. You’re not talking about how big your problems are; you’re talking about how big your God is!

Today, understand that praise activates God’s power. He commands us to praise because it opens the door to His victory and blessing. No matter what is happening around you, worship Him! Declare His goodness and see His restoration in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, today I choose to praise You. I choose to give You glory no matter what’s happening in the world around me. I know that You are good and faithful, so I give You all the praise in Jesus’ name! Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

Finding the Right Time and Place for a Quiet Time by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 31 January Tuesday

2012-01-31T16:37:00.002+08:00

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35 NIV)

Over the past few days we’ve been talking about your quiet times. The time you spend with God is the most important part of your day. That’s why when and where you meet him is so crucial. Consistency matters in both cases.

Meet God at the same time every day. Mark 1:35 says that “very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (NIV). Just because Jesus got up early to pray doesn’t mean you have to. The key is this: Give God the best part of your day. Give God whatever time of day you’re the freshest. For some of you, that’s the morning. You jump out of bed and hit the ground running. Others of you don’t believe in God until 11 a.m.! But you’re still rolling at midnight.

Most importantly, give God the best part of your day and schedule your quiet time into your day like you would any appointment.

Start slowly. If you’ve never had a quiet time before, start with five minutes. Start small and let it grow gradually. If you start out trying to have an hour-long quiet time each day, you won’t do it consistently. Eventually, shoot for no less than 15 minutes each day. Who doesn’t have 15 minutes?

Find a special place to meet with God. Jesus had a special place to meet with the Father. Luke 22:39 says, “Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him” (NIV). It was Jesus’ usual habit to go to the Mount of Olives. He had a regular place where he went and prayed. What kind of place should you look for as your “regular place”? It should be:

Secluded: Look for a kind of place where you can be alone, where it’s quiet, and where you won’t be interrupted. It should be a place where you can pray aloud.
Consistent: Make it the same place every day.

Talk About It

Take time now to identify your “when” and “where” for your quiet time. You can even share it with a close friend who will hold you accountable.

What are the parts of your day to which you give great attention, are never late, and look forward the most? Put your quiet time at the top of that list.

Four Words That Work Kenneth Copeland Ministries daily devotional 31 January Tuesday

2012-01-31T08:57:00.000+08:00

Therefore I say unto you, What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

– Mark 11:24

Believing. That's the key to everything in the kingdom of God. It's the way we tap into the very power of Almighty God. Most of us know that. But do we know how to put it into action?

Actually it's so simple, it's startling. It's as simple as saying, "I believe I receive."

Something happens in your spirit when you say those words. I don't understand how, but it does. I don't understand how my digestive system knows what to do when I swallow something, but it does. All I have to do is take a bite of food and it goes to work. I don't have to make it happen. I don't have to feel it happen. It just happens. That's the way the body is made.

In much the same way, when you feed on God's precious promises and "swallow" them into your spirit by saying, "I believe I receive," faith is released. You don't have to make it happen. You don't have to feel it happen. It just happens. The reborn spirit is made that way.

When you constantly say with your mouth, "I believe I receive my healing" or "I believe I receive my financial needs met," and then quote the scriptures that back those things, faith is released to bring power to bear on those needs.

As Dr. Kenneth Hagin says, you need to "keep the switch of faith turned on." And Gloria and I have discovered that speaking out that phrase, "I believe I receive," is one way to do it. We say it when we pray. We say it when we praise God. We say it when we read the Word.

We especially say it in the face of darkness when it looks like we're not receiving. When everything looks the worst, we say it the loudest. I believe I receive!

Do you want to activate your faith today? Then make these four key words the most important words in your vocabulary. Use them every day. You'll soon discover, just as we did...they work!

Scripture Reading: Mark 11:12-24

Say What? - Joel Osteen Ministries daily devotional 31 January Tuesday

2012-01-31T08:47:00.000+08:00

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

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Scripture says, “The spirit of faith is in our words.” My question today is, “What’s coming out of your mouth?” Are you talking about how big your problems are, or are you talking about how big your God is?

As believers, our attitude should always be an attitude of praise — “Father, business may be slow, but I want to thank You that You’re supplying all of my needs.” “My circumstance may seem impossible, but thank You, God, that all things are possible with You!” We should always find a reason to give thanks!

