Favor In the Middle

Ecclesiastes 5:15

Naked a man comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand.

INSPIRATION

This scripture shouldn't inspire anyone not to aspire for more just because you can't take it with you at the time of death. God desires us to want wonderful things on Earth. He only becomes jealous when we idolize these things before Him. Every day, we should remember that although we come in and leave with nothing, God still provides everything we get in the middle. Today, be thankful for what you receive in the middle; cherish it, but don't idolize it. More importantly, don't let it separate you from your love of God.

Drawn to Peace

Philippians 4:9

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

INSPIRATION

God plants seeds of wisdom all day to help us make peaceful decisions. If you want true peace, you must act on the decisions that will bring you there. Note: Peace requires change and the change you make today could be the change that will draw you closer to peace.

Restored for Greatness

Romans 5:6

You see, at just the right time, when we are still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

INSPIRATION

I'm thankful that God's timing is nothing like ours. Think about how we sometimes run late for work, appointments, meetings, and even church. If God were as careless as we are about timing we would remain weak and lost; but God in His infinite wisdom assures you and I that right at our breaking point, He steps right in and empowers us to soar beyond our own expectations. You may have woke up weak this morning, but God's plan for your day is not for you to stay that way. In His time, you will be restored.

Humility Goes a Long Way

Proverbs 22:4

Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.

INSPIRATION

As easy as it is to get a big head from your success, you can fall just as easily if you don't honor God for blessing you in the first place. If you desire more from God, you'll have to always show Him how much you appreciate the previous blessings. Now, take a moment to thank God for bringing you this far.

For a Little While

Genesis 12:1

The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you."

INSPIRATION

Sometimes, being uncomfortable is exactly what you need for growth. When we are comfortable, we stop looking for new opportunities or we even stop challenging ourselves for new prospects. Know that God desires to move all of us from ordinary to extraordinary, but it will bring some discomfort. Today, don't fear that where God is taking you will mean that you'll never see the things that make you comfortable ever again. It may just require separation for a little while so that you can focus better.

Far and Near at The Same Time

Jeremiah 23:23

"Am I only a God nearby," declares the LORD, "and not a God far away?"

INSPIRATION

God is not just a God of good times; but, He is also good when you think you can't feel His presence. He maintains His consistent goodness regardless of what season you may be in so maintain the same level of praise regardless of your surroundings. Today, in spite of how you feel, call on God anyway! He is the same God today as He was yesterday.

Keep Pressing!

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

INSPIRATION

Circumstances in life only get worse when you give up. It may seem easier to just give up, but it takes more energy to fail than to succeed. Keep striving for a better you. Keep pressing for growth. Allow God to take you to the next level and you'll be so grateful for not giving up.

It’s a Gut Feeling

Deuteronomy 4:29

But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

INSPIRATION

Having that "gut feeling" doesn't come from what you see. It comes from something you feel on the inside. The heart, where all your vulnerability rests is also where you hold your passion for so many things. If you desire God more in your life, don't let your eyes find him, let your passion direct you to Him, where your heart can be with Him always.

Think It Through First

Proverbs 13:3

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

INSPIRATION

The first thing people will notice about you is your appearance. The second thing will be what you have to say. It is imperative to think before speaking because if not thoroughly thought through beforehand, you may provide the wrong information. Today, know that the best words to use may be the ones you have in your head first before putting it out there.

Desire Something Amazing!

Joshua 3:5

Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you."

INSPIRATION

If you want God to do something different in you, you have to do something different for God. Start with the people and things around you that are stunting your growth. If you find yourself around people who do not desire to grow, then it's time to separate yourself from them. Today, know that an amazing thing for you is on the horizon, but in order to receive it, you're going to have to be ready get uncomfortable and make some changes.

“I’m Sorry”

Matthew 6:14-15

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

INSPIRATION

Forgiveness is not just an apology; it is one of the many important connections between you and God. God wishes to bless you with new mercies every day, but if He meets you with a heart filled with a grudge or anger, completing that task may take longer. Today, stop delaying your blessings because of your pride not to apologize. Saying "I'm sorry" once is worth a lifetime of blessings from God.

Step By Step

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.

It’s All Inside! (Not in JCPenney)

John 15:2

[Jesus says,] "He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."

INSPIRATION

Often, when we read this scripture, we immediately begin to think it only means removing people out of our lives. Well sometimes, we are our own enemy and require some internal pruning in order for God to complete the favor he has in store for us. Today, don't just look on the outside to make change, but look at you from the inside and make those necessary changes too. Things on your mind or in your heart that have been there too long may be holding you back.

Know That It’s Already Done!

Deuteronomy 31:8

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

INSPIRATION

How many of us are still on the first step? Too afraid to move on, change focus, or face people who think you will fail. The antidote to all this fear is your faith in God. His word promises to never leave you or forsake you because He already went ahead to clear the path for your success… Today, don't have the fear that you won't success; have the faith that it is already done!

Staying Connected

John 15:4

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

INSPIRATION

Connectivity between two entities makes the product stronger and viable. This is the same with your relationship with Christ. As long as you stay connected to Him, then you become a stronger, wiser, and more determined person. Feeling a little drained? Make sure you're connected to the right source of energy.

Tell of His Excellent Greatness!

Psalm 105:1

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

INSPIRATION

Celebrating good news alone doesn't seem to satisfy you as much as sharing it with others. When something awesome has happened to you, share it with others so that they may rejoice with you. Together, you'll both be able to tell of His excellent greatness!

Greatness In You!

GENESIS 12:2

I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.

INSPIRATION

God's promise of greatness is for anyone who desires greatness. Every day is a new chance to get better and better at what you have been designed to perfect. And then the beauty of God's promise is that once you have reached this plateau, you will then be in a position to lift up others. Today, know that you are great!

Don’t Faint, Stay Strong!

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

INSPIRATION

Sometimes, we have to hurry up and wait for God to reveal His greatness! In time, the strength you thought you lost will be restored if you don't give up on your goal beforehand. In fact, your goal will become easier to obtain when you realize that if you don't finish it, it will only continue to bother you. Today, don't faint, stay strong!