Thursday, February 28, 2013

Celebrate - Thursday, February 28, 2013 | Daily Word

Celebrate - Thursday, February 28, 2013 | Daily Word


Celebrate
I CELEBRATE THE FULLNESS OF LIFE.
Celebrations commonly occur on birthdays, anniversaries and holidays; yet all types of experiences make up the fullness of my life. In life I will face loss and challenge, joy and achievement. Understanding and appreciating the full spectrum of life’s experiences, I celebrate all points along the way.
I celebrate the moments that lift me up and those that challenge me to step up. I praise every evidence of God’s goodness and every occasion where the activity of God comes into view. I am filled with joy and enthusiasm for living and loving all that life has to offer. Praise and celebration invite the good to spring forth. The fullness of life is a gift from God.
You shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you.—Deuteronomy 26:11

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Insight - Wednesday, February 27, 2013 | Daily Word

Insight - Wednesday, February 27, 2013 | Daily Word


Insight
SPIRITUAL INSIGHT ILLUMINES MY MIND AND GUIDES MY STEPS.
As I’m driving home on a stormy night, a flash of lightning illuminates the landscape. For an instant, I can see my way. Similarly, a flash of insight illumines my mind in the midst of a dark situation. In that instant, I see the true nature of a person or event. Insights are an essential element of wisdom, allowing me to discover solutions I could not fathom before.
Insight does not come through striving or stress, grasping for answers or polling others for advice. I need only become quiet and still, and look to the kingdom of God within me. When I’m relaxed and receptive, spiritual insight comes. I have an “Aha!” experience. In a flash of insight, I know the mind of God is my ever-present source of wisdom.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever else you get, get insight.—Proverbs 4:7

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The Clark Sisters - Livin'

Harmony - Tuesday, February 26, 2013 | Daily Word

Harmony - Tuesday, February 26, 2013 | Daily Word


Harmony
I CREATE HARMONY BY TUNING IN TO GOD’S PERFECT ORDER.
When disharmony surfaces in my life, I can easily blame others for the discord or even lash out at them. But blame serves no positive purpose; it only delays peace.
No matter how disagreeable someone may seem, I can still feel harmonious. In prayer, I seek common ground with others by blessing them. I attune myself to the harmony of God—the same divine principle that orchestrates the order of the universe.
In challenging situations, I do not undermine the good work of prayer by reacting negatively. I let powerful, compassionate impressions seep into my mind until they direct my responses. I align with the harmony of God by prayerfully blessing all.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.—Romans 12:14

Monday, February 25, 2013

Healing - Monday, February 25, 2013 | Daily Word

Healing - Monday, February 25, 2013 | Daily Word

Healing
THE FLOW OF DIVINE LIFE REVITALIZES ME.

Just as life-giving waters replenish a parched land, the healing power of Divine Life replenishes me. I am body, mind and spirit. No aspect of my being is untouched by the healing life of God as it directs the healing of wounds and the casting off of dis-ease.
My body is infused with the energy and vitality of Divine Life. My cells dance with the vibration of wholeness, and I am strengthened.
My heart and mind are enlivened and uplifted by the life of God within. Divine guidance is clear and I am confident of success. My spirit is a channel for the ever-renewing, ever-healing flow of Divine Life in me.
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.—Revelation 22:1

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Today - Sunday, February 24, 2013 | Daily Word

Today - Sunday, February 24, 2013 | Daily Word


Today
I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE WONDERS OF THIS DAY.
God’s love surrounds me and expresses in both obvious and subtle ways. Setting aside the burdens of yesterday and any worries about tomorrow, I lovingly give my full attention to today. I mindfully notice and appreciate each present moment and each person I meet.
I tune in to God’s loving presence, whether I am alone in the Silence or immersed in the day’s busy routine. I feel the Presence in the rhythm of my breath and sense it in the smile of a passerby. I experience God when I help a co-worker or when I receive a compliment. As I let go of reliving yesterday or planning for tomorrow, my heart rejoices in the wonders of this day, this very special day that the Lord has made.
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.—Psalm 118:24

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Prosperity - Saturday, February 23, 2013 | Daily Word