This is what Jonah did. After complaining for eight verses, he had a change of heart in verse nine. He said, “God, in spite of my difficulties, I’m going to offer unto You the sacrifice of praise with a voice of thanksgiving.” While sitting in the belly of the whale, instead of complaining, he began to worship. The next verse says that the whale spit him out onto dry ground, and he went on to fulfill his destiny.

If you feel like you’re in the belly of a whale, if you feel trapped, if things seem dark, remember, praise always precedes the victory! Open your mouth and declare His praises! Say what the Word says and watch the breakthrough come to pass!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father God, I humbly come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ. I commit my words and thoughts to You. I choose to say what the Word says. I choose to speak the truth and trust that You are working for my good in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

The Privilege of Your Quiet Time by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 30 January Monday

2012-01-30T16:25:00.002+08:00

“You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 NLT)

I mentioned yesterday that it’s quite a privilege to have a quiet time. We get to have an audience with the king of the universe, the creator of everything.

What makes our quiet times such a privilege that we wouldn’t want to consider missing it? Here are four miraculous things that happen when we spend time with God.

1. You get to give God your devotion. “Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I'll come right in and sit down to supper with you” (Revelation 3:20, MSG). He’s your creator, redeemer, provider, sustainer, counselor, and comforter. God deserves our worship. We’d have nothing without God. Better yet, God wants your devotion, too! He wants to spend time with you.

2. God gives you direction. “Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Psalm 25:4-5 NIV). You and I need direction on a daily basis. God wants to give that direction to you, but to get the direction you must spend time with him. Your quiet time gives you an opportunity to get a daily mid-course correction in your life.

3. You gain delight in God. “You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11 NLT). Spending time with God will actually make you happier. Your quiet time is when you enjoy God. Knowing God is the secret to joy.

4. You grow to be more like God. The more time you spend with God, the godlier you become. Spend time watching television, and your character will be shaped by the people you’re watching. Spend time studying God’s Word and with him in prayer, and your character will be shaped by the character of Christ.

Are you spending time with God every day? Do it, and it will be the best decision you’ve ever made.

Talk About It

In what area will you ask God for direction today?

Have you noticed that your day goes differently if you start it in the Word and in a quiet time with God?

Make His Word the Last Word Kenneth Copeland Ministries daily devotional 30 January Monday

2012-01-30T10:02:00.002+08:00

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

– Revelation 1:8

Jesus is the beginning and the ending. He is the Almighty. When He told us that in the Book of Revelation, He wasn't just giving us a general piece of information about Himself. He was giving us a powerful truth we can apply now, today!

Let me show you how. He said He is the beginning. So no matter what challenge or situation you may be facing right now, you need to start with Him. John 1:1 says Jesus is the Word. That means, if you're going to start with Jesus, you're going to start with the Word. Don't do anything until you find out what the Word has to say about it.

Then, stay on the Word. As Colossians 1:23 says, "Continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard."

Continue in the faith. The only way the devil can defeat you is to pressure you into throwing away the Word. Everything he does, every challenge he brings you is intended to make you doubt the Word of God. So don't let go of the Word, no matter what may happen. Settle it with God in prayer and stay with it forever. It is written!

Then end with the Word. Jesus said He was the first and the last. That means the word of your doctor is not the last word. Even the word of your pastor is not the last word. The Word of Jesus is the last Word!

Remember this: You are now what the Word says you are. You can do what the Word says you can do. And you can have what the Word says you can have. Begin to believe that. Begin to say it out loud in faith.

Now shout the victory. Yes, now! You don't have to wait to see the outcome to celebrate. You have Jesus' Word on the matter, so you know beyond any doubt that your breakthrough is coming. Once you've settled yourself on Him, you can be assured that He will have the last word!

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 1:1-9

The Most Important Time of Your Day by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 29 January Sunday

2012-01-29T22:55:00.000+08:00

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 NLT)

Many people say they don’t have time for a quiet time. That’s an excuse. Every person on the planet has the same 168 hours in his or her week. The question is: How do you spend the time you have?
You don’t have time for everything. No one does. You have to make time for what really counts. It’s not a matter of time; it’s a matter of priorities and values. The key to making time for a daily devotion is to make Jesus and his Kingdom the priority in your life.
Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33, NLT). Put God first in your life, and you’ll have more time. Whatever you need more of in your life, give God first place in that area.
Your quiet time and getting to know God should be the number one priority of your life. Why? You weren’t put on the planet to mark things off your to-do list. You were made to spend time with God.
A quiet time is a tremendous privilege you’ve been given. The creator of the universe has invited you to spend time with him every day. Imagine if your favorite actor, musician, singer, or athlete asked you to spend time with him or her every day. Would you say, “Sorry, I don’t have time for you”? Of course not!
So why do you say “no” to God's invitation to spend time with him? You are missing out on so much when you do.
Talk About It

How do you currently prioritize your day? How would those priorities have to change if you made a quiet time with God your number one priority?

