Today's Bible Verse : || Psalm 25:1-3 New International Version

1. In you, LORD my God, I put my trust. 2 I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 3. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.

Read: || Psalm 25:1-3 New International Version

Today's Bible Verse | Jeremiah 17:7‭-‬8 | NIV

But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

Read Jeremiah 17:7‭-‬8 | NIV

Today's Bible Verse | Proverbs 28:25 NLT

Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.

Proverbs 28:25 NLT

Day 2 - Faith Series: Hebrews 11:1

Hebrews 11:1 NIV

Featured snippet from the web

Hebrews 11:1. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Verse Thoughts - Provided By: Bob Prichard

Source: https://housetohouse.com/meaning-faith-substance-hope-evidence-hebrew-111/

The word translated “substance” comes from the Greek hupostasis (Strong’s # 5287), which means “a placing or setting under, a substructure or foundation.” This word appears elsewhere in the New Testament as “confident” or “confidence” (2 Corinthians 9:4; 11:17; Hebrews 3:14).

The word translated “evidence” comes from the Greek word elengchos (Strong’s #1650), meaning “a proof, or that by which a thing is proved or tested; conviction.”

The context in question deals with the existence of the universe, for verse 3 says, “through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”

Biblical faith comes from careful observation and the weighing of all available evidence. For example, the atheistic, evolutionary “explanations” for the origins of the universe don’t even qualify as bad science. They are more akin to science fiction. There are only two explanations for the existence of the universe that don’t include a divine creator:

the universe has always existed, or

the universe created itself out of nothing.

Who is willing to accept either proposition? Certainly no intelligent, thinking individual!

Consider also the vast evidence of design in our world and in the universe generally. Is the design present in the earth’s position in relation to the sun (controlling the environment, etc), the moon’s position in relation to the earth (controlling the ocean tides) simply a matter of dumb luck? What about the intricacies of the eye of a housefly, or the human brain (not to mention the magnificence of the entire human body)? Where does the evidence point? It points to an intelligent creator.

Men are sent to prison every day for crimes no one saw them commit. How are such verdicts reached? Through the presentation and consideration of all available evidence. In like fashion, just because no man was present when God created the universe doesn’t mean there is no evidence to support the fact that it happened. If Mr. Sagan was correct in his assessment of what constitutes faith, then it takes a lot more faith to be an atheist than to believe in the God of the Bible!

Finally, because the Bible is a book that can be trusted to be accurate in everything it addresses, we have faith in God and His promises, both to bless the obedient and punish the disobedient. For the obedient, we have the confident hope of heaven. – Bob Prichard

Day 1 - Faith Series: James 1:6

James 1:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Verse Thoughts - Provided By: Knowing-Jesus.com

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/james-1-6

The epistle of James was sent to Christians who had been scattered abroad as a result of persecution. He knew that the human response to the difficulties and dangers we face in life can either cause us to doubt God's goodness or increase our trust in His sufficient grace.

James knew that disbelief in God's goodness and power.. during times of great problems and pain, results in a man or woman being buffeted and bruised by the circumstances of life.. and being unstable in their faith and victims of the situation they are facing - instead of becoming victors through the sufficient strength, that is supplied to all God's children, by faith.

And so James reminds us that the trials we face are designed to test our dependence upon God; strengthen our faith in Him and drive us to our knees in prayer and supplication - so that we may receive His grace and mercy to help in time of need. And so we are called upon to pray - we are called upon to pray for wisdom.

James does not necessarily encourage these believers to cry out for God's help or His strength in their desperate time of need, nor does he advise them to request an escape from the fiery trial they are facing. James does not even plead for an easy release from the various trouble that is pursuing their path. He is wanting these believers to come to a deeper knowledge of the Lord.. and a more secure trust in God.. and so he exhorts them to pray for wisdom.. so that in their trial, they will learn the precious lesson that the Lord desires to teach them.. and God gives liberally to all who simply ask Him.. But there is a condition in this prayer request for wisdom in times of trouble: let him ask in faith without doubting... for the enemy of all prayer is unbelief

How important that our prayers are not a ritual or a duty, but are offered to the Lord in faith.. How important to pray in faith, expecting the Lord to answer our request. The walk of faith is a life that is lived trusting God in the midst of difficulties, holding fast to His precious promises and knowing that God's word stands fast for ever and ever - but prayer that is offered up in unbelief causes a man or woman to be tossed hither and thither by doubts and uncertainty about God's goodness and grace.

