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“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance” Psalm 42:5, NKJV.

The psalmist said this two different times in this psalm, denoting that he had anxiety, a restlessness, a tossing and struggle for peace, going on in his soul, but he hoped in God. When he wrote this, he was going through a hard time, having been exiled by Saul from his home. He longed to be back in the house of God, among the people of God and freely give God praise there. He longed to be where he use to be.

You may be experiencing a rough time. You may be a man being faced with anxiety or worry. You may long to be where you use to be in your life. You may feel confused about where you’re headed and you desire peace. You may feel you were in the perfect will of God and you praised Him, but how can you praise Him where you are.

Tell your soul to look up and hope in God. He will do what He said He will do. He has a master plan, and even when it feels like He isn’t at work at all, that’s when He is doing His best work in you. When it feels like He is the farthest away, is when He is the closest. What is in you, He is going to bring you out and He will be glorified. He will bring you into a great place.

Let nothing keep your praise quiet, for there is power, joy and strength in it. Praise Him and experience His presence, as He fills your cup and encourages you deep down where you need it. Remind yourself today to look up and hope in God!

Prayer: Thank You God for Your word. Why be disquieted my soul? Hope in God! I may not understand what You are doing and my faith is being tested, but I can trust You are doing your best work in me. I will yet praise You! Jesus is my rock and I will have joy as God’s work in me unfolds. My hope is in You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 3:3 and 22:3; Nehemiah 8:10, John 7:38

“But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed” Romans 13:11, MSG.

I woke up recently in the middle of the night and I was wide awake. God spoke to me and said, This is how I want you to be. I asked Him what do You mean. He said while others are sleeping, I want you to be awake. I want you to be awake to the calling I have on your life. I want you to be awake to the labor you need to do with your time that I give you. I want you to be awake like the ant, who prepares in the summer to be ready when the winter comes. I want you to be awake to the times you are in. I want you to be awake to how I desire to bless you.”

There are those that are sleeping around you, but don’t be deceived. Be wide awake. When others aren’t studying and praying, you are. When other men keep to themselves, you are calling other men and seeing how they are doing–praying with them, encouraging them. While others just visit their family, you are wide awake to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with them while they are still here. While some men aren’t going to church, you are going and getting involved. When others are just working a job, you are working your plan. While others are spending, you are saving. When others aren’t taking care of their bodies, you’re in the gym.

Be awake to the Father and to His business. That is how He wants you to live.

Prayer: Father, You are good and I thank You today. Help me to live according to how You want me to live. While others are sleeping, I want to be wide awake. I pray we all are awake to Jesus. I ask that Your grace be multiplied in my life and I thank You for a blessed life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Ephesians 5:14-17

“Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days!” Psalm 90:14, NKJV.

There’s nothing like seeking God early, when no one is awake but you. It is quiet and peaceful–a table set for prayer. Before the busyness of life begins, let it just be you and God.

He wants to be the first One to speak to you. He wants to give you water in a dry land. He’ll cause you to start your day encouraged, not discouraged. He will minister grace and wisdom to you, and give you the insight of His will for the day ahead.

Not only seek Him early in your day, seek Him early with your decisions. Before next month comes, pray about it. When a situation arises, seek Him early instead of when you get in the middle of it and you find trouble. He wants to show you what to do and what to prepare for.

It can be a challenge to get out of the bed, but when the Lord tugs on your heart, and you realize the Lord is here, it means that He is calling you and He has something to say. That is the time He wants to show you great and mighty things and bless your life.

Prayer: Father, I praise You and I thank You for the quietness that comes with seeking You early. Thank You for the peace early in the morning. I am here to fellowship with You. Speak to me through Your holy Word. Build in me a discipline of seeking you early when You wake me up. Give me insight for Your will for my life today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Proverbs 8:17, Jeremiah 7:13; 25:3-4

“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” John 14:27, AMP

Jesus has given His peace to you. No matter your conflict, no matter your fight, His peace He left with you and He gave it to you, knowing you would need it right now. Don’t approach walking in His peace as the world. Jesus doesn’t want you to put Him in the same category with it. The world gives an imperfect peace that you can’t depend on, expects something in return, it is conditional, and runs out. His peace is given freely, it is available at all times and it will never run out. Even if you caused the trouble, He has still given you His peace and wants you to walk it.

His peace is perfect. His peace isn’t dependent upon what you do, possess or your situation. The peace that Jesus gives is strong, lasting and sure. This peace will keep your heart and mind, as the anchor of a ship that holds you firm, even in the midst of a storm.

Be troubled and afraid no more. Jesus has given you His peace.

Prayer: Father, I give You praise today. Thank You for the peace found in You Jesus. I am facing a huge challenge in my life, but I engage Your peace right now. I will not live troubled, fearful or without hope. Anchor me in Your peace. Calm me with Your peace. I say You have already given me the victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read: John 14:1, 1 Corinthians 15:57

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13, KJV

“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.” Luke 10:17, KJV

One Sunday morning I went to visit a small church in a small town. There wasn’t a lot of people present. They had pews, no chairs. Their microphones and instruments weren’t the best. The choir didn’t sound like they had won an award. Yet, from a sincere heart, they began to call on the name of Jesus, and God’s presence filled the place and He moved in a mighty way there.

No matter where you are, whether at church, in your home, on your job, facing a challenge, depressed, discouraged, without hope, sick, lacking, or alone, the name works. The name saves. The name empowers. The name delivers. Call on the mighty name of Jesus. His name is so powerful, you can call His name where you are in prayer, and it will work for someone overseas.

There is something about the name of Jesus. When you don’t know what to say or do, call on Jesus. The name works.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for speaking to me today. The name of Jesus works. I call on His name right now. Jesus, help me. Jesus, strengthen me. I am a man in need of change in my life. The devil trembles at Your name. Thank You Jesus that I can always call on You! In Your name I pray, Amen!

Read: Acts 3:6, Romans 10:13, Philippians 2:9-11

“Jesus said, ‘Then the children get off free, right? But so we don’t upset them needlessly, go down to the lake, cast a hook, and pull in the first fish that bites. Open its mouth and you’ll find a coin. Take it and give it to the tax men. It will be enough for both of us’.” Matthew 17:27, MSG

It is interesting that Jesus told Peter to go fishing to find the money needed to pay their taxes. Peter was not only called to be a fisher of men, he was a fisherman by trade. It was his profession, it’s what he was good at and he was gifted to do it. Jesus peacefully instructed him to do what He was good at to obtain the money he needed.

Do what you’re good at and you will find your increase. Do what God tells you to do with it and you will find your increase. That is where you will find the money that you’ve been looking for. It’s not God’s will that you struggle financially. You have to be like Peter unafraid to do what the Lord says. Trust God’s wisdom and with your gift, Who gave it to you to serve others and to bless you also. If you don’t use what you’re good at, He can’t cause it to prosper you.

Just like within the fish, it may be rare that a piece of money, of all places, will be found in what you’re good at, but the Lord has already blessed it for it to provide. So step out and do what He says, because only there you will find your constant provision, and great joy also.

Prayer: Father, I have been looking for my financial increase and it is right in front of me. I need to trust You and do what I’m good at. That’s where it is. Help me to not fear and believe You. I’m going to go forward in faith and get what You have for me and my family, and so I can be a great blessing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Philippians 4:19

“Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts..” James 4:2-3, KJV

Just like any good father, God will prosper you in every area when you ask, but if your motives are impure, He won’t. Yet, when you make a holy request for anything, I mean anything, of God with a pure heart, there is nothing He won’t do for you.

This is why God directs us to pray according to the most pure, most holy, most clean book there is–His Word. His holy Word will help your prayers and requests to be holy. Examine your motives. Purify your heart with the Word of God, and He will answer you.

His Word searches the heart and examines our motives (see Hebrews 4:12). When you ask in all purity and sincerity, that’s when you see the hand of God move and you will receive the greatest blessings in your life. You will experience His blessing that has no sorrow with it.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for helping me to make my requests holy to You. Help me not to ask amiss. Help me to trust You more, praying according to Your Word and allowing it to purify my heart. For every pure request, I thank You in advance for moving in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield” Psalm 5:12, ESV.

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” Colossians 1:9, ESV.

We pray a prayer of covering over you right now. We cover your walk with God and that you walk strong for Him this year. We cover your ability to hear and know God’s voice this year. According to Colossians 1:9, we pray you are filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. We cover your heart. We cover your decisions and your mind. We cover your finances and every blessing God wants you to receive. We cover your marriage. We cover your home and your family is divinely protected. We cover you on your job. We pray and cover every victory that belongs to you this year. We cover you even if you mess up, you’ll repent and quickly get up. We cover your good fight of faith! We cover your discipline of studying God’s word this year. We pray over every person you are ordained to reach. We cover your passion for Christ and focus to accomplish God’s will for your life. We pray what God has put in you, will come out of you this year and bring great glory to Him! In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Study: Psalm 32:10-11, Galatians 3:26-29, 1 John 5:15

“Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.” 1 Timothy 1:19, KJV

Peter was devastated that he denied Jesus three times. After walking with Jesus all this time, he denied him when he needed him the most. He felt doubtful of who he was, he turned away from ministry and went back to fishing for a living. After Jesus rose from the dead, He came to Peter, showed him his love and his truth and revived his faith.