Does considering your quiet time with God a privilege change your attitude toward how you prioritize your day?

Just Do It Kenneth Copeland Ministries daily devotional 29 January Sunday

2012-01-29T22:51:00.000+08:00

And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

– Luke 13:14

Religion is dangerous. Religion would rather debate about healing than see somebody healed. Religion would rather argue about deliverance than see somebody set free.

You can see an example of that in Luke 13. Jesus healed a woman who had been bowed over for 18 years. Think of it, a dear old woman--a daughter of Abraham Jesus called her--set free after being bound by the devil for nearly two decades. You'd think the temple rulers would have been rejoicing at what Jesus had done. But, no! They were angry because He'd done it on the wrong day.

Do you know what's worse? Those very same religious leaders who criticized Jesus for healing on the Sabbath could have ministered healing to that woman themselves on any of the other six days of the week if they'd cared enough to do it.

That's why Jesus was so indignant with them. They had the same covenant of Abraham as Jesus. But their religion had kept that woman bound instead of setting her free. It always does.

Remember that next time someone tries to get you sidetracked into a religious debate about healing or deliverance. If someone needs to be delivered from a demon, just do it! Don't get all hung up on theological questions about where the demon is.

"Is it in his body? Or his brain? Or his spirit? Or his pocket?" While you're arguing about questions like that, the demon will be driving the poor guy up the wall.

The question isn't, "Where is the demon?" The question is, "Why haven't we gotten this man delivered? He's our blood brother in the Name of Jesus and he ought to be free!"

Once you start asking that question, you won't care whether that demon is inside or outside, hovering over or sitting under. All you'll care about is getting that person free!

That's the difference between religion and the love of God. Religion argues. Love acts. Choose love today.
Scripture Reading: Luke 13:11-17

God Wants You Well Kenneth Copeland Ministries daily devotional 27 January Friday

2012-01-27T11:11:00.000+08:00

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord

– Jeremiah 30:17

God wants you well! He wants you healthy and strong in every single area of your life.
He wants you to be spiritually strong. Strong in faith. Strong in the Word. Strong in redemption. Strong in the love of God.
He wants you to be well in your mind, to be strong and stable emotionally.
He wants you to have a healthy will, a will that's aligned with His will.
He wants your body to be well. He wants you free from the bondages of pain, sickness, and care. Free from the worries and woes of this earthly life.
Your heavenly Father wants you well!
What's more, in this day and hour, He needs you well. He needs you living in victory and healing so that you can teach others how to do it too. We're stepping into a time when that kind of knowledge is an absolute necessity. There's no more time for the Body of Christ to limp along, uninformed and unprepared for the devil's attacks.
In fact, here's what the Lord has told me:
The further you go, the more dangerous things in the earth will become. People will have to grow in the realities of redemption and the "how to's" of living by faith in order to live in the great, overcoming way I have planned for them.
Jesus gave Himself in death so that we could be well. He was raised in life, ever making intercession for us now so that we can be well. And He wants us to be healthy and strong as a witness in these last days to a world that's filled with terror--a witness of His love, His grace, and His power.
Receive Jesus' healing power in every area of your life. Start applying it by faith right now. Commit yourself to getting well and growing strong in every area of your life today!
Scripture Reading: Psalm 107

Safety in Numbers - Joel Osteen Ministries daily devotional 26 January Thursday

2012-01-26T19:29:00.000+08:00

"Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory”

(Proverbs 11:14, NASB)

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. That’s why 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.