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/james-1-6

Day 35 - Gods Promises: John 11:25-26

John 11:25-26 New International Version (NIV)

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Verse Commentary By - Brian @  exegesis and theology 

Source: https://exegesisandtheology.com/2017/03/24/interpreting-john-1125-26-i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life/

As is often the case in John’s Gospel Jesus is recorded as using the same words with subtlety different meanings.

In verse 25 Jesus uses life to refer to resurrection life. So even the one who’s body is buried, if he is a believer, will live despite his death. He will be resurrected.

But in verse 26 Jesus speaks of one who lives and believes never dying. Here “lives” is probably referring to eternal life. John it is clear that eternal life is not something that believers will get in the future; it is something that believers have now.

So Jesus is saying that even if the outer man dies, the believer will live in the outer man again since Jesus is the resurrection. But more than that, the believer already has eternal life in the inner man and he will never die in the inner man. Read More...

Day 32 - Gods Promises: Malachi 3:10

 Malachi 3:10 NIV IV

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."

Commentary by - Joel Osteen

Source: https://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2014-10-08

God promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings on you today! But, you have to do your part of this verse. Your part is to be a faithful tither and be obedient to the Lord with your finances.

The truth is, we are all just stewards over the resources God has given us. When we are good and faithful stewards, the Lord entrusts us with more. He opens the windows of heaven. Have you ever thought about what kind of blessing would be so great that there would not be room enough to receive it? It may be hard to comprehend, but that’s what God’s Word promises!

Today, make the decision to be a giver. Be a tither. The tithe is the first tenth of your income. As the scripture says, get ready to prove the Lord because He is faithful. Thank Him today because He is going to pour out abundant blessings on every area of your life!

Day 31 - God Promises: 2 Corinthians 1:20

2 Corinthians 1:20 New International Version (NIV)

20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

Verse Commentary By - knowing-jesus.com

The Lord Jesus came to earth as the sin substitute for mankind, and fulfilled all that the Father ordained so that we can be set free, by faith in Him. And for this reason, we also utter AMEN, when we consider the many precious promises, that have been carried out in Christ, on our behalf. May we never forget that Christ's sacrifice on the cross, stamped the authority of God on His promises to us, for all the promises of God in Christ are YEA, and in Him AMEN - to the glory of God, forever and ever. Read More...

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/2-corinthians-1-20

Day 22 - God Promises: Isaiah 43:2

Isaiah 43:2 | King James Version | KJV |

2. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Verse Thoughts: By - dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com 

The Lord has promised never to leave us nor forsake us, no matter what life my throw at us. We are redeemed by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have been bought with a price and we belong to the Father and His favour is upon all His children. He has promised to cover us with His gentle calm and protect us by His perfect peace, when our hearts rest in Him. Read More...

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/isaiah-43-2

Day 21 - God Promises: Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5-6. New International Version (NIV)
5. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6. in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.



Proverbs 3:5-6 Commentary: provided by Joel Osteen VIA Today's Word 05/08/2016 - Divine Interruptions.
We all have times when our plans don't work out. We get delayed, interrupted and inconvenienced. It's easy to get frustrated and fight against everything that doesn't go our way. But, not every interruption is bad. Every closed door doesn't mean you're doing something wrong. Every delay doesn't mean you're not where you're supposed to be. There is something I call a divine interruption where God, on purpose, will delay us to protect us from an accident. On purpose, He will close a door because it's not His best. Sometimes, God will allow us to be inconvenienced so we can help someone else in need. We have to be willing to press through difficulty so we can be at the right place at the right time.

The next time you're interrupted, delayed or inconvenienced, don't start thinking, "This is a pain. This is getting me off schedule." No, get a new perspective. Look for what God wants to do because it could be divine interruption or divine protection. Trust Him today because He is directing your steps.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for choosing me. I surrender every area of my mind, will and emotions to You. Use me for Your glory today and teach me to discern Your ways in Jesus' name. Amen."