Have you ever gone through something so traumatic that it wrecked your faith? Maybe it caused you to question God, who you are, or whether you can do what He has called you to do. Your faith, your strength to stand, has now been damaged. This is called ‘shipwrecked faith’.

How do you fix a shipwrecked faith? Recognize that lie caused the shipwreck of your faith. The truth is what will build it again. Faith comes by hearing God’s Word and the more you hear it in your heart, the more it will build your faith. It will repair what was done and also give you more faith.

God ‘s Word is powerful enough to fix your faith. It gets to the root of where you are broken. You may not even realize why that experience affected you so deeply, but God will begin to speak to you in love and expose the root cause.

Maybe someone you know went through something so severe, it wrecked their faith and they have turned away. Be like Jesus and go to them with love and with truth. Just as Jesus repaired Peter’s faith and set him free, he will repair them and set them free also.

Prayer: Thank You Lord for Your love and Your truth. It is so real. It affirms who we are in You. Repair my faith. Make my faith strong again. I believe in the changing power of Your Word. I ask that you help me to share Your love and Your truth to someone that needs their faith made new again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(Read Matthew 26:75, John 21:15-19)

“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things” 1 John 2:20, NKJV.

You have an unction from the Holy Spirit and it is like an instinct. One day I was making a decision about something and didn’t know what to do. I started going back and forth about it, but in a moment, I stopped and said to myself, “I have an unction from the Holy Spirit and He will tell me what to do.” I paused for a moment and prayed, then He led me to go in a certain direction and it worked out.

Whether great or small, the Holy Spirit has anointed us and provides direction for us at all times. There are things He will say not to do or go, and then you find the Holy Spirit was right. This is a powerful difference when you walk with God and this is what the Lord desires you to enter deeper into this year.

As you begin inquiring of God what this new year holds, there are already things by His Spirit you know God is speaking about for this season in your life. Like an instinct, you have an unction from the Holy Spirit about what the Lord’s will is for you this year and that’s what you should follow.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the unction to know all things. Help me to walk in a more deeper way, being lead by the Holy Spirit in this season of my life. I know in my spirit You are showing me things about this year. I declare I have an unction of the Holy One, and this year, I will follow You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: John 16:13, Proverbs 3:5-6

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” Proverbs 18:10, NKJV.

When you are buying a car, one of the first questions you want to know is whether that vehicle is safe. Is it dependable and solid. It doesn’t matter how good it looks on the outside, or how well it drives, it must be safe enough to get you where you need to go.

God is safe enough for you. His will is solid enough for you. It may look like on the outside what can prayer do, what can allowing Him to direct your path do, what can being in His will do, but those are the very things that will bless your life.

This year, decide that in the Lord is the safest place to be. When you decide to do what He says, work where He says work regardless of the salary, marry the woman He tells you to marry, live in this city, join this church, you are choosing Him and He is a strong tower. His Name is proven and His plans are sure. You can run to Him for all that you need. He will also help you withstand anything.

Prayer: Lord, I rejoice in You. I have run into You and I am safe. I’m solid in You. No matter the circumstance, I follow You and always find a safe place and provision in my life. You are a strong tower. Help me Father to humble myself to Your will this year. In You is the safest place to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Proverbs 1:33, 3:23; Psalm 127:1, Isaiah 1:18

“Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him” Isaiah 43:7, NKJV.

“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you” Isaiah 60:1, NKJV.

The people of Israel were made for the glory of God and so were you. The glory of God in the Hebrew means His splendor, and honor, and the weight of it. It also means the manifestation of His greatness, His holiness expressed, as well as abundance.

This will be a year of the glory of God in your life. The weight of His splendor and the manifestation of His greatness will be seen in and through you this year. His glory has risen upon you, and it will now be seen in the earth.

What the Lord has put in you, is now the time He is bringing it out of you. What He created you for will be revealed, and it is going to bring glory to God. You’ve been behind the scenes being prepared, and now He is about to put His glory on full display. He’s going to use it to bless you and those around you.

You weren’t just created to exist. You were created for His glory. So arise and shine. Your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!

Prayer: Father, I thank You for speaking to me. Be glorified in and through me this year. Let what You created me for prevail in my life. Let me arise and shine the brightness of Your glory! What you’ve put in me to bring glory to You, I ask that You cause it to be revealed this year, even Your abundance. Make Yourself more known in the earth through me and every believer. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Isaiah 60:1-3; Psalm 84:11

In these times, you can’t fight, you can’t advance, you can’t take the offensive without God’s Word. You will continue to defend, defend, defend, and never overcome the devil. The devil keeps telling you to give up, you don’t have enough faith, you’re a fearful man, you’re nothing, God can’t use you, what you did, and all the while you have no response of power. The Word is what makes the devil get off of you! The Word is what breaks the rock in pieces. The Word is what removes the strongholds in your life. God’s Word gives you a response with power! Having an awesome prayer life and all of God’s weaponry is powerful, but it isn’t God’s Word.

For daily living victories and to build your faith it takes the Word of God–the sword of the Spirit. When you put His word in you, at any given moment, the Holy Spirit uses the Word like a sword to help you dominate over your adversary. When you are faced with a decision requiring your faith, the Spirit reminds You of what God says, and you advance. When the devil tells you one thing, the Spirit quickly pulls out the sword of the Word and says no, here is the Truth! Yet without the Word, you are just like a gladiator armored down with no sword, and it is only a matter of time that your adversary will wear you down and dominate over you because you don’t have a Word life.

There are believers, battling with all our might, without the weapon of God’s Word. Jesus is the Word (John 1:14) and the more Word you put it your heart, the more you become like him. The more you become like Him, the more you dominate, the more you walk in faith, the more you will advance this year!

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your mighty Word. Help me to be complete believer, where I not only can pray, fast and praise You, but I have the sword of the Spirit–Your Word. I ask for a great desire, a discipline and habit of reading and studying the Bible. Your Word is the key to moving forward and being who You have called me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Ephesians 6:13-17, Matthew 4:4-11, John 14:26

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV.

Don’t you know we serve a big God that will do anything for you? He is full of purpose for you. He is full of great plans for you. He is full of desire to use you, bless you and to give you what He has in store for your life.

The Message Bible says it this way: “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Therefore, be full of thanks and keep living for God. If you have any regrets, leave them behind. Don’t spend your time thinking on what could have been, what was supposed to happen, and the mistakes that have resulted in where you are now. It happened, but the Lord doesn’t change, and His plan for your life doesn’t either. Move forward into the resolve of God, Who has mighty plans for you and walk in joy unspeakable today!

Prayer: Father, this is the day that You have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. God You have mighty plans for me that can’t be stopped. You aren’t done with me yet! In spite of the past of my life, You have plans to use and bless me. Help me to leave any regrets I have behind. I put Your word before me. I will trust Your resolve for me and choose joy today! Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 118:24, Malachi 3:6, Romans 11:29, Philippians 3:13-14

“Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility” Proverbs 18:12, NKJV.

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8, NKJV.

Humility will always lead to obedience, and your obedience will always lead to honor. A heart of pride will ultimately dishonor and destroy you, yet humility will always cause you to receive from God the very thing you seek. As you become a humble man and trust God with your life, the christian walk, the honor, the increase, the fulfillment in your life will surely follow.

It takes a humble man to say “baby…you’re right”. It takes a humble man to say “You know what, I’ve been wrong”. Most of all, it takes a humble man to say I need God, and I submit to Your will.

For many of us, success in your christian walk in the new year will be determined by the level of humility you walk in. For some of us, God has been waiting to receive humility from you. Now He can lead you. Now you can hear Him speak. Now He can bless you. Now He can trust you with abundance. Your humility is going to be the defining factor for you. The lower you go, the higher He’s going to take you in the new year.

I prophesy if you decide to be a humble man, next year will be the best year of your life!

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your word. Help me to be a man of humility. I can’t do this on my own. You are God and I am not. Help me to live according to Who you are, and Who you have said You will be for me. Begin with humility and bless me with Your abundance for my life. Begin with humility and shape me into the man of honor You have called me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Proverbs 15:33 & 22:4; 1 Peter 5:6, Matthew 6:33, Philippians 2:8-9

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalm 1:2-3, NKJV

A tree cannot survive without water. But when planted by it, a tree will thrive and bear tremendous fruit. You are a tree of righteousness, and in these times, it is vital to plant yourself by the river of God’s Word. Do not underestimate its’ power. Within His Word, God has something to say to meet every need you have. It will also be a place to draw comfort, courage and faith.

God framed the world with it. Jesus fought with it. He healed with it. His Word has the power to keep us prospering. It doesn’t mean we won’t go through anything, but God’s Word will sustain you, counsel you and feed you through it.