Whatever 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 and lead me in the way everlasting in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

A Simple Way To Unlock The Bible by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 26 January Thursday

2012-01-26T19:24:00.000+08:00

“Letthe word of Christ richly dwell within you.” (Colossians 3:16a NLT)

Studying the Bible in a way that changes your life doesn’t take a bunch of expensive tools. You don’t need commentaries or Bible study software. In fact, if you were stuck on a desert island with just a Bible, you could simply use the method you’ll learn about in this devotional.
Yesterday, I told you how important it was for you to meditate on God’s Word. God says that if we meditate on his Word, we’ll be successful. Here’s a method you can use to meditate on God’s Word in a way that’ll please God.
The “pronounce it” method of biblical meditation is an easy method for meditating on Scripture — and getting every ounce of spiritual nutrition you can out of it.
You start with a verse and read it over and over again. Each time you read the verse, you emphasize a different word. It’s the simplest way to start unlocking Scripture. You can do it even if it’s the first time you’ve ever opened up a Bible. It’s simple but amazingly powerful. Each time you emphasize a different word, you get a different perspective.
Take the first part of Colossians 3:16 for example. The verse says, “Letthe word of Christ richly dwell within you” (NLT).
The first time you read the verse, emphasize the word “let.” “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you.” What does it mean to let? It means “give permission.” I open the door; it’s my choice. We have to choose to let the Word of God dwell in us richly.
Then, read the verse again and emphasize “word.” “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” That means I need to get God’s Word in my mind.
Then, emphasize the third word of the verse, “Christ.” You’re not dwelling on what some philosopher, guru, or talk show host has to say. You’re dwelling on the words of Christ! I don’t want to let the word of the world dwell in me, but I do when I spend my time watching TV instead of reading God’s Word.
Then you focus on the word “dwell.” “Let the Word of Christ dwell within you.” The word “dwell” means “to hang there for a long time.” It’s not rushing through God’s Word so you can get on with the rest of your day. To let the Word of Christ dwell in you is to let it live within you.

Then you stop and emphasize the word “in.” It’s good to have the word of Christ around you. You can put the Word of God on a plaque or a bumper, but it won’t change your life until you let it in your life.
Then focus on the word “you.” The Bible isn’t just God’s Word for your pastor, a seminary professor, or your Sunday School teacher; it’s God word for you! The Bible is instruction for every single believer.
Finally, emphasize the word “richly.” What does that mean? It means the opposite of poorly. In other words, richly means lusciously, extravagantly, and profoundly. God doesn’t want his Word to be a poor substitute in your life. He wants it to create beauty in your life.
See all the great jewels you discovered in this passage just by focusing on one word at a time? You didn’t need a seminary degree or a great library of reference tools. You can do this!

Talk About It

How will you dwell on God’s Word throughout your day?

Does your life reflect the richness of God’s Word and his grace? How would it look different to other people if you allowed God’s Word to make a difference in your life?

Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., one of America's largest and most influential churches. Rick is author of the New York Times bestseller The Purpose Driven Life. His book, The Purpose Driven Church, was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th century. He is also founder of Pastors.com, a global Internet community for pastors.

Christ in You! Kenneth Copeland Ministries daily devotional 26 January Thursday

2012-01-26T09:42:00.002+08:00

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

– Colossians 1:27

Some years back, I was praying and walking the floor of our little house in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I was walking up and down confessing 1 John 4:4, "Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world." Greater is He.... Greater is He.... Suddenly, revelation knowledge welled up in me and I knew, Oh! God is in me!

It hit me like somebody walked up and slapped me with a wet rag. It just shook me awake. I started to stomp grandly around that old house. All of a sudden, I wasn't just a poor preacher living in a shack anymore! I was the dwelling place of the Most High God! That changed my thinking about so many things. I looked at my hands and it hit me. His fingers are in my fingers! I looked at my legs. His legs are in my legs. His feet are in my feet! If I walk into danger, He walks into danger.

Now, when I hear people say, "Brother Copeland, my prayers aren't getting any higher than the ceiling," I want to say, "Higher than the ceiling? They don't need to get any higher than your nose! He's inside you! The Author of your prayers, the Author of your faith, Jesus of Nazareth has taken residency inside you. Hallelujah!"

Some people think you don't get filled with the Spirit until you receive the Baptism in the Holy Ghost. But that's not so. The Holy Spirit came into you when you made Jesus Lord of your life. He came into you when you were born again. Getting baptized in the Holy Spirit is another thing. It's when the power of the Holy Ghost comes upon you to empower you for service (Acts 1:8).