Prosperity - Saturday, February 23, 2013 | Daily Word


Prosperity
AS I APPRECIATE MY GOOD, IT EXPANDS.
Magnets attract metal. When one holds a magnet over a collection of items, only those with metallic properties will move toward it. The same is true of my thoughts. Whatever I am thinking about attracts thoughts and ideas with similar properties.
The universe abundantly meets my every need. When my mind and heart are filled with gratitude, I realize my good. I thank God for loving relationships, for the ongoing renewal of my mind and body, and for the seemingly miraculous ways in which my needs are continually met.
The joy and gratitude I share bless everyone around me. As I appreciate my good, it expands.
God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance.—2 Corinthians 9:8

Friday, February 22, 2013

Spirited - Friday, February 22, 2013 | Daily Word

Spirited - Friday, February 22, 2013 | Daily Word


Spirited
I AM A SPIRITED BEING, BUBBLING OVER WITH JOY AND ENTHUSIASM FOR LIFE!
How would I experience the next moment if I were to take a deep breath and declare with lively heartfelt vigor, “I am a spirited being, bubbling over with joy and enthusiasm for life!”? I would feel such a positive surge that, regardless of how disheartened I may have felt up to that point, my body and spirit would be instantly charged.
Speaking such a powerful affirmation from a soul level brightens my outlook and attitude. My mood lifts and I feel enlivened, uplifted and filled with zeal.
I am a spirited and spiritual being, filled with the animating life force of God. I am ready for action, and I bubble over with joy and enthusiasm for life!
My words declare the uprightness of my heart, and what my lips know they speak sincerely.—Job 33:3

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Pray for Others - Thursday, February 21, 2013 | Daily Word

Pray for Others - Thursday, February 21, 2013 | Daily Word


Pray for Others
I BEHOLD THE CHRIST IN YOU.
I visualize the people for whom I pray as whole, healthy, prosperous and fulfilled. I behold them as the children of God they truly are, blessed with inherent wisdom, strength, life and energy.
Instead of focusing on appearances, I concentrate on affirming the truth of their being. No matter what the need, I lift up my thoughts to a vision of spiritual perfection and absolute good. For healing, I affirm wholeness. For prosperity, I affirm abundance. For guidance, I behold the brightness and clarity of God’s light.
I place my faith in the Christ Power active in every person. From a foundation of faith, I pray, give thanks for answered prayer, and trust the outcome to God.
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you … just as it is well with your soul.—3 John 1:2

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Comfort - Wednesday, February 20, 2013 | Daily Word

Comfort - Wednesday, February 20, 2013 | Daily Word


Comfort
I AM COMFORTED BY DIVINE LOVE.
If I am experiencing a loss, feeling and expressing my emotions is healthy, as is seeking comfort from others. I am reassured knowing God’s love is always within and around me. As I quiet myself in body and mind, I become aware of divine love. I slow my breathing and let my body rest. I am calmed, soothed and strengthened.
I feel God’s love within me and receive it from others who reach out to support me. I am lifted up by the flow of divine love from the many channels through which it is expressed.
Assured that I am always united in mind and heart with the people, animals and places I love, I give thanks for each day’s blessings, for treasured memories and for love that never ends.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.—Matthew 5:4

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Grace - Tuesday, February 19, 2013 | Daily Word

Grace - Tuesday, February 19, 2013 | Daily Word


Grace
THE GRACE OF GOD PREPARES ME FOR A LIFE THAT IS ALTOGETHER GOOD.
Grace is not something we earn. It is a free and impartial gift of God that is given to us all. Every soul is blessed by the hope of infinite grace.
The grace of God is more than mercy. It is complete forgiveness and full, unbounded love. It offers redemption from destructive thinking and living. Through grace the Divine is revealed and each one of us is reminded of our innate worthiness.
Abiding in divine grace, we are secure and steady; our spiritual growth and progress are assured. The grace of God opens us to the swift, glorious and empowering way of Truth. It prepares us for a life that is altogether good.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.—Ephesians 2:8

