May 24, 2013
No Self Pity
Stop wasting time pitying yourself, when you think times are tough. Instead, decide to do something about the tough times you are in.
What are you letting arise in your life today? In other words, what are you focusing your words, energy and thoughts on? You might say, “Scott, it’s just so hard right now. I’ve lost some money.” “My health doesn’t look good.” “Somebody walked out on me.” No, you’re focusing on the wrong things. You’re letting defeat, discouragement and self-pity rise up. Why don’t you turn that around and say, “God is still in control. Somebody may have walked out on me, I may be hurting right now, but I know God love me.” I may have lost money in the stock market, but I’m not worried. I know God is my provider.” Never let the negative, self-pity thoughts take over your mind. Stand up today and take control of your thoughts. Focus on the truth. Peace is yours today. Are you focusing on truth today?
May 23, 2013
Death Valley
You’ve probably experienced some tough times in the past, experiences that you felt were devastating at the time; don’t ever give up.
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 remember the verse in the 23rd Psalm, “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. Are you walking in the valley of the shadow of death today?
May 22, 2013
Pass on the Past
Don’t judge the past, even if the past just happened two minutes ago. Focus on the current task at hand.
When you think about your past, what events do you remember? What memories do you allow to play over and over in your mind? Back in the day, they had what they called memorial stones. These were used to remind the people about the good things God did in their lives — their victories. Today, we need to remind ourselves to focus on our victories, too. Sure, we’ve all had setbacks, but when you meditate on your disappointments and failures, it only drains you of valuable energy. It steals your confidence and joy. But when you focus on your victories, it builds your strength and confidence. It feeds your faith. It gives you a reason to give God praise. I encourage you today to get into the habit of focusing on your victories. Remember, every good and perfect gift comes from God. What are focusing on in your life today?
May 21, 2013
God’s Love Blog/Podcast
When unexpected things happen — trials, difficulty or tragedy — the enemy sends a whirlwind of fear to try to shake our faith and steal our focus.
Click to listen to Podcast
His goal is to take our eyes off of God and cause us to feel overwhelmed by circumstances. But if we will choose to stay focused on the love of God, if we choose to meditate on His goodness, the truth will set us free from fear and ground our hearts in confidence. Today, know that God loves you perfectly. He is a good God. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that His plans for us are for good. He has thoughts of peace, not for evil. He wants to give you a future and hope. Anytime thoughts of fear come, replace them with words of love. Just say, “Thank You, God, for loving me. Thank You for leading me into peace. Thank You for hope for my future.” As you think on His love and goodness, you’ll feel faith rise up in your heart. You’ll feel hope, you’ll feel strength, and you’ll feel empowered to move forward in the good path He has prepared for you. Do you know that God loves you today?
May 20, 2013
Facing Situations
When a situation comes up and you tell yourself you can’t handle it, try telling yourself you can stand it by toughening up.
Sometimes, people get distracted by what they consider to be a disadvantage or weakness in their lives. It may be something about their personality or looks that they don’t like. It may be they’ve been through an unfair situation: a divorce, a bad business deal or a bad break. We all have things that can feel like disadvantages; things that make it harder on us. It may even be a physical disadvantage, and you can’t get around like you used to. But just because you have a “disadvantage,” just because you’ve been through a tough time doesn’t mean you’re supposed to sit back and settle where you are. God still has something great for you to do! He wants to show Himself strong in and through you, and He’s given you His Holy Spirit to equip you in this life. Today let the Holy Spirit help you when you feel weak. Let Him empower you with truth that will set you free. Stay in faith and don’t get negative toward yourself or your future. Let God take what you think is a liability and turn it into an asset! Let Him take what you think is a disadvantage and turn it around to be an advantage! Remember, you are a champion today and every day because He is strong in you! Are you facing up to your situations today?
May 19, 2013
The Plan
Self-efficient people bounce back from failure and attack challenges. They ask what to do instead of worrying and blaming others.
Are you facing challenges or failures today? Maybe something has happened that could easily discourage you and cause you to give up on your dreams. Issues in life can cause us to worry and blame others for where we are in life. I want to remind you today that where you are is not where you are going to stay. God has an awesome plan in store for your future. When you stay in step with Him, you’ll walk right into your purpose and destiny. The Bible tells us that God wants to take us from glory to glory, from victory to victory. Even if you are between victories right now, keep your passion. Keep your enthusiasm. Focus on the fact that God has another level for you — another level of glory, another level of destiny, another level of His love. Today I encourage you, go out with a smile on your face. Give Him your best. Keep praying, keep believing, keep hoping and stand strong because another victory is coming your way. Are you standing strong in God’s plan for you today?