That means even if you've just been born again two seconds, Jesus is in you! He's living there, and He will be from now on. Can you fathom that? If you'll spend some time thinking about it and meditating on it, you can receive revelation of it just like I did. It will start growing in your spirit and eventually change your whole life.

"As God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people" (2 Cor. 6:16). Jesus is in you. That's the most glorious truth in the Word of God. Let that truth come alive in you today.

Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:13-27

It’s Only Temporary - Joel Osteen Ministries daily devotional 25 January Wednesday

2012-01-25T19:48:00.000+08:00

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Aren’t you glad that your troubles and trials are only temporary? In fact, today’s verse tells us they are momentary. Compared with eternity, our troubles don’t last long at all! As you stand strong in faith during times of adversity, scripture says that you are achieving eternal glory. When you confess your trust and reliance on God, you are passing the test.

If you are in the middle of tough times today, look to Jesus! The Bible says that He is the Author and Finisher of your faith. He is the one who writes faith on your heart and then develops it to completion on the inside of you. Your part is to open your heart and choose words of faith and victory.

Remember, your words set the course for your life. As you remind yourself that your troubles are only momentary and confess your trust and hope in Him, you will see His hand moving in your life. Focus on that eternal glory every day. As you do, you’ll move forward in victory and experience all He has for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Heavenly Father, thank You for working Your eternal glory in me. I cast my cares on You, knowing that my trials and troubles are only temporary. Thank You for Your eternal blessing on my life today and always in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

God Wants Us To Chew On His Word by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 25 January Wednesday

2012-01-25T19:24:00.002+08:00

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8 NIV)

I can remember hearing great sermons or in-depth Bible teaching and wondering how the teacher found all those great nuggets of truth in God’s Word. That’s why I wrote my first book 35 years ago: to help people like me. Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methodsshares 12 methods of Bible study, such as the chapter summary method, the topical method, and the verse-by-verse method.

One of my favorites is the devotional Bible study method. If you were to summarize the devotional method in one word, it would probably be “meditate.” For many, the word “meditate” is a bad word. They associate it with Eastern or New Age religions. Some Christians, when they think of meditation, picture people folding their bodies into pretzels and contemplating the lint on their navel.

That may be Eastern or Buddhist meditation, but it’s not Christian meditation. The Bible uses the word “meditate”29 times in the New International Version to describe a believer’s devotional life. God wants us to meditate.

He promises us that if we meditate on Scripture, he’ll bless us. Joshua 1:8 says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (NIV).

So, according to God, you have to meditate on his Word if you want to be successful.

So how do you do it? Grab a dictionary and look up a synonym for “meditation,” and you’ll probably find the word “rumination.” You probably don’t know that word unless you happen to be a farmer. Rumination is what a cow does when she chews her cud. She rolls her cud over and over in her mouth.

That’s similar to how you meditate on Scripture. Cows eat the grass, chew it up, and send it to their stomachs pretty quickly. There it lies in the stomach, soaking up all of those acids and chemicals. Then, after a while, the cow burps it back up with a new and renewed flavor, chews on that grass and some other grass, and does the whole process over again. Cows repeat this several times. They get every ounce of nutrition out of the grass.

Biblical meditation is kind of like that; it’s thought digestion. God wants us to get every ounce of spiritual nutrition out of his Word. He wants us to chew on it, digest it, and then chew on it some more.

Talk About It

Do you have a place, time, or process for how you spend time with God? How can meditation enhance your quiet time with God?

What does it mean to you to be “prosperous” or “successful”? What do you think God equates with success?

You Hold the Keys Kenneth Copeland Ministries daily devotional 24 January Wednesday

2012-01-25T08:36:00.000+08:00

I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them...they are fallen under my feet.

– Psalm 18:37-38

If you've been standing around wringing your hands and worrying about what the devil is doing, it's time you made a switch. It's time you put that devil under your feet!

Jesus has already given you all the power and authority you need to do it. He's given you the keys of the kingdom. He's promised you that whatever you declare locked on earth is locked in heaven and whatever you declare unlocked on earth is unlocked in the heavenlies (Matt. 16:19). That means you can speak the Word and bind wicked spirits. You can speak the Word and loose the angelic forces of God to work in your behalf.

What's more, you've been given the power of attorney that enables you to use the mighty Name of Jesus. A Name that's above every other name. A Name which will cause every knee to bow--in heaven, in earth, and under the earth! (Phil. 2:9-10).

