I am Strong!

Romans 8:26

The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

INSPIRATION

When our faith, hope, and joy are shattered by circumstances in our lives, it can make us doubt who and where God is in the midst of our storms. Even when our head is down, the Spirit of the living God continues to give you enough strength to wake up every morning, lift your head to see another sunrise, and reach for new opportunities to get your smile back. Don't worry if you don't have the words to encourage yourself right now. Allow the Holy Spirit to intercede for you. Then, day by day, your smile will get stronger. Today, know that while you are weak, He is making you strong!

Seeking Peace

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

INSPIRATION

The only reason why we struggle with obtaining peace in our lives is because we are so easily distracted by things that bring us chaos. Trusting in God and maintaining a strong and steadfast faith in Him will allow you to determine what is good or bad for your Christian walk. Today, trust in your decision to let God lead and direct you.

Cast It On Him!

Psalm 55:22

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

INSPIRATION

It would be nice to think that every day is always going to be perfect, right? Well unfortunately, it doesn't always turn out that way and there are some worries that are just too hard to handle alone. This is where your relationship with God must get even stronger. It is in the most difficult times of our lives, when Satan tries to take over, but your relationship with God will keep you in His grace and mercy as long as you continue to cast your cares on Him. Today, whatever you stand in the need of, cast it on Him!

Just the Two of Us

Matthew 18:15

[Jesus says,] "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over."

INSPIRATION

Public confrontations never produce positive results in mending a relationship. In fact, it usually pulls the two parties even further apart. The word of God wants us to always strive for peace. So instead, of public embarrassment, pull the person you need to address to the side and have your own private conversation. They will appreciate your privacy and will always remember that you chose honor over humiliation. Today, talk it out amongst yourselves.

Stronger Than The Day Before

Philippians 4:13

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

INSPIRATION

You have strength because you have God; therefore, there are no limits to what you can achieve. This word doesn't offer hope for just some things; it promises that everything can be obtained as long as you remember who gave you the strength from the beginning. Today, remember, you are stronger than you realize so don't give up until your goal is accomplished.

God Is In Control

Isaiah 41:10

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

INSPIRATION

Fear is usually created when we cannot control a particular situation. A lack of control can sometimes make us believe that if we can't control what is going on around us, then it may fail. Well, the good news is that when you know who has total control and the last word for your good, they you do not need to fear anything! The moment you relinquish that control factor to God, He strengthens you to think about other ways to solve your problem and ultimately give you peace. Today, give Him complete control!

Ears To Hear

Isaiah 50:4

He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.

INSPIRATION

The first thing you do when you open your eyes in the morning is check your surroundings. You check the clock, you check your phone, and you may even check to see if anyone else is awake. The next sense you use is your ability to hear. Although some routines include either turning on the TV or the radio to hear what's going on, these entities really can't give you direction for your day. There's no better set of directions to listen for than the direction of God. Tomorrow morning, after you open your eyes, open your ears to hear God's voice for your day. The other noise you thought you needed will not be missed.

Just Do It

Hebrews 12:11

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

INSPIRATION

"Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger." No truer statement makes you push for more. The only difficult thing about setting new goals is the discipline you have to change about yourself to make it come to fruition. It only hurts for awhile, but at the end, you'll be able to look back and say, "I did it". Today, like Nike says, "Just Do It"

Love Thy Neighbor

James 2:8

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right.

INSPIRATION

Your neighbor isn't just someone in your neighborhood. It also represents the people on your job, in your classrooms, in your social organizations, and even the ones you have not met yet. The same way you enjoyed feeling loved by someone; show that same love to someone who may need it.

Love & War

1 John 4:10

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

INSPIRATION

Holding a grudge causes stress, causes sleep deprivation, and is a complete waste of energy and your valuable time. You find yourself spending so much time reminding yourself and explaining to others why you feel the way you do. Well God made it simple for us to live in harmony by sacrificing his son for all of our sins, yet, we still feel the need to "get back at people." This is in complete opposition of the greatest commandment, love. Today, when confronted with the desire to hang on to your grudge, remember who loves you first and who paid the ultimate price for you to never worry about the need for holding on to resentment. Then, you will witness love defeat all the stress associated with all that bitterness.