Monday, February 18, 2013

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread


The Power Of Demonstration

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
For 2 decades, ecologist Mike Hands has worked to help farmers in Central America adopt more effective methods of growing their crops. It’s difficult, however, for them to abandon their long tradition of “slash and burn” agriculture, even though they know it destroys the soil and pollutes the air.
So instead of merely talking to them, Mike shows them a better way. In the documentary film Up in Smoke, he says: “It has to be demonstrated. You cannot preach it. You can’t describe it. People have got to be able to get their hands on it and see it.”
Paul took a similar approach to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. He wrote to the believers in Corinth, “My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Cor. 2:4-5). Later in his letter, Paul told them again, “The kingdom of God is not in word but in power” (4:20).
As you live each day, ask God to help you accompany your words with actions. When we allow God to show Himself through us, it’s a powerful demonstration of His grace and love.
Allow us, Lord, to demonstrate
Our faith by what we do,
So that the gospel can be seen
By those who seek for You. —Sper
Our words need actions behind them.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Marvin Sapp "He Saw The Best In Me"

Our Daily Bread Help from God

Our Daily Bread


Crying Out To God

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
After all these years, I still don’t fully understand prayer. It’s something of a mystery to me. But one thing I know: When we’re in desperate need, prayer springs naturally from our lips and from the deepest level of our hearts.
When we’re frightened out of our wits, when we’re pushed beyond our limits, when we’re pulled out of our comfort zones, when our well-being is challenged and endangered, we reflexively and involuntarily resort to prayer. “Help, Lord!” is our natural cry.
Author Eugene Peterson wrote: “The language of prayer is forged in the crucible of trouble. When we can’t help ourselves and call for help, when we don’t like where we are and want out, when we don’t like who we are and want a change, we use primal language, and this language becomes the root language of prayer.”
Prayer begins in trouble, and it continues because we’re always in trouble at some level. It requires no special preparation, no precise vocabulary, no appropriate posture. It springs from us in the face of necessity and, in time, becomes our habitual response to every issue—good and bad—we face in this life (Phil. 4:6). What a privilege it is to carry everything to God in prayer!
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer. —Scriven
God’s help is only a prayer away.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Inner Peace - Saturday, February 16, 2013 | Daily Word

Inner Peace - Saturday, February 16, 2013 | Daily Word


Inner Peace
PEACE PERMEATES MY BEING. I AM CALM AND SERENE.
I breathe in deeply and slowly exhale. As I repeat this process, I feel all tension and uncertainty melt away. I relax my neck, shoulders, arms and my entire body—all the way down to my toes. I enter an oasis of peace, gently releasing my thoughts as I experience my oneness with God.
I draw strength from my time alone with God. Outwardly, I may be surrounded by the demands of family, work and routine, but as my mind lets go of engagement, peace fills my soul. I feel the love of God and relax in the truth that all is well. With a clear mind and a peaceful heart, I am calm and serene. Wherever I am, peace exists at the core of my being. I emerge from my quiet time whole, refreshed and ready to continue my day.
O Lord, you have searched me and known me … Where can I go from your spirit?—Psalm 139:1, 7

Friday, February 15, 2013

Guidance - Friday, February 15, 2013 | Daily Word

Guidance - Friday, February 15, 2013 | Daily Word


Guidance
I ACT ON DIVINE GUIDANCE.
I may not receive immediate answers to the concerns and questions of my heart when I pray; however, I don’t give up. Each time I pray and meditate, I attune myself to the still small voice within.
Prayer soothes my soul and opens my awareness to divine guidance. At any time, my inner guidance can help me transcend a disturbing situation or release a troubled thought.
A divine idea may come to mind while I’m relaxing in a familiar environment or away from my daily routine. Wherever and however I become aware of my guidance, I know it was within me all along. It became clear at the right time for me to act on it.
When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”—Exodus 3:4

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Give Love - Thursday, February 14, 2013 | Daily Word

Give Love - Thursday, February 14, 2013 | Daily Word


Give Love
I START A LOVE CASCADE TODAY.
Today is Valentine’s Day, but every day can be a day of love, and every day I can choose to be loving. The more love I give, the more love I get. So today, I begin a love cascade.
I close my eyes, connect with Spirit and focus on all I am grateful for—from the tiniest blessing to the biggest. I feel gratitude and love grow in my heart.
As I allow the spirit of God to express through me in loving ways, I feel love grow. I smile at a stranger, open the door for someone I meet, run an errand for a neighbor and say a kind and caring word to a friend. As I continuously give love, love is returned to me beyond measure.
Let love be genuine; … hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.—Romans 12:9-10