So don't waste time worrying about the devil. Take authority over him. Bind the evil spirits that try to destroy your home, your church, and your nation. Loose God's Word in the earth and enforce it with the Name of Jesus.

You hold the keys. Learn to use them and before long the devil will be wringing his hands worrying about you!

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-27

Walk Through - Joel Osteen Ministries daily devotional 24 January Tuesday

2012-01-24T18:03:00.000+08:00

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me...”

(Psalm 23:4, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Have you ever gone through something and felt like it was the valley of the shadow of death? During the tough times, it’s easy to get discouraged. But I love what it says in today’s verse, “though I walk through...”

No matter what you are facing today, know this: you are not alone, and you are just walking through. You don’t have to stop and live in the tough times! They are only temporary. I encourage you today; don’t allow fear to paralyze you in the middle of “the valley of the shadow of death.” Remember, God is with you. He is walking beside you. He is strengthening you. He is making a way of escape for you. He is lining up people and situations to bring you out of that tough place into a place of strength and victory.

Today, don’t give up! Press on and walk through! Start to get a vision of your life on the other side. See yourself more loving, more faithful, stronger and more blessed than ever before. As you keep moving forward and walking through, you will get to the other side and walk in the victory God has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for walking with me even in the hard times. I trust that You are taking me through my circumstances to a place of victory and strength in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

God Gave Us the Bible to Transform Us by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 24 January Tuesday

2012-01-24T17:59:00.002+08:00

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

I was once asked what the best translation of the Bible was. My answer: When you translate it into your life. That’s what Bible study is all about. If you’re not translating God’s Word into your life, you’re not studying the Bible the way God intended.

God gave us the Bible to transform us, not simply inform us. It should give us a bigger heart, not a bigger head. In the Book of James, we're told, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22, NIV)

In other words, God wants our beliefs turned into behavior.

God makes his purpose for the Bible even more explicit in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (NLT)

The purpose of Bible is more than just showing us what is wrong in our lives or how we should live; God gave us His Word to radically transform our lives.

The Bible describes itself in different ways. For example, it calls itself a hammer, a sword, and a scalpel. All of those are tools designed to make radical changes. God intends for the Bible to dramatically change our lives.

The Bible also describes God’s truth as milk, water, bread, and meat. What do all those things have in common? If you don’t eat or drink them regularly, you’ll die. We were never meant to live without the Bible.

The Bible is essential to our lives because it gives us life. In fact, the Bible also talks about Jesus as the Word of God. John 1:14 says, “So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father.” (NLT) God gave you the Living Word -- Jesus -- to be the author and finisher of your faith, and He gave you the Written Word to prepare you to live out your faith.

Talk about it –

The Bible is more than a mere wisdom dispenser or repository of information. How do you see God using the Bible to transform your life?
Jesus is the Word of God. Talk about how intimacy with the Bible is connected to intimacy with Jesus.

Do Your Own Praying Gloria Copeland Ministries daily devotional 24 January Tuesday

2012-01-24T10:49:00.000+08:00

Is any one among you afflicted -ill-treated, suffering evil? He should pray.

– James 5:13

The Greek word translated afflicted doesn't mean the result of sickness and disease. It means "troubled."

If you're in trouble, you need to pray. That's what the Word says. Notice it didn't say your pastor needs to pray for you or your friends need to pray for you. It says you need to pray.

Too often we try to find a quick fix to our problems by asking everyone else to pray for us. There's nothing wrong, of course, with having others pray for you, but you'll never get your life to a place of permanent victory until you begin to pray yourself.

The biggest church in the world is in Seoul, Korea. It's pastored by Dr. David Cho, and the last I heard, it had more than 700,000 members. How did that church grow to be so large? According to Dr. Cho, the key is prayer. Not just his prayers but the prayers of his people. Praying is a way of life in that church. They have a place called Prayer Mountain where thousands of people come every day to pray.

I once heard Dr. Cho's mother-in-law on television talking about the emphasis they put on prayer. She said that when their church members are in trouble, when they have marriage problems or problems in their personal life, before anything else is done, those church members are told to go and fast and pray for 24 hours.

We need to do more of that here in our churches in the United States. We need to quit training our people to run around asking others to pray for them and train them instead to do their own praying.