New Opportunities

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

INSPIRATION

When you wake up in the morning, you have to consider that each day is a new day to learn something new. With each new day, you are afforded the opportunity to learn something new which brings you one step closer to your goal. Today, don't look at today as just another ordinary day, but look at it as an opportunity to gain more wisdom.

When Dreams Come True

Deuteronomy 29:29

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

INSPIRATION

What God has planned for your life cannot be revealed all at once because it would be too much to take on and you risk losing your focus on God. Instead, God reveals our victory in increments according to each step of faith we take with Him. What He has already given you, keep is close to your heart so that you can always remember how wonderful it feels when a dream becomes a reality.

Say It Loud!

Psalm 150:6

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

INSPIRATION

Every breathing opportunity is an opportunity to say thank you. Unfortunately, we often use all this good breathing on nonsense instead of giving thanks for all God has done for us. If you haven't already said it this morning, say it right now, "Thank you Lord!" If you already have said it, say it again!

There’s A Monkey in the Middle

Romans 16:17

I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.

INSPIRATION

People who speak on the behalf of other people love this position because it gives them power. Power to seem innocent, power to appear as if they don't want to be in the middle of anything, and power to control both parties all at the same time. If they never bring you news that could heal the relationship they're in the middle of, then perhaps it is time to stop listening to what they are saying and look deeply at the person who keeps bringing you the news. Don't allow anyone to destroy the teachings of God which is to love everyone, especially the ones you have been separated from. Today, turn the "Monkey in the middle" away from destroying your spirit to love.

Grace Defeats Weaknesses

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

INSPIRATION

Weakness doesn't always mean you're at a disadvantage of moving ahead. In fact, it's when you acknowledge what your weakness is, where you can begin to challenge yourself to make it become a strength. It would be nice if everything about us were perfect, but since it isn't that way, learn to sharpen your weaknesses with God's grace and you will begin to notice just how strong you are becoming. Today, don't give into your weakness; defeat it with God's grace!

You’re Never Alone

Job 2:2

And the LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."

INSPIRATION

It's not a myth, an urban legend, or even a bad dream. It is a fact that evil lurks all around us. However, an even greater fact is that as long as you know who Christ is, you'll never walk alone. Today, even in the face of evildoers, remind them of who you're walking with.

Give Me Jesus

Matthew 16:26

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

INSPIRATION

Obtaining riches and wealth may satisfy your materialistic needs, but they often depreciate the moment you take it home. The great thing about what Jesus gives you is that once He gives it to you, its value automatically begins to appreciate and you become a valuable source for so many others. Sure, you can gain the entire world and feel good for a moment, but give me something with value to make me feel good forever! Today, give me Jesus!

Today, Flip the Script!

Romans 12:21

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

INSPIRATION

If you find yourself surrounded by too much negativity or negative people, GET OUT! Evil talk and actions are so contagious so be careful of what you let penetrate into your spirit. If you still can't get away, you now have to be the one to change the atmosphere. Allow your spiritual relationship to show the negative source how easy life can be when you learn to trust God. Today, flip the script on negativity with positive conversation and witness the wonderful change in the attitudes around you.

Push For Silence

Proverbs 17:28

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

INSPIRATION

We all have something to say and for the most part, think that somebody needs to hear it, so we say it! Well, sometimes, the best answer to any conflict is when both parties stop talking, stop pointing, and stop blaming. It is at this point when all the yelling stops where resolutions can come in to present a way to bring the conflict to an end. Today, instead of pushing your opinion, push for silence. Know that it's okay to walk away and come back later.

Faith All Day

Luke 13:18-19

Then Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches."

INSPIRATION

Big things come in small packages. And, just like faith, you only need a little bit of it to receive big blessings. Too often, we think we have to do large and exciting things to get God's attention. While taking on what appears to be a large project to bring people in the fold of Christ, God is more concerned that you kept your faith even when they didn't follow you to Him. Today, don't look for the big package to brighten your day, just keep a little faith with you to keep you happy through the whole day.