Confession: God’s Word is powerful. I am a tree of righteousness and I will plant myself by the river of His Word. It flows with guidance and sustenance. It flows with strength. I will thrive in these times because I fill my heart with what He says. I fill my mind with how He says. I speak His Word only. His Word will provide counsel for every situation in my life. I will act on His Word and prosper!

Read: Isaiah 61:3

“Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side…” Psalm 118:5-6a, ESV.

Can I ask you a question. If God Himself was going through what you are experiencing, do you believe that He could get through it? You may say yes He would. Nothing’s too hard for God. He would obliterate it. He would make the right decision. He would handle it with no problem. He would definitely make it.

Why can’t you?

The One you believe would make it, is the same One that is on your side. You can make it too. It’s never just our situation or trial. It’s never just our marriage problem. It’s never only our fight of faith, or our journey in this life alone. It’s His. The Spirit of God is in you. Jesus said he is always with us, even in the valley. He helps us handle it like He would. The same grace that He has, He has given you and it is very sufficient. It is more than enough for not only strength, but for comfort and triumph.

Don’t stop believing. You can make it–and you will.

Prayer: Father, I really needed this. Sometimes things can get hard, but if You can get through it, I can too. If You can make it, I can too. I say in faith to You–You are on my side. Help me to handle what I’m going through just like You would. Give me the grace that I need, and through Christ, I will live for You and obey You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Jeremiah 32:27, John 14: 16-17, 2 Corinthians 12:9

“So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” Luke 11:2, NKJV.

Sometimes at points in our lives, we don’t know what to specifically ask for from God. Some things are happening in your life outside of your control that you truly don’t understand. You don’t know which way to turn or how to change. The decisions you make are crucial right now, especially in the new year, and it’s important to make the right ones.

One of the greatest, constant prayers that you can pray in those moments is for the Father’s will to be done in your life and to have Your way. You don’t know everything, but He does. He knows your current and future needs. He also knows how to turn your heart, into a heart like His.

Trust Him and pray that He have His way within you. Ask for God to have His way in your dating and in your marriage. Ask for God to have His way in your home. Ask God to have His way in those situations in which your hands are tied and only He can turn them around. Ask sincerely for the Father to have His way, and then, allow Him to.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for Jesus showing us how to pray. You are holy and there is none like You Father. I humble myself and sincerely ask for Your will to be done. You know every detail. You know every need. Have Your way in the earth. Fix me. Change me. Have your way in me, and may I yield and allow You to do it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Jeremiah 18:4-5, Psalm 143:10, James 1:5

“Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it” Jeremiah 1:12, Amplified.

You may be a man of your word and can make a strong commitment to do something, but there’s still a possibility something will come up. Stuff happens out of our control. The kids may need that “oh, we forgot daddy” something for school and you have to be late. You could drop your wallet. You could have a flat tire on the way. I mean all types of the unexpected could arise to prevent you from doing what you said.

But not God.

He is infallible, all-wise, holy, and just. Nothing will come up with God. Not one thing will stop Him from doing what He said in your life. Nothing will happen outside of His control because He’s always in control. He’s never late and always on time. When He says something, He watches over what He spoke to perform it. He is the only One that can and will always keep His word.

He is not surprised by where you are. He’s not losing it because there’s just too many people praying, and He can’t keep up. God isn’t sweating bullets, wondering can He make it to you on time. He’s not under any pressure. He loves His sons and He won’t let you down.

He is not a man that He should lie. He is unstoppable, and if He said, He will do it. He knows exactly what He is doing and you can joyfully trust Him!

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your ability to do what You said in my life. Nothing has come up and You are always in control. I will rejoice because You watch over Your word to perform it. I may not see it, but You are active in my life, and You will bless me with exactly what I have need of. Help me to always rejoice and joyfully put my trust in You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Numbers 23:19, Psalm 138:8, Jude 1:25

“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart” Psalm 32:11, NKJV.

“Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; And let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns’.” 1 Chronicles 16:31, NKJV.

Your daily life is to be seen as time spent not worrying, but assured and glad about your mighty God. He has made your day to live and rejoice in, not die (Psalm 118:17). The Lord being in your life is your greatest blessing. By Him, life is good, abundant and meant to be enjoyed. This should continually make you glad.

You will experience tribulation; however, make the grit decision to be of good cheer. Be determined to live the one life you’ve been given happy because the Lord reigns! Allow nothing to detour your gladness because the Lord reigns! Be whole and full of life, enjoying the good and progress in your life. Celebrate your victories. Celebrate where God has brought you from. Go deeper into your purpose–a purpose-filled day will make up a purpose-filled life. See what God is doing in your life as marvelous in your eyes.

Confession: I thank the Father for His awesome, unfailing word. I make a decision I’m living glad and I will rejoice! I’m glad God is on my side. I’m glad He upholds me and answers my prayers. If He said it, He’ll do it! I am glad He continually blesses me. I will rejoice and say among the nations that the Lord reigns!

Study: Psalm 118, 119:14; John 16:33

“Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am” Philippians 4:11, Amplified.

I have had times when I have felt like being somewhere in life that I am not at right now. I imagine myself at the destination and it feels so good, to the point that I want to desperately be there. I then find it causes me to forfeit my contentment today and the enjoyment of where God has me right now.

Learn to be content and enjoy where we are. As strange as it may sound, learn to enjoy the journey, as much as the destination. Even while God is working on you, be thankful and appreciate what He is doing in your life. Even while He is teaching you and changing your circumstance, see that you are getting better, stronger and wiser. You may not be where you want to be, but if you consider your life for a moment, you aren’t where you use to be.

Abide in God and He will keep you living in the present, and remind you of the joy of where you are. There are breaths to take right now. There is life to live right now. There are people to reach and love right now. There are blessings all around you, and when you have a content heart, if you didn’t take another step, God shows you He’s blessed your life far more than you realize.

Prayer: Father, it’s good to desire to go farther in life for You, but let me not forfeit my joy of where I am today. Thank You for how much You’ve blessed me. You’ve turned me around and I won’t forget it. Even while You are working on me, remind me of the joy of where I am. Help me abide satisfied in You, trusting You. I will be content. Help me stay present, and enjoy living now. Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: 2 Corinthians 4:17

“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure” Isaiah 46:10, NKJV.

No matter what you are going through, keep in mind the outcome. God wants our focus to be on what He said our end will be. Many times I have felt pressure all around me, yet the one thing that has kept me was faith that victory will be on the other side.

God is going to bring you through it. You may not understand why. You may not understand how will He do it. It may look bleak or it may look like it won’t ever change. Yet, know that the Lord’s outcome will prevail. In the midst of your challenges, your faith can only stand, your joy can only rise, your praise can only be voiced when you stop and consider what the Lord has said He is going to do on your behalf.

This will steer you away from worry and keep you moving forward. This will bring you peace, contentment and triumph within. This will encourage you, in spite of what you see, to keep doing what He has instructed you to do because the outcome is in His hands, not man’s. Keep obeying Him. Keep letting the Holy Spirit lead and guide you, even with what you are mindful of. Your outcome will be victory!

Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding me to remember the outcome that You have said. You are a good God. Your Word is perfect and sure. I can count on You at all points in my life. Help me to be vigilant about not worrying. I will set my mind on Your outcome. Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 16:8, 18:30; Romans 15:13

“The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man’s precious possession.” Proverbs 12:27, NKJV

Laziness can come at any point while we are pursuing God’s will for our lives, even when it’s time to prepare, and when it’s time to seize what is before us. There are seasons that we enter into that call for our utmost diligence in order to seize the moment and seize the doors that God has opened. You have the opened door, you have the opportunity, you have the favor, you have the support, yet you also have to remain diligent to walk through them. Your diligence will determine whether you eat of what God has set before you.

This is why God calls your diligence your precious possession. It will help you eat of what you have pursued, what you have waited so long for, what you have worked so hard for, what you have endured and believed God for. Now it is before you. It’s time to prepare what God has blessed you with and enter into what He has for your life.

You are so close. Be refreshed in Jesus’ name. Give laziness no place. Continue to use your precious possession of diligence and seize your season.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word today. You have placed everything I need before me. Help me to not let up now. I come against laziness in the name of Jesus! Refresh me Father. I ask for strength by Your Spirit and stir up my diligence in this moment in my life. Thank You for the grace to seize my season. Glory to God! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Read: Proverbs 13:4, Galatians 6:9, Hebrews 6:10-12

“For your servant’s sake, O Lord, and according to your own heart, you have done all this greatness, in making known all these great things. There is none like you, O Lord, and there is no God besides you…” 1 Chronicles 17:19-20, NKJV.

When I think about the Father and all that He has done. When I think about how Jesus was given for us to redeem us from sin. As I see all the ways He has made out of no way and His mighty works, I cannot help but to thank Him and conclude that there’s no one like Him!

Consider all He has done for you–and still is. He works beyond what you can see. He daily blesses you, loading you with His promises. He always takes the bad and makes good from it. He delivered, and even when you didn’t want to be, the Father still watched over you. He still brought you through it and restored you as if you didn’t experience it at all.