Source: https://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/MessageViewer.aspx?date=2016-05-08

Trusting God | Gods Plan | Gods Promises | children | faith |

Day 20 - God Promises: 2 Samuel 7:28

2 Samuel 7:28.
28 Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.



Verse Thoughts: From knowing-jesus.com
Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/2-samuel-7-28The words David spoke in this beautiful prayer, should be in our own heart and on our lips as well. The God of Creation, gave an amazing revelation to His servant David.. that He would build him a house. David found courage to pray his prayer to the almighty God, Who had proved faithful and true, throughout past generations. Now, O Lord GOD, David continued, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have promised this good thing to Your servant.

The promise that the Lord made to David, is indeed, wonderful, and will be fulfilled at Christ's return to earth to set up His kingdom - but the many precious promises that He has given to you and to me are no less wonderful. Let us never take our salvation for granted,. and let us never treat as insignificant our eternal position in Christ, our future inheritance, the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life - for what God has said He will fulfill - not because of who we are.. but for the honour of His holy name and to the glory of Jesus Christ - our God and Saviour. Read More...

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/2-samuel-7-28

Gods Promises | Gods Plan | Trusting God |

Day 15 - God Promises: Exodus 14:14

Exodus 14:14 New International Version (NIV)
14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”



Exodus 14:14 Commentary: provided by Joel Osteen VIA Today's Word 04/16/2018 - Take The High Road.
In life, we’re always going to have critics. We’ll always have difficult people who try to upset us and steal our peace and joy. But, you don’t have to respond to every critic. You can decide to take the high road and let God fight your battles for you.

Sometimes, no matter what you say or do, there are people who aren’t going to accept you. They just don’t want to be at peace with you. In fact, when Jesus sent out His disciples to certain homes, He told them to always speak peace over those homes. And then He said in effect, “If they don’t receive the peace that you’re offering, then it will come back to you.” That tells me that if you will do your best to be at peace with people, even if they won’t take your peace, the good news is that peace will just come back to you. You’ll not only get your peace, but you’ll get their share as well! That’s double for your trouble! When you do the right thing no matter what is happening, God sees it and rewards it. Today, stay in peace, cease from strife, and take the high road. Sow good seeds into others and watch the harvest of blessing come to your own life in return.

Day 14 - God Promises: James 1:2-3

James 1:2-3 New International Version (NIV)
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.



James 1:2-3 Commentary: provided by www.gotquestions.org - Trials and Temptations.
In some English translations of the Bible, James 1:2 contains the clause count it all joy. It is the first command James gives in his epistle; to understand what he means by it, we must look at the full passage and surrounding verses: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2–4, ESV).

The word count is a financial term, and it means “to evaluate.” When James says to “count it all joy,” he encourages his readers to evaluate the way they look at trials. He calls believers to develop a new and improved attitude that considers trials from God’s perspective. James wants believers to know to expect “trials of various kinds” (James 1:2) in the Christian life. We should be prepared and not caught off guard when a sudden trial comes upon us. Trials are part of the Christian experience. Jesus told His disciples, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Continue Reading

Day 10 - God Promises: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 New International Version (NIV)
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. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.



Verse Thoughts By: Knowing-Jesus.com
Paul was doing great work for the Lord, but God knows the heart of all men and He knew that Paul could become puffed up with pride due to the great revelations that God was giving to the Church through him. The mysteries that Paul was being shown, had been kept hidden for ages and generations but now were being revealed to the saints of God - through Paul. No wonder the Lord gave Paul a thorn in the flesh, which caused him to be tried and tested, beaten, and buffeted to the extreme of his endurance.

We do not know the exact nature of Paul's 'thorn', but we do know that in addition to this satanic 'messenger', God also permitted His bond-servant,to experience significant suffering, dangers hardship, and rejection, but in it all the Lord gave Paul a message that has been a comfort to countless saints, down through the ages: My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Read More

Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/2-corinthians-12-9


Strength | Weakness | Gods Promises | Gods Plan | Trusting God |

Day 8 - God Promises: Psalm 37:23-24

Psalm 37:23-24 New International Version (NIV)
23 The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; 24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

Explained By: Verses Project
These two verses are David’s continued meditation on God’s delight in the way of the righteous as over the way of the wicked (see the last 2 weeks for more from Psalm 37). These verses remind of us three things:

1) God establishes the steps of those who walk in His way. When we look at the state of the world, it’s so easy to forget that God is ultimately in charge. Charles Spurgeon commented, “All his course of life is graciously ordained, and in lovingkindness, all is fixed, settled, and maintained. No reckless fate, no fickle chance rules us; our every step is the subject of divine decree.” What an amazingly powerful truth that we should recall regularly! Though our steps are established by God, by no means does that lessen our responsibility to commit our way to the Lord and delight in Him; rather, this truth should fuel our walking in His ways.
Learn More...