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Self-Discipline - Wednesday, February 13, 2013 | Daily Word

Self-Discipline - Wednesday, February 13, 2013 | Daily Word


Self-Discipline
I EMBRACE AND EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE.
Each person has spiritual attributes such as wisdom, understanding, strength, power and discernment. These powers help us reach our divine potential. I grow into fuller expression of my Christ Self as I commit to my spiritual practice.
Self-discipline is my companion on the road to self-discovery, enlightenment and a more fulfilling life. I call upon the power of the indwelling Christ to strengthen my resolve. I keep my divine appointment to commune with God in prayer every day. I gently release that which does not support my spiritual growth and well-being. Today, as I embark on a journey of spiritual renewal, I confidently exercise self-discipline.
God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and … self-discipline.—2 Timothy 1:7

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Friends - Tuesday, February 12, 2013 | Daily Word

Friends - Tuesday, February 12, 2013 | Daily Word


Friends
MY FRIENDS ARE TRUE BLESSINGS IN MY LIFE.
In her famous song, singer/songwriter Carole King reminds us what it means to be a friend: “All you have to do is call and I’ll be there. You’ve got a friend.”
My friends and I have been brought together to bless one another. We encourage, uplift and listen to each other. They see qualities in me I don’t easily see in myself. They look past my faults and boost my confidence, and I do the same for them. I let my friends know how important they are to me, because I know to have a good friend, I must be one.
A friend doesn’t care what you have; a friend cares who you are. In times of need, friends are happy to be there for each other. Friendship is an expression of the love of God.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.—John 15:13

Monday, February 11, 2013

Dreams - Monday, February 11, 2013 | Daily Word

Dreams - Monday, February 11, 2013 | Daily Word


Dreams
I OPEN MY HEART AND MIND TO NEW PERSPECTIVES.
Dreams come from the innermost part of my being. They bring messages of inspiration and encouragement, and influence my future. I nurture my dreams by embracing infinite possibilities.
The wisdom of God guides me as I explore the world within and around me. My hopes and expectations rise as I open my heart and mind to new perspectives.
Whether my dreams come as subtle messages during sleep or as conscious creations as I visualize my potential, each one reflects my oneness with God. As each dream blossoms into reality, I give thanks and look ahead to new adventures, new dreams and new possibilities.
I will pour out my spirit on all flesh … your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.—Joel 2:28

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Comfort for Christians by Arthur Pink-Chapter 16