When you, and even others, thought you couldn’t change, God made you a better man. You are a changed man through Christ. Only God could have done it, and only He can do what is being done in your life right now. He is a big God with big plans for you. You may not see how, but He is going to bring it to pass.

Remain thankful, excited and at peace that He is a mighty God and there is none like Him!

Prayer: Thank You Father. All I can do is shake my head when I think about what you have done, and what you are about to do in my life. How could I have come this far except by the wonders of Your mighty hand. Only You God could have done it! Have your way in me Father, and if anyone can bring it to pass, you can because there is no one like You! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Psalm 103

“Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” Isaiah 40:30-31, NKJV.

You weren’t meant to be stopped. You were meant to be unstoppable. You are an eagle, soaring too fast and too high to be denied your calling. The enemy and his devices cannot dwell where you are. You overcome evil with good. You are too positive to be negative. You are too humble to give room to pride. You forgive too quickly to be offended. You repent too quickly to be ashamed and condemned. You have too much favor to be refused. You have too much joy to lack strength. You have too much God to be stopped. You trust He will move for you, as you move for Him.

Yet, when you feel faint and weary, when you feel discouraged, don’t run away from God, run to Him and wait on Him. When you wait on the Lord, you are setting your hope and expectation in Him and in His Word.

Think on His Word and wait on Him. Pour out your heart to Him and wait on Him. Go to Him with your struggles as a man and wait on Him. Stay where you are, and wait on Him to direct your path. He will bless you, renew you and prove that you are in Christ, a new creature in Him and you truly can’t be stopped.

Prayer: Father, thank You for making me unstoppable! I was meant to mount up with wings as an eagle, and I won’t believe otherwise. I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me! I will wait on You. I will expect of You because You will come through. You will help me. You will bless me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Philippians 4:13, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 John 4:4

“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” John 7:37-38, NKJV.

We prophesy that rivers of living water from God begin flow throughout your life today. We declare that living water begins to flow out of you that you can’t even understand. The life of God won’t be something you have to try and manufacture, but will flow out of you effortlessly. You just come to Jesus, and joy, peace and self-control begin to flow in your life effortlessly. As you come to Jesus, he gives you living water. The Lord is having free course in you. Jesus, the Hope of Glory has redeemed you and he is giving you the grace to walk in a high place.

We declare over you that living water begins to pour in every dry place in your marriage. These rivers begin to flow in your relationship with your children. We pray that living water flow into your home. We declare no more dry seasons in your life! Even when you find yourself in the valley, you will experience the waters of God that flow and bring you new life and refresh you. The Holy Spirit is causing living waters to flow out of you and into a dry world all around you. Now we declare you experience living waters begin to bless your life!

Study: John 4:7-14 & 14:16-17; Galatians 5:22-23

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31, NKJV

Who can be against us and prevail? Who can be against us and win against the One Who stands with us? Nobody. No one can defeat the One that you have taken sides with; and He, the Almighty God, has sided with you. He is committed to making sure you win. His mercy has sided with you. His grace has sided with you. His power has sided with you.

Know that Lord is not only with you to defend you, but to assist you with whatever you need in the midst of your enemies, in the midst of your opposition. Whether you need protection, justification, grace, favor, or courage, stay in faith and you will see God move right before your very eyes. Regardless of how it appears, you will see God triumph and bless you right before your very eyes. Keep going after what He has for you. It is your time, it is your season and all you need to know is that the Lord is on your side!

Prayer: Thank You Lord that You are on my side! You favor me and You will bless me. I rebuke fear and distress. You will make sure that I come out on top. Help me to continue to trust You and give me courage. You are on my side! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read: Romans 8:31-37

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles” Psalm 34:15 & 17, NIV.

Late in the middle of the night, I heard our son cough. I was sleeping good and I didn’t feel like getting out of bed at all. Yet when I heard our son, it did something to me. When I heard him coughing, I could care less about my tiredness, my feelings and comfort. My son was in need. Sure enough, I went into his room and he had no blanket over him. I move him on his pillow, and put the blanket real snug over him. He then woke up a little, smiled, and went back to sleep.

You have a Father that watches over you and hears your prayers. He has heard you, even in a night moment in your life. His eyes are constantly on you and as soon as you gave voice to your situation, as soon as said you really need Him to come through, as soon as He heard you, He began to move.

Continue to trust Him, and don’t be moved by what your feelings or what you see. His answer, His victory, His blessing, a helping hand is coming. God does some of His greatest works during the night. Hallelujah!

Prayer: Father, thank You that as soon as I prayed, You heard me. You really do care about what I am going through. Strengthen me Father and full me with great joy and peace. I believe You are moving on my behalf. You do some of Your greatest works in the night. I receive any direction You give me right now. I praise You in advance. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: 1 John 5:14-15, Acts 16:25-26

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” Matthew 11:28-30, NKJV.

If you hang around a millionaire, it won’t be long before you become one. They will mold you and teach you all of the disciplines and secrets to obtaining wealth. You will even learn intangibles by observing them, by hanging around them in meetings and just by merely being in their presence.

When you decide to be meek and learn from God’s Word, you are deciding to walk with Him. When you decide to pray, ask questions and hear what He has to say about your life, you are walking with Him. You are deciding to come and learn life from the best–Jesus Christ–and the Master will teach you how to handle what is before you, walk by faith and live victorious. You will find a mighty rest for your soul. He will mold you into the man God called you to be. No one can change you like the Lord.

Whatever you may face, let nothing detour you from learning from the Lord. He will walk you right through it. You will always arrive at His will, His strength, and His blessings for you.

Prayer: Father, You are God and Creator of all things. You are King, You are love, You are strength, You are wisdom and You are peace. You are all that I need. My desire is to walk and learn from You. Teach me many things today Lord. Disciple me and change me into being more like You. No matter what I face, You will walk with me through it, right into Your victory and blessings for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 25:13-15

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” Luke 6:46, NKJV.

Sometimes, it can be tough for a man to let Jesus have control, but you are going to have to. You may not like what He says, you may not feel like doing what he says, but if he’s Lord, you should do it.

If he’s Lord, then let him be. He’s giving a lot of direction right now to us, telling many of us how to get things right in our lives, how to handle our circumstance, and what to do at this very moment in order to overcome. Yet, hearing the things that he says, but not doing them is like building house after house, area after area in our lives, with no foundation but wonder why we keep falling.

It feels good to be lord. It feels good to call the shots, but your wisdom isn’t deep enough to stand in the flood and you’re not powerful enough to speak peace when the storm comes. He’s Lord because everything bows down to the words he says, and when you should choose to also, you can overcome anything and you are blessed in everything you do. If you really want to see a mighty change in your life, make the transition from only saying he’s Lord, to truly letting him be Lord in your life.

Prayer: Father, thank You for telling me the truth. Show me Jesus anything or any area that I’ve just been calling you Lord, but I’m really not doing the things you say to do. From my marriage to my money, you are Lord. It’s tough, but help me to humble down and let you have control of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Study: Luke 6:46-49, James 2:22-25

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous…” 1 John 5,3 KJV.

Our son got home from school and shortly after it was time to do his homework assigned that his teacher gave him. As I was in the kitchen, all of sudden he had a moment of discouragement, anger, confused and frustration all expressed at one time. He yelled, “I can’t do this! This is too hard!” I went over to him and said, “Your teacher wouldn’t have given it to you if you couldn’t do it.”

Then, I said let me sit down and help you. First, he wanted to know where is the mouse, I don’t see it. Yet, Those weren’t the instructions. The instructions said find the picture that rhymes with the word mouse, not to find a picture of one. Success is in the details.

Is there anything, being married, any assignment, any mountain, any challenge, before that you are so frustrated with and saying this is just too hard. Are you going through something that you feel that you can’t bear? God is good and He wouldn’t have given you the assignment if He knew you couldn’t do it. His will isn’t grievous either. He will never allow anything above what you are able to bear, and there is nothing before you in your life that you can’t handle.

The question is are you doing what He says, and have you leaned on the Holy Spirit for help? How did God say is best to handle the circumstance? Are you doing it the way God said to do it? Did He say do it now? Did He say do it with them? Whatever you are wanting to succeed at, remember success is in the details.

Pray out the details if you need them and the Father will sit down beside you and provide exactly what you need. That’s what He’s here for.

Prayer: Father, thank You for clarity. God, this assignment, situation, this mountain feels so hard and I am getting discouraged. Yet, Your commandments are not grievous. Therefore, I turn to You. Holy Spirit I lean on you for help. Step by step, I thank You for helping me do what You are telling me to do and Your success in my life. Success is in the details. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Proverbs 8:35, Philippians 4:13, 1 Corinthians 10:13

“Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, ‘The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” Luke 17:20-21, NKJV.

The Pharisees were looking afar off for God’s kingdom to come. They looked outward, instead of inward. They were looking for what they thought their king should be, yet their King was actually already in their midst.

Everything you need is in God’s Kingdom and Jesus is not far off. Everything you need, from the power to do right, to the way to prosper is already in your midst–close and accessible. Many times we are looking afar off for the kingdom, when Jesus says the kingdom is already in you!