You see, if I pray for God to solve one problem for you, you may enjoy success for a while, but then another problem will come along because you'll still be making the same old mistakes that got you in trouble the first time. But if you buckle down and do that praying for yourself, if you discipline yourself to start searching out the things of the Spirit, you'll get permanent answers. You'll learn how to make adjustments in your life that will keep those problems from cropping up again.

If you have made Jesus your Lord, you have access to the throne of Almighty God. He has every solution to every problem you'll ever have, and He's just waiting for you to come to Him, so He can give you the answer. It may take some private time alone with Him for you to hear it, but He will never disappoint you.

Don't depend on others to do your praying for you. Go personally to the throne of God today.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 5

It’s All in Your Mind - Joel Osteen Ministries daily devotional 23 January Monday

2012-01-23T19:46:00.000+08:00

“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind...”

(Romans 12:2, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Many people today don’t realize that the reason they’re not happy, the reason they’re not enjoying life is simply because they’ve trained their minds in the wrong direction. They’ve trained their minds to worry. They’ve trained their minds to complain. They’ve trained their minds to see the negative. But just as you can form these negative mindsets, you can retrain your mind according to the Word of God and form godly mindsets.

I believe one of the main keys to retraining your mind and developing a positive attitude is by learning to stay grateful. When you stay grateful, you are focusing on what’s right rather than what’s wrong. The seed of the Word takes root in the good ground of your heart. This doesn’t happen automatically, you have to discipline yourself. You have to make a conscious effort every single day until a good habit is formed.

Remember, when you live with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, you are shielding yourself from the attacks of the enemy. The seeds of discouragement cannot take root in a grateful heart. Neither can bitterness, envy or strife. So today, retrain your mind and be empowered with His strength to overcome in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, today I surrender my thoughts and mind to You. Help me retrain my thoughts so that they are in line with Your Word. I choose to have an attitude of faith and expectancy and thank You for empowering me to live the life You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Use Your Memory Muscle by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 23 January Monday

2012-01-23T19:40:00.000+08:00

“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” (Colossians 3:16 NLT)

The fourth way to abide in God’s Word is by remembering it. Your capacity to remember is a God-given gift. You may think you have a poor memory, but the truth is, you have millions of ideas, truths, facts, and figures memorized. You remember what is important to you. If God’s Word is important, you will take the time to remember it.
There are enormous benefits to memorizing Bible verses. It will help you resist temptation, make wise decisions, reduce stress, build confidence, offer good advice, and share your faith with others.
Your memory is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it will become, and memorizing Scripture will become easier. You might begin by selecting a few Bible verses that have touched you and writing them down on a small card you can carry with you. Then review them aloud throughout your day.
You can memorize Scripture anywhere: while working, exercising, driving, waiting, or at bedtime. The three keys to memorizing Scripture are review, review, and review!
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” (Colossians 3:16 NLT)
Talk About It

How would your life change if you spent some of your “extra” time on a Bible application as well as a Facebook or “Words with Friends” app?

Ask a friend to be an accountability partner in memorizing Scripture. Then, share with each other what you’re learning from God’s Word.

Grow Up! Kenneth Copeland Ministries daily devotional 23 January Monday

2012-01-23T19:37:00.000+08:00

Like newborn babies you should crave-thirst for, earnestly desire the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation.

– 1 Peter 2:2

Have you ever been in a room full of babies? Infants crying. Crawlers hollering for certain toys. Toddlers pushing and whining to get their way. It can be quite a handful, can't it?

When a bunch of spiritual babies get together, it's just about the same way! Of course, there's nothing wrong with being a spiritual baby. All of us start out that way. When we're first born into the kingdom of God, we're much like physical newborns. We're not very strong or well-developed. We blunder around trying to learn how to operate in our new environment. That's how we all have to begin. But God never meant for us to stay that way.

That's why in 1 Peter 2:2 He says we should "desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow...." He intends for us to grow up! He intends for us to feed on His Word, moving from the milk of the Word to the meat of the Word until we grow up into mature sons and daughters.

Begin now finding your nourishment in His Word and enjoy the reward of growing up in Him!
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:12-16

Keep God’s Word Close at Hand by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 22 January Sunday

2012-01-22T17:55:00.002+08:00

“He should keep it with him all the time and read from it every day of his life.” (Deuteronomy 17:19a NCV)

For most of the 2,000-year history of the Church, only priests got to personally read the Bible, but now billions of us have access to it. In spite of this, many believers are more faithful to reading their daily newspaper than their Bibles.