Comfort for Christians by Arthur Pink-Chapter 16


"I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content"
Philippians 4:11

Discontent! Was there ever a time when there was so much restlessness in the world as there is today? We very much doubt it. Despite our boasted progress, the vast increase of wealth, the time and money expended daily in pleasure, discontent is everywhere. No class is exempt. Everything is in a state of flux, and almost everybody is dissatisfied. Many even among God’s own people are affected with the evil spirit of this age.
Contentment! Is such a thing realizable, or is it nothing more than a beautiful ideal, a mere dream of the poet? Is it attainable on earth or is it restricted to the inhabitants of heaven? If practicable here and now, may it be retained, or are a few brief moments or hours of contentment the most that we may expect in this life? Such questions as these find answer, an answer at least, in the words of the apostle Paul: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Phil. 4:11).
The force of the apostle’s statement will be better appreciated if his condition and circumstances at the time he made it be kept in mind. When the apostle wrote (or most probably dictated) the words, he was not luxuriating in a special suite in the Emperor’s palace, nor was he being entertained in some exceptional Christian household, the members of which were marked by unusual piety. Instead, he was "in bonds" (cf. Phil. 1:13, 14); "a prisoner" (Eph. 4:1), as he says in another Epistle. And yet, notwithstanding, he declared he was content!
Now, there is a vast difference between precept and practice, between the ideal and the realization. But in the case of the apostle Paul contentment was an actual experience, and one that must have been continuous, for he says, "in whatsoever state I am." How then did Paul enter into this experience, and of what did the experience consist? The reply to the first question is to be found in the word, "I have learned . . . to be content." The apostle did not say, "I have received the baptism of the Spirit, and therefore contentment is mine." Nor did he attribute this blessing to his perfect "consecration." Equally plain is it that it was not the outcome of natural disposition or temperament. It is something he had learned in the school of Christian experience. It should be noted, too, that this statement is found in an Epistle which the apostle wrote near the close of his earthly career!
From what has been pointed out it should be apparent that the contentment which Paul enjoyed was not the result of congenial and comfortable surroundings. And this at once dissipates a vulgar conception. Most people suppose that contentment is impossible unless one can have gratified the desires of the carnal heart. A prison is the last place to which they would go if they were seeking a contented man. This much, then, is clear: contentment comes from within not without; it must be sought from God, not in creature comforts.
But let us endeavor to go a little deeper. What is "contentment"? It is the being satisfied with the sovereign dispensations of God’s providence. It is the opposite of murmuring, which is the spirit of rebellion—the clay saying to the Potter, "Why hast Thou made me thus?" Instead of complaining at his lot, a contented man is thankful that his condition and circumstances are no worse than they are. Instead of greedily desiring something more than the supply of his present need, he rejoices that God still cares for him. Such an one is "content" with such as he has (Heb. 13:5).
One of the fatal hindrances to contentment is covetousness, which is a canker eating into and destroying present satisfaction. It was not, therefore, without good reason, that our Lord gave the solemn commandment to His followers—Take heed, and beware of covetousness" (Luke 12:15). Few things are more insidious. Often it poses under the fair name of thrift, or the wise safeguarding of the future—present economy so as to lay up for a "rainy day." The Scripture says, covetousness which is idolatry" (Col. 3:5), the affection of the heart being set upon material things rather than upon God. The language of a covetous heart is that of the horseleach’s daughter, Give! Give! The covetous man is always desirous of more, whether he has little or much. How vastly different the words of the apostle—"And having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (1 Tim. 6:8). A much needed word is that of Luke 3:14: "Be content with your wages"!
"Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Tim. 6:6). Negatively, it delivers from worry and fretfulness, from avarice and selfishness. Positively, it leaves us free to enjoy what God has given us. What a contrast is found in the word which follows: "But they that will be (desire to be) rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (1 Tim. 6:9,10). May the Lord in His grace deliver us from the spirit of this world, and make us to be "content with such things as we have."
Contentment, then, is the product of a heart resting in God. It is the soul’s enjoyment of that peace which passeth all understanding. It is the outcome of my will being brought into subjection to the Divine will. It is the blessed assurance that God doeth all things well, and is, even now, making all things work together for my ultimate good. This experience has to be "learned" by "proving what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Rom. 12:2). Contentment is possible only as we cultivate and maintain that attitude of accepting everything which enters our lives as coming from the Hand of Him who is too wise to err, and too loving to cause one of His children a needless tear.
Let our final word be this: real contentment is only possible by being much in the presence of the Lord Jesus. This comes out clearly in the verses which follow our opening text; "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me" (Phil. 4:12, 13). It is only by cultivating intimacy with that One who was never discontent that we shall be delivered from the sin of complaining. It is only by daily fellowship with Him who ever delighted in the Father’s will that we shall learn the secret of contentment. May both writer and reader so behold in the mirror of the Word the glory of the Lord that we shall be "changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Cor. 3:18).

Free - Sunday, February 10, 2013 | Daily Word

Free - Sunday, February 10, 2013 | Daily Word


Free
I AM FREE TO BE ME.
Today I step into the uniqueness of who I am, and I find freedom. I let go of comparing myself to others and stop trying to be something I am not. I relinquish any thought of waiting for my life to begin. Every creature and creation on Earth is beautiful exactly as it is—and so am I.
I am set free when I realize that as God’s creation, I am perfect and whole in this very moment. I do not need to strive for more, or change what I look like, or wait until my life meets a certain worldly standard. Everything I need is already here. I am already enough. I am loved, free and unlimited.
Freedom expands my appreciation of who I am and the boundless blessings in my life.
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.—Song of Solomon 2:12