I understand how frustrating it can be when you are wondering what God has for your life. You could be looking far off for it, when the answer is in your midst. What is already in your hands, what gifts have you been given–that is your answer. It has been in your midst the entire time, and that is what God wants to use to expand and impact His kingdom. That is what God wants you to use to bless you and others.

Prayer: Father, nothing You have for me is far off. It is near. The kingdom is me. Jesus lives in me. Everything You have for me is already here. Show me the things You freely given us. Show me the gifts in my midst that will help me provide for my family and bless others. I thank You and ask that You be glorified in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: John 1:12, Matthew 6:33, Romans 14:17

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” Luke 6:45, NKJV.

We truly have what we say, and out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Your heart is full of something, and whatever you fill your heart with, that is what you will find yourself, intentionally or unintentionally, talking about. If you find yourself complaining, saying you will always be struggling with this or that in your life, or giving voice to what you can’t do, then that is what your heart is full of, and that is what you believe.

Begin filling your heart in abundance with what God says. He says He has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). He says He’ll supply all your need (Philippians 4:19). He says He will always cause you to triumph in Christ and no enemy will triumph over you (2 Corinthians 2:14).

When the issues and affairs of life arise, your abundance of what God says will come right out of you. When fear says you can’t do it, God’s word will rise and respond within, yes you can, because He’s with you! God’s word will turn your heart into a believing machine, your speech will change and what you produce in your life will change too.

Prayer: Thank You Father for Your word, which You have supplied in abundance to us. As a man, I know how to eat physically in abundance; however, help me to learn to eat spiritually in abundance too and get filled with the good treasure of Your word. Bring forth good things in my life. When I feel like saying the wrong thing, help me Holy Spirit and remind me of Your word. Overhaul anything evil in my heart and change what I speak and what I believe. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: 2 Corinthians 4:13, Proverbs 18:21, Isaiah 59:19

“Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him” Acts 28:30-31, NKJV.

“And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come” Luke 19:13, NKJV.

Even while under house arrest, the Apostle Paul advanced the kingdom from right where he was. He wrote several of the New Testament letters that impacted the church in his time and is still changing lives today. You can advance God’s kingdom right where you are.

If you are at your job, advance His kingdom. If you have a small business, advance His kingdom. With the family and friends you have, advance the kingdom. The kingdom of God is in you (Luke 17:21), and wherever you are planted, let the kingdom grow.

It doesn’t take much for God to begin changing someone’s life. He is only looking for someone that will step out and believe He will bless whatever He directs you to do. Whatever idea, small gesture, encouraging word, or something that you give, you are pressing to help others know Christ and come to experience the love of the Father. It didn’t take David but a small stone to slay Goliath (1 Samuel 17:49). Take your stone, take what you have been given by God, and use it to the glory of God–right where you are.

Prayer: Father, advance Your kingdom right where I am. I desire for others to know You like I know You. Use me today. Help me to use what you have given me and advance Your kingdom. Lead me Holy Spirit I will not limit You and I will be used to change lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Luke 17:21

“Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God’s holy people) in the Light.” Colossians 1:12 (Amplified)

There is a rich inheritance that awaits you in eternity and a rich inheritance that is to be enjoyed right here on earth through Christ. You have been made fit and qualified to enjoy a blessed life and to be a great blessing! Go from being a spectator to being a partaker of your inheritance. Go from simply believing to receiving. You may feel unworthy, but Jesus made you worthy! Because you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, great grace and favor rests upon your life, you have miraculous power and authority, supernatural peace, healing, deliverance, sound wisdom and knowledge from God, the grace to thrive during lean times, and the ability to love the way God loves! This is your inheritance in Christ! Receive it by faith and walk in everything God has provided for you through Christ!

Prayer: Father, I thank You for giving me such a rich inheritance, both here and in eternity. Thank You for making me fit to receive it and walk in it. I receive by faith all that You have provided for me and I declare I walk in it now! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” Romans 12:1, NKJV.

It’s our reasonable service to daily present our lives holy to God and to worship Him with our lives. After considering what Jesus has done for you and the price he paid for all of your sins, as you consider the truth that he shed his blood for you, once and for all, as you understand that God’s commandments are not grievous (burdensome, heavy and weighty) and all the blessings that He has in store for your life, it is more than fair.

Like receiving the best deal for a purchase, the best thing that can ever happen in your life is when you are a living sacrifice–reflecting what you were purchased for. Let your life humbly be not your own today. As His Holy Spirit moves on your heart to make certain decisions, you make them. When He wants to use you to make disciples and do good to others, you let Him. As you give all that you have to Him, you will find there is no losing in God, and even as a sacrifice, you receive more life, living an abundant one. You flourish. You dominate. You receive grace and you walk in victory.

Whatever He wants to do in and through you, be encouraged to be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto your Maker as your reasonable service.

Prayer: Father, the word sacrifice alone sounds like I am about to die, or give up everything. Remind me that I will actually live abundantly. Remind me Your desire is to see this man have victory. To not have to physically pay the price required that Jesus paid for me, a living sacrifice is my reasonable service. It’s fair to completely live for You. My life is hid now in Christ and I humbly ask that You help me to trust and obey You today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Study: 1 John 5:3, Luke 17:33, 18:26-30; Romans 5:8

“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 22:39, KJV

Two things Jesus did: He hung around His Father God and He hung around people. He spent time with God and He spent time with people. When you hang around God, He can affect you. When you hang around people, you can affect them. The same God that affected you, that influenced you, impacted your life, your plans and direction, will be the same God that affects those around you.

This is the love of God.

Take time and hang around some young guys that could use godly wisdom. They will appreciate the love. Go to lunch with your co-worker and be a friend. Open your life and make room for others. God wants to bless you and use you to bless others.

Confession: I hang around God and He speaks to me. I hang around God and I am flooded with encouragement that I can do it. I hang around God and He empowers me. I have seen God change my life. I will hang around people and allow God to change theirs. I will spend time with people and watch God encourage them. People are the heartbeat of God and I decide to make them mine.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You” Isaiah 26:3, NKJV.

We all have minds and they are going to be on something. If we are worrying, doubtful, anxious, stressed out, and fearful, our trust is in something or someone else other than God. We are relying on another source other than God for help.

If your mind is on Him, that means you are trusting Him. Things may come to try to get our minds to wander away, but keep it on the Father. Trust Him to be your way-maker, your help, your strength, your Provider, and your delight. Keep your mind on hearing and obeying Him, trusting that everything will fall in place when you do. Keep your mind on spending time with God, trusting that He will give you what you need for your day. Set your heart on taking care of His business because He will faithfully handle yours.

Seek God above everything else, trusting you will lack nothing, including joy and His strong, steadfast peace. You will notice that He will supply a perfect peace of mind and heart when it is on Him.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the joy of Your word. I say what You say: You will keep me in perfect peace when my mind is on You. Instead of the need, help me to keep my mind on the One that will meet the need. Help me not to wander to a place of anxiety and fear in my mind. Help me to trust You. I set blinders on my mind right now and I receive the grace to keep it on You. I have all I need in Christ and I thank You for perfect peace! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Romans 8:6, Philippians 4:6-8

“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” Luke 10:42, NKJV.

“Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord” Lamentations 3:40, NKJV.

On many technology devices there is a reset button, that when pressed, restores the device to it’s original factory setting.

There are times in our lives where we can get so far from God’s original plan. For whatever reason, we have added onto our lives different assignments, relationships, and tasks that are good, but not God. For whatever reason, we made some mistakes or wrong turns, and we wonder how do we get back to where we should be. We’ve complicated our life, with what God never intended to be in our life.

When life gets to be overwhelming, complicated, and frustrating, we know it’s time to press reset. Let God restore you to your original place in Him. Return to the simplicity of your walk with Jesus Christ. Let Him reestablish, resettle and reconfirm you. As we come to the close of the year, let God reset you.

Prayer: Father God, my life has gotten away from Your original plan. I’ve added projects, relationships, tasks to complete, and all this stuff to my life that You never told me to add. Forgive me. Your grace is in Your plan and I know when I stay with your plan there’s grace and peace. Bring me back to my original state and place in You. Reset me Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Study: Luke 10:40-42, Jeremiah 24:7, Ephesians 5:17, Revelation 2:1-4

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report” Hebrews 11:1-2, NKJV.

Walking in the power of your faith is like going to the grocery store and buying everything your wife asks for on her shopping list. You return home with all of your grocery bags and your wife asks, “Did you get the eggs?” “Yes”, you respond. She then says, “I don’t see them.” You next response is, “Yes I did. Here are the eggs right here on the receipt. See, I purchased them”. You then recall leaving them at the register, so you drive back, show the cashier your receipt for the purchase and take them back home. God’s word is the receipt of what has already been purchased through Jesus Christ.

Realize the power of your faith. It is so powerful because it brings substance to what you are hoping for, what we have been freely given and that God will keep His promises. By faith you can go to God’s word, and believe on what He says.