Gods Plan | Gods Promises | Trusting God | Trouble |

Day 7 - God Promises: Psalm 32:8

Psalm 32:8 New International Version (NIV)
8 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."

Explained By: Joel Osteen
Do you need direction in your life today? Maybe you are facing an important decision in your job, at home or in your relationships. Know this: God Himself will teach you what you should do. He promises to show you the path you should take. He’s watching over you and giving you advice every step of the way!

Understand that God’s not just concerned with the goal or end result. It’s not just about getting you from point “A” to point “B.” He is with you every step of the way during the entire process. He wants to see your character develop and mature. He wants you to grow in faith and understanding. Most times, our growth in life happens when circumstances seem to be the most uncertain. Those uncertain times cause us to rely more on God. But no matter how uncertain things may seem, God still has His eye on you. He’s making sure you make the right choices. He’s working with you to shape your character and attitude. Remember, He’s promised to never leave you nor forsake you. You may not always see what’s up ahead, but know that He’s instructing you and teaching you in the way you should go!



Gods Promises | Gods Plan | Trusting God | guidance |

Day 6 - God Promises: John 16:33

John 16:33 New International Version (NIV)
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Explained by: Joel Osteen
Every day, things come against us in life to try to steal our joy and rob us of our victory. In fact, throughout your whole life, the enemy has had one mission—to kill, steal and destroy your hope, vision and happiness. But notice what it says in today's verse—"take heart." In one translation, it says, "Be of good cheer." Now that may seem strange to say right after the phrase, "in this world you will have trouble." But when we truly understand that we are overcomers in Christ Jesus, we can be joyful no matter what the circumstances look like. We don't have to allow our emotions to get rattled. We don't have to let our nerves go haywire. We can find rest knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and deprived it of the power to harm us!

Remember, the things that happen in this life are temporary. We are in this world but not of it. We need to keep our focus on eternal things, things above. Sure, we will have trouble in this life, but we can stay encouraged because in eternity, we are overcomers through Christ Jesus!



Gods Plan | Gods Promises | Trusting God | Trouble |

Day 5 - God Promises: Deuteronomy 31:8

Deuteronomy 31:8 New International Version (NIV)
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.”

Even today, when we face life-altering changes in our life, these same words that were once spoken to comfort a people struggling with the changes they were facing, are the same words God is using to calm our fears and anxieties. It is always His intention for us to walk in His peace as we walk in Him.

This verse speaks volumes about God’s heart for us and His determination to help us see Him as He really is. Not only is He always ahead of us carving out a path we are to travel on, but He is able to walk with us as we go through our intimate trials. He is telling us that there is no reason to be afraid or discouraged because He’s not going to abandon us. He has everything under control and all that is going to happen will happen under His watchful eye. Read More...



Gods Promises | Gods Plan | Trusting God |

Today's Message - February 1, 2020

Don’t Look Back

Adapted from the resource Closer to God Each Day Devotional - by Joyce Meyer
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So many people live miserable lives because they are conflicted and feel burdened about the mistakes of their past. If you have been unhappy or discouraged because of the things that have happened in your past, I encourage you to change your thinking and set your focus in a whole new direction. Determine to be what God wants you to be, to have what God wants you to have, and to receive what Jesus died to give you.

Your new life in Christ means that you have been completely forgiven of all your sins. God has wiped your slate clean and taken up residence in your heart. You can let the past go and begin to get excited about your future.

When you feel discouraged, say, “I am not going to live in bondage anymore. I cannot do anything about what I have done in the past, but I can do something about my future. I am going to enjoy my life and have what Jesus died for me to have. I am going to let go of the past and go on pursuing God from this day forth!”

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift from God.

Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for new beginnings and for making all things new. Please help me to let go of the past and embrace the good plan You have for my future. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Today's Messagee - January 29, 2020

God hasn't left you. pic.twitter.com/VqrpB0mcXt

— Steven Furtick (@stevenfurtick) January 27, 2020