It’s no wonder why we don’t grow. We can’t watch television for three hours, then read the Bible for three minutes and expect to growth.

Many who claim to believe the Bible “from cover to cover” have never read it from cover to cover. But if you will read the Bible just fifteen minutes a day, you will read completely through it once a year.

If you cut out one 30-minute television program a day and read your Bible instead, you will read through the entire Bible twice a year.

Daily Bible reading will keep you in range of God’s voice. This is why God instructed the kings of Israel to always keep a copy of his Word nearby: “He should keep it with him all the time and read from it every day of his life” (Deuteronomy 17:19a NCV).

But don’t just keep it near you; read it regularly! A simple tool that is helpful for this is a daily Bible reading plan. It will prevent you from just skipping around the Bible arbitrarily and overlooking sections.

Talk About It

With what projects or hobbies do you show great discipline in your attention to them? How can you apply that same discipline to your daily Bible reading?

How do you think 15 minutes a day in God’s Word would change the way you approach your everyday life?

Live Like Jesus Kenneth Copeland Ministries daily devotional 22 January Sunday

2012-01-22T07:56:00.000+08:00

But [Christ Jesus] made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.

– Philippians 2:7

The truth of this verse hasn't really dawned on most people. They mistakenly think that Jesus was able to work wonders, to perform miracles, and to live above sin because He had divine powers that we don't have. Thus, they have never really aspired to live like He lived.

"Oh my," they say with great humility, "I could never live like Jesus did. After all, He had an advantage. He was God!"

They don't realize that when Jesus came to earth, He voluntarily gave up that advantage, living His life here not as God but as a man. He had no innate supernatural powers. He had no ability to perform miracles until after He was anointed by the Holy Spirit as recorded in Luke 3:22. He worked wonders, not by His own power but by the power of the Father, saying, "The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works" (John 14:10).

And when He prayed, He prayed not as a divine One who had authority as God, but as a man who walked obediently with God. And, as Hebrews 5:7 says, "His prayers were heard not because of His deity, but because of His reverence toward God" (AMP).

Jesus, the divine Son of God, set aside the privileges and powers of deity for a time and lived as a man on earth. Once you grasp that, it will absolutely thrill your soul! Why? Because it means that you, as a reborn child of God, filled with the same Holy Spirit as Jesus was, have the same opportunity to live as He lived on earth. In fact, that is exactly what He intends. In John 17:18 He said to the Father, "Just as You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world."

Jesus has sent you into the world to live as He lived. Through the new birth, He's enabled you to exchange the sinful nature of Adam for the sinless nature of God.

He's given you the ability and the command to live above sin, to live in fellowship with the Father, to preach the gospel, to heal the sick, to raise the dead, to cast out demons, and to make disciples.

Once you realize that, you'll throw off the shackles of doubt that have held you back. You'll begin to live as Jesus meant for you to live--not as a sin-ridden son of fallen man, but as a reborn child of the Most High God. Then those around you will actually begin to see Jesus--in you.

Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:1-8

Don’t Just Read — Receive God’s Word by Rick Warren Ministries daily devotional 21 January Saturday

2012-01-21T19:03:00.000+08:00

“So get rid of every filthy habit and all wicked conduct. Submit to God and accept the word that he plants in your hearts, which is able to save you.” (James 1:21 TEV)

We receive God’s Word when we listen with an open, receptive attitude and then accept it. The parable of the sower illustrates how our receptiveness determines whether or not God’s Word takes root in our lives and bears fruit. Jesus identified three unreceptive attitudes — a closed mind (hard soil), a superficial mind (shallow soil), and a distracted mind (soil with weeds) — and then he said, “Consider carefully how you listen” (Luke 8:18a NIV).

Any time you feel you are not learning anything from a sermon or a Bible teacher, you should check your attitude, especially for pride, because God can speak through even the most boring teacher when you are humble and receptive. James advises, “In a humble (gentle, modest) spirit, receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls” (James 1:21b AMP).

Talk About It

Think about how your pride might have recently affected your attitude toward a message or a messenger. Ask God to help you have a more humble attitude toward his messengers.

What are some of the distractions that keep you from being receptive to God’s Word?