You will have what He said, even restoration. Just as we have faith in what a receipt says as evidence of what is ours, do the same with God’s word and stand in the power of your faith today!

Prayer: Father, I come to You today thanking You for every promise You have made. I thank You for every ounce of wisdom You offer and the success that comes with following it. Help me stand more and more in the power of my faith. I have the receipt of Your word and Jesus paid for it all. Create in me a greater hunger and joy about Your word. Thank You for walking in the power of my faith! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Hebrews 11:1-6, Numbers 23:19-20, Mark 11:23, 2 Corinthians 4:13

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” Psalm 100:4, NKJV.

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” 1 Thessalonians 5:18, NKJV.

Before you ask for anything from God this morning, give Him thanks and praise. Praise Him on behalf of your family. Praise Him with conviction, power and faith. Praise Him with tenacity and passion. Praise Him for His holiness, righteousness and unending grace.

Thank Him for being your Savior and Deliverer. Thank Him for removing the chains of sin off of you. Thank Him for being there when no one else was. Thank Him for the victories. Even thank Him for the trials–He worked them for your good. When you praise and thank Him, it will bring into focus how small your situation is for such a big God.

What You praise God for is what you will experience.

Prayer: Father God, You are good and I praise You with a shout-Hallelujah! Thank You Jesus for saving me. I will give You strong praise even now. You are holy, merciful, loving and faithful! You are God alone and there is none other beside You. I have great joy and courage because of You. I praise You for being my Provider and Strength! In everything and for everything, I thank You. Thank You for all that I have, and for all You have done for me! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Psalm 148:14, Romans 5:1, Colossians 3:15, Hebrews 4:16

“Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that He have mercy upon us” Psalm 123:2, NKJV.

This is the heart of a servant and a maid. They know who their source is and they look to them. Also, with their eyes fixed, they wait in silence, giving full attention until their master or mistress’s will is made known.

This should be the heart of a son of God. In these times, look only to God and His will for you and your family. When and after you pray, expect Him to speak and reveal His will to you. With a fixed heart, as you continue to serve God, silence all the questions, the anxiety, and the going back and forth to figure out what to do. Quiet your soul and look to God to provide. Look to God to show His power, His goodness, His favor, and His direction to you. He said He will be your only Source, so allow Him to be. It’s His way or no way. It’s His blessing or none at all. Your quietness and confidence will be a strength to you.

Prayer: Father, I am a son of the King, yet, my heart is as a servant. I stand in silence and attentive, awaiting Your command, awaiting Your will to be made known, awaiting Your provision. There is no alternative and I have nowhere else to go. I say I have no options. I will look to You only, and I know You will show Your favor, Your goodness, and Your direction. I will not be moved by the evil doer. My eyes are fixed, waiting on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Isaiah 30:15, Lamentations 3:26

“Therefore know [without any doubt] and understand that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who is keeping His covenant and His [steadfast] loving-kindness to a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments” Deuteronomy 7:9, Amplified.

In these times, it is important to be thankful in knowing the character of God. He is good. He is merciful. He is love. He keeps His word. He chastises those that He loves, as a father does his son. He never disappoints us.

He is wise. He is patient. He is unchanging. You do not have to struggle or wrestle with thoughts contrary to God’s character. If His word is settled in heaven, it is settled about you. If He said it, no matter how it appears, He will do it. God is not shady. What you read about God in scripture is Who He is. If He said He is for you, He is truly for you my brother.

Whatever point you stand in your life today, be thankful in knowing God’s character!

Confession: Father, I am thankful I know the character of my God. I am thankful God will not change on me. He tells me what He will do and He does it. My faith is strong. My believing endures because I know God’s character. I know He is holy, good and righteous. I know He is faithful. Anything contrary to His character is not from Him at all. I will rejoice because I serve a God with character that keeps His promises.

Study: 2 Timothy 2:13, Hebrews 13:8, Psalm 100:5

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” James 1:17, NKJV.

Respect means to esteem, or consider someone or something of high regard. Everything you have you have been blessed with. We show a high regard to God and our blessings from Him by treating them right. From your home to your spouse, respect your blessings. If your house is junky, clean it. If your car looks a mess, wash it. If your wife has hurt you, forgive her as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.

Spend some time laughing with your children. If your friends have not heard from you in a while, call them as God places them on your heart. Reverence God by esteeming those that are a blessing in your life. The truth is we don’t have to have these good gifts from God. Yet, you are humbled, knowing where they come from. Thankful for what you have.

This very simple principle applied will yield awesome fruit in your life and others.

Confession: I will not allow circumstances to distract me from respecting, from highly regarding, all that God has done for me. Those in my life, they actually give life to me. They bless me. My wife and children are a blessing to me. My vehicle is a blessing to me. My friends and family are here to be a blessing to me. I will show someone they are appreciated today. I will respect and honor God by respecting my blessings.

Study: Ephesians 5:20, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Proverbs 22:9, Colossians 3:17

“Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29, NKJV.

A rock in our lives can be something in our way and it seems we can’t get past it. If you have a rock in your life, don’t use your hammer. Use God’s! It is much more effective. Just the habit of picking up our own hammer, instead of God’s, can be a rock in itself. Just the habit of having faith in our own strength, instead of God’s, can be a rock in itself.

These times call for making this transition of using His word, not our own method, to overcome. The Word of God can handle it. It can break that rock in pieces. Use God’s hammer on any stony, hard places, or obstacles in your life. Apply His Word and watch God break it for you.

Confession: We truly do live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. I do not have any obstacle in my life the Word of God cannot handle. I lay down my hammer and pick up God’s. I break the rock right now. Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world. There is nothing too hard for God! I break it right now! The Word is like a hammer and shatters all rocks in my way. Glory to God!

Study: Psalm 119:11 & 18, Matthew 4:4, John 17:17, 6:63; 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12

“He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy” Matthew 26:42-43, NKJV.

Do you understand the magnitude of where you are right now in your life? Do you realize what is ahead of you? Jesus did, and he prayed. If you did, you would pray too.

Purpose promotes prayer. Awareness promotes prayer. Love promotes prayer. If there wasn’t a time to be praying for God’s will to be done in you, for His Spirit to be a consuming fire in you, it’s now in your life. Pray for the strength to resist the devil that wants you to be asleep during this mighty hour for you.

Yet, as you are awake and pray, you’ll see that the same Jesus that conquered over the flesh and the cross, is in you and with you, and he won’t let you down. Just as he didn’t at first want to do the hardest thing he had to do, and didn’t feel like doing God’s will, but he did it through the power of prayer, so will Jesus help you do the Father’s will also.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for opening my eyes to the magnitude of where I am in my life, and the need for me to pray. Jesus you conquered over your flesh, and I ask you to help me conquer over mine. You empowered Jesus to do Your will and I ask that You empower me. Your grace is enough and I receive it by faith to follow Jesus. In your name I pray, Amen.

Study: Matthew 26:36-43, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” Ephesians 4:32, ESV.

Sometimes we put certain expectations, whether unrealistic or not, on those close to us, especially our spouse. When they don’t do something, or they fall short of that expectation, we become upset or deeply hurt. Yet remember, your spouse is not you. Your spouse is growing, just like you. Your spouse is fallible, just like you. Your spouse is not God, just like you are not.

They may fall short; however, it is our responsibility to forgive and move forward. Anytime we don’t forgive and hold a grudge, we act as if we are God, sitting in the judgement seat that He alone is qualified to sit in. Only He is holy and worthy to decide whether someone should be forgiven. Yet, God is rich in mercy, backed by His love, toward all of us, and He requires that we love enough to extend the same mercy to one another.

Prayer: Father, You know what, I’ve been holding certain expectations on my spouse that I shouldn’t. I realize You are God and I am not, even when it comes to forgiveness. Help me to show the same mercy You show me and forgive my spouse. She’s growing just like I am. Allow Your love and freedom to continually flow in our marriage because we walk in forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Matthew 6:14-15, Mark 11:25, Romans 12:19-21

“For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior” Ephesians 5:23, ESV.

The more I get into God’s will, the more my family does too. The more I get in my place, the more I see my wife get into her place and the more blessings she receives into her life. The more I get in my place, the more blessings my children are experiencing in their life.

As husband and father, the man is the head of the home, and the head of the man is Christ. The more submitted you are to Christ, the more of him you will experience in your home. As you get in your place by loving your wife as Jesus would, you’ll see her submit easier to you, as well as your submission to each other. When we’re true fathers, our children will divinely listen to us and have no problem following us.

A man that decides to stay strong in God, will see his family divinely stay strong. When you have faith, the Lord will cause your family to have faith too. God has given such power and authority to us as men, we can bring joy and peace after work and change the mood of everyone in the house.

When we as men take our place, the devil gets in place–which is under our feet! When the man lines up, everything, and I mean everything will fall in place, and the more of God and more blessings your family will experience in their lives–far beyond monetary.

Prayer: Father, I thank You today. Help me to take my place and submit to Christ. As I do that, I trust You that You will cause everything to divinely fall in place as I take my rightful place in You. Use me to minister love and strength to my family. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Ephesians 5:23-29, 1 Timothy 5:8, Proverbs 22:6

“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.” John 11:5, NKJV.

“Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ ” John 11:21-23, NKJV.

Jesus was on his way to raise Lazarus from the dead, but he decided to spend two more days where He was, and it appeared to be a delay in his coming. However, they witnessed the power of Jesus, who in four days still raised Lazarus from the dead. This was beyond the three days Jews believed a man’s spirit remained near their body. They had an even greater testimony of what Jesus could do. What seemed as a delay, turned out to be their miracle.

I’m learning more and more to not lose hope because of a delay. It’s wise to rejoice and thank God for delays. In my own life, we had been looking for a house. We found one and put in our bid. It was accepted, and everything with our buying experience was going smooth and according to plan. However, the lender we were working with came back and told us they needed us to do more things regarding my credit. We weren’t ready to buy as what we were first told and it was disappointing. Yet, we agreed God must have something better, and what God has for us, is for us.

We took a little more to work on my credit, and we found that the very same house was still on the market. This time, we were able to get a lower interest rate and all the closing costs paid. Glory to God!!

Whatever it may be in your life that you desire, don’t fret over a delay. What God has for you, know that it is for you. Don’t get discouraged if what God told you doesn’t happen when you think it should, or when you want it to. You may want to go ahead and obtain it, but always receive godly counsel, even if it appears it will delay what you really desire. Your blessing could be your delay in disguise, and your delay could be your miracle!

Prayer: Father, I praise You and I thank You for all my delays. Help me not to be in a hurry. I want what Your best. What You have for me, is for me. Lead me Holy Spirit and may I receive all the godly counsel You send me. Help me to respond right to any delays, because it may very well be my blessing in disguise. My delay could be Your protection and my miracle. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: John 11:1-44

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” Galatians 5:6, NKJV.

“He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” 1 John 4:8, NKJV.

When my son has any kind of need, the most important thing I want him to know is how much I love him. Because of this truth, my son believes there is nothing he can’t come to me for, talk to me about, or get wisdom and help for.

This unconditional love I have for him came from God and this is how He loves His sons. The most important thing He wants us to know is that, no matter what you’ve done or didn’t do, He loves you. He IS love, and there is nothing your heavenly Father won’t do for you.

There is nothing you can’t talk to Him about, ask for grace and mercy for, it doesn’t matter the dilemma, it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve messed up, whether you are on the mountain top or the valley, it doesn’t matter what you’re going through, your faith can rest in Him because your Father loves you.

Prayer: Father, thank You for speaking to me. There is nothing you won’t do for your son. Nothing. Help me to receive the revelation to core of me that You are love and You love me. I sincerely ask for that, and I thank You in advance for it causing a revolution in my life to where I exercise my faith, obey and believe You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: John 3:16, Matthew 18:19, 21:22

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalm 34:8, NKJV.

In Atlanta, Georgia, one of the major highways is 285. It is literally a massive circle around the city, which can lead you to anywhere you need to go. Yet, if you don’t get off 285, you will eventually end up right back where you started.

True fulfillment and happiness isn’t found where it may appear to be. It may seem for a man as if it’s found in riches, women, a position of prestige, but eventually, you find like 285 you are right back where you started–unfulfilled and unhappy. Even as a godly man, if you’re not careful, you can find yourself going around in this same circle in one area or another. It can be frustrating to want something to work, that wasn’t ever meant to be.

True happiness is not meant to be found in creation, but in the Creator. It is found in knowing Christ. The Bible says blessed, or “How happy!”, is the man that has decided to hear what the Lord has to say, abide by it, and then, discovers that He really is that good! He really will give you the desires of your heart when you delight in Him. Taste and see that He will cause you to arrive at His destination for your life, and will also help you be truly happy with yourself.

Prayer: Father, I turn to You. How happy I am when I put my trust in You! Show me Jesus what I have in you. Help me to believe that Your ways will make me happy. Help me to have faith that you really are good. You have the sure blueprint to happiness. Have Your way in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Psalm 23:6, 118:1, 139:14: 1 Timothy 6:17

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” John 8:36, NKJV.

Make this confession with me this morning: “I am free! I’m not bound by my past. I have no limitations. Jesus has paid the price for all my sins and I live forgiven. I have the mind of Christ. I am free to love God and gladly seek Him. I am free to understand and retain His Word. Depression is bound and His joy flows freely in me. My ambition is free. My confidence is free. My faith is free. I can do all things by the strength He provides. I am free to live. The devil is under my feet like he should. I am worthy. I am encouraged. I am more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me. I am free to prosper. I am a new man. I am free to be blessed and a great blessing. Wealth freely comes to me. Favor freely comes to me from all directions. More and more grace is abounding freely toward me. I am healed. I am free to walk in my purpose and make disciples. I am free to do what He has called me to do. I am free to work hard like I should. I am free to play hard like I should. I am free to share Jesus. I am free to trust God and follow Christ. I am strong to obey God. I am free to win. Thank You Lord for making me free!”

Study: Romans 8:37-39

“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” 2 Timothy 2:3-4, NKJV.

Make it your goal to please God. Make it your sole aim to give Him your best and focus on your assignment. Nothing else matters more. Therefore, don’t get entangled with the affairs of this life that have nothing to do with what you are aiming for. Don’t allow minor things to move you from walking in joy and faith. A hardness that we have to endure is simply keeping our goal, our pursuit, to please God in everything we do.

As you aim your heart at pleasing God, He will point you toward those God-inspired goals, and by the Holy Spirit, help you achieve them. You will say God is surely with me, aiding me to please Him.

Confession: I thank You Father for being my aim right now. I set my heart and mind to please You. I am a good soldier. I can be all that You have called me to be. I will put my trust in You and serve You with conviction. I praise God for helping me hit every target in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read: Psalm 35:27

“…He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks what it natural to him, for he is a liar and the father of lies and half-truths” John 8:44, Amplified Version.

Don’t let the devil tell you what you can’t do, what you can’t overcome, and what you can’t accomplish for God. Don’t let the devil tell you what God will and won’t do. The devil is a liar and there is no truth found in him.

The devil will always focus on the facts, a half-truths, because he is incapable of telling you the whole truth. He wants us each day, in any given situation, to not hope in God. Yes, the fact is you may have messed up. Yet, the whole truth is that God has made a way and is going to bless you in spite of your mess up. Yes, you may have encountered a setback, yet the whole truth is God is at work and will provide you with the greatest comeback of your life. Yes, you may have record, but you are going to see God bless you in spite of your record. You may even not love the Lord like you should, but God is able to work in you the will and to do His good pleasure, even at this very moment (Philippians 2:13).

The whole truth is because of Jesus Christ, there is always hope. There’s always a blessing. It’s never over.

So the next time the devil to tells you what your end will be, ask him is that whole truth—I guarantee he won’t answer you.

Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding me of Who I belong to and Who’s hands my life is in. The devil is a liar! I speak against every thought telling me what I can’t do. My life’s destination is determined by You God and I will trust You. I already have the victory. I will not live according to facts, but according to the whole and final truth of Your Word. I receive what You say about me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” 1 Corinthians 10:13, KJV.

I’ve heard it thousands of times, but it is true that with God, there’s always a way. Trials and temptation may come as you press forward, yet with God, just as the temptation or trial exists, there is always a way of escape that exists also, and nothing is too overpowering to keep you from it. His grace abound much more toward us. The Lord saves, and besides the Lord, there is no Savior. As we submit to His wisdom, He provides the way to life and favor already prepared for us.

Ultimately, the daily challenges we encounter are to prevent the bigger goal, which is fulfilling our purpose to advance God’s kingdom and to walk in His promises. Be forward-minded and resolve all issues, fully aware of the bigger picture. Whether it is financially or relationally, when dilemmas happen, pray for the specific wisdom for the way out, which He freely gives.

Prayer: Father God, You are my God and I am Your son. Thank You for helping me keep my eyes on the relationship I have with You. From this relationship I draw strength to face any challenge and resist any temptation and trial. Thank You Father for Your promise to give me a way of escape so that I can bear whatever comes my way. Guide me Lord and be glorified in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Isaiah 43:11, Proverbs 8:35, Romans 5:20

“But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt” Genesis 19:26, KJV.

When something isn’t good for you, either you must let it go, or it will consume you. This is what happened to Lot’s wife. After being made free, she wouldn’t let go of Sodom and Gomorrah. She looked back and she became a pillar of salt.

Like Lot’s wife, God doesn’t want our testimony to be that we physically left the city (the world), which is a great decision. However, we didn’t make it to the Lord’s destination for our lives either, because if we’re honest, on the inside we haven’t let it go and God knows. For only reasons we know within ourselves, we keep looking back on what’s holding us back.

Maybe you are saved and you go to church, but within you there’s a desire and love for this world, and that desire for the world system is keeping you from reaching your full potential in God. For some of us, this is a warning. It’s keeping you from completely obeying God and fulfilling your calling. God has great things in store for you, yet you must trust God, and release your grip on this world. Release your grip on the past and let it go. Go with everything you’ve got toward the place in life that the Lord is calling you to, and don’t look back.

Prayer: Father, I will worship You and You alone. You’re telling me to not look back and I hear Your voice. If there’s any desire and love in me for this world, I repent and I ask that You take it from me. Help me to not look back on what will consume me. I will look to You and completely pursue Your calling for my life and who You want me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Genesis 19:13-26, Matthew 24, Colossians 3:2, Hebrews 10:38

“You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you. Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon…you have ravished my heart. You have ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; you have ravished my heart with one look of your eyes, with one link of your necklace” Song of Solomon 4:7-9, NKJV.

One thing that maintains a strong marriage is when there is time you get away with fun and enjoyment involved. Laughter is good for you soul, good for your body and good for your marriage. It ministers to your spouse happiness and refreshes the love you have for each other.

It only shouldn’t be you enjoyed her before you got married, and now you both have not had a good time in years.

When will you both laugh again? When will you let everything go and just get away without a plan or schedule. When will you both just be yourselves and laugh like you use to. Let your only plan be is to have a good time with your spouse. Go get dressed up again. Enjoy your spouse again. Laugh again.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your word. thank You for this reminder to enjoy my spouse. Help us spark the flame and get back into what drew us together in the first place. Help me not to allow money to delay us. Deal with anything that is in our way and let us submit to Your will to have an enjoyable marriage with my best friend-my spouse. Help us to laugh again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Song of Solomon 4:1-11, Ephesians 5:25, Proverbs 5:18 & 17:22

“Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia” Acts 16:6, NKJV.

As Paul went forward in spreading the Gospel, there were some places that the Holy Spirit told him not to go. For whatever reason, he was forbidden to go to Asia. The Holy Spirit also told him don’t go to Bithynia. However, he was given a vision from God about a man in Macedonia, and that’s where he knew the Holy Spirit is leading him to go. Paul had a powerful relationship with the Holy Spirit, cooperating with Him, allowing Him to lead the way.

As Paul cooperated with the Holy Spirit, so can you. It is possible to be guided by the Spirit of God even now, right where you are in your life. Some things the Holy Spirit is firmly telling you not to go or do. There are also things He has placed on your heart to do. Listen to Him. There is a direction or course that the Holy Spirit is telling you to take, and if you follow Him and follow His peace, He will lead you into God’s will for you.

God has much to bless you with, much to accomplish in you and through you. Stay sensitive to His leading. God is greatly desiring to bless you and move in your life, yet it requires you to cooperate with, working hand-and-hand with the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Spirit, whom I have to lead and guide me. Help me recognize when You are speaking to me, Holy Spirit. I ask for the answers, the clarity, and the direction I need for my life. If You need to give me a vision or dream, give me a vision or dream. Day by day, teach me Holy Spirit to check in with You and cooperate with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Acts 16:6-10, John 14:16-17 & 26, 16:13; Galatians 5:25

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” Philippians 3:13, KJV

One thing about the game of football, you have to learn to move on to the next opportunity. I was watching football and the game had become a very close one. The team with the ball ran a play and the quarterback threw a long pass to a very wide open receiver, but he dropped the ball. The receiver couldn’t believe it. He was very disappointed, hitting the ground, because he missed such a great opportunity. Later in the game, the same quarterback entrusted the same receiver with another opportunity and he caught the ball this time.

You may have dropped the ball and are wondering how you could have missed such a great opportunity. However, don’t continue to beat yourself up, nor allow the devil to do it. The Father is rich in mercy and He is the God that always will provide another chance. Like that quarterback, God is going to come right back to you with the same opportunity to fulfill what He desires in your life. The quicker you can move on, the quicker you will position yourself for the next opportunity. God will open another door and the key is staying ready.

Prayer: Father, thank You for encouraging me today. I missed it, however, I thank You that You are rich in mercy! You will give me another opportunity, and another open door. I pray You help me to seize it! I Thank You for helping me be ready for what You have in store for me! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

“And should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come” Mark 4:27-29, NKJV.

As crops in the field, God is showing you hints and glimpses of what is to come. It is on the inside of you, stirred up on the inside of you that God is about to do something great in your life. You may not know exactly how. You may not know exactly when. Yet, you know the time is now and you are expecting what God is about to manifest in your life.

You may have had some tough times, but you settled in your heart that you will continue to trust the Lord and you are about to see your reward. You said I will sow into God’s kingdom and sow His Word in me. You have turned the corner, and there is an excitement that you can’t explain nor contain. Keep obeying God. There is no telling how God is about to move in your life, and it is something to be excited about.

Prayer: Thank You Lord this morning! I am excited about what You about to do! I am a grateful and thankful man. What a God I serve. Even beyond the rough times I have had, You blessed me, and I will continue to trust You are moving in me and through my life. Help me to continue to be led by You Holy Spirit. Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Read: Psalm 37:4, 145:15, 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

“He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep” John 21:17, NKJV.

It can be hard to run for Jesus when you have denied Him. Peter did it three times. After Jesus rose from the dead and visited the disciples, Jesus asked him three times on purpose do you love me. It was evident that Jesus was making a point to deal with a root of issues Peter had, and He wanted him to move beyond them.

Do you feel like Peter? Jesus knows you love Him, but your denial, your sin, your mistakes, have turned you from pursuing His will for your life. You told Him you would stand for Him, you said you would be there, but you have left Him multiple times. In fact, you have decided to not even pursue God’s call any longer.

In these moments, only one question matters to the Lord: “Do you love Me?” If you love Jesus, feed His sheep. If you love Jesus, get back up. If you love Jesus, go on and run your race. He loves you and He has dealt with everything that you have been through. Do what He has asked you to do, not because you’re perfect, but because you love Him.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word. Jesus, I have been hurt by how I failed You. Yet, all You want to know is do I love You and I do. Help me to forgive myself and deal with every issue in me. I will get up and I will feed Your sheep. Thank You for the great love You have for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Read: John 21:15-19, Acts 2:40-41

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9

This wasn’t the first time God had spoken this word of encouragement to Joshua. Prior to this, Moses declared the word of The Lord to all of Israel in Deuteronomy 31:6, and then spoke directly to Joshua in verse 7, “And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.” This wasn’t a new word. God was repeating Himself.

This is why spending time in God’s Word is healthy for growth, affirmation, and forward motion into what’s unknown, for it will allow God to repeat Himself. He can and will remind us, and say some things again, which He has already said for our benefit. It will keep us focused, strong in faith, and encouraged. What has God had someone tell you at several points in your life, and He then repeated that same word? What has God repeatedly reminded you of? What has God commanded you to do? Who has God commanded you to be? He told Joshua to be strong and of a good courage. To enter into the promise land God has for you, you must do the same.

Prayer: Father God, I thank You for speaking to my heart. Thank You for being patient and longsuffering with me and my growth. I choose to follow You and obey what You have repeatedly asked me to do. Strengthen me, Lord. Help me to continue to walk with You and say Yes to the leading of Your Holy Spirit. Be glorified in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“And Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35, NKJV

One thing about a natural hunger and a thirst, it will remain until it is satisfied. You will fight when you’re hungry. You will end a phone call abruptly when you’re hungry. You will stop and tell your manager, even your wife, I have to go get something to eat when you’re hungry. It is essential to your ability to live and function, and everything becomes secondary to it.

Make every hunger secondary to Jesus. He knows you need to eat and He has what we hunger for. He knows your thirst for love and identity. He knows your hunger for peace of mind. He knows your hunger for fulfillment. We can pursue pleasures, people and places, but none compares to the Person of Jesus Christ. He says trust and try Me.
Come and believe on Him, and acceptance will no longer be a hunger because He will affirm who you are. Peace will no longer be a hunger because He will supply great peace in your life. Love will no longer be what you thirst for because He will pour His love into your heart to make you free, healed and whole. Everything you seek is found in Him.

He will prove Himself to be all that you need.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word to me. Jesus, You are the Bread of Life. You are all that I need. I walk by faith and come to You. Help me to make every hunger secondary to You and I will find that You can satisfy them all. Help me to make You Who I hunger and thirst for, and I won’t hunger and thirst again. In Your name I pray, Amen.

“Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me’.” Luke 9:23, NKJV.

When you wake up in the morning, you are faced with the most vital decision of your day, yet can get overlooked. It isn’t your responsibilities. It isn’t the tasks before you. It is the decision to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus.

Sometimes, even while spending time with God in prayer, we really didn’t get all of what we went into it for. It is not just a time to ask of God. It is also a time to take up your cross and to ask Him to help you do it. It is a time to truly submit your will and plans, to His will and plans. It is the time that you decide not to lead, but you say I will follow as He leads me.

He will then lead you and empower you by the His Spirit. He will lead you into what to plan, where to go and what to do during the course of your day. What may at first appear like you were giving up your life by taking up your cross, you will find, from the fruit that is produced, that Jesus leads you into life–an abundant one.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your wisdom. I submit my life to you and yield to you. Have your way in me. Lead me and guide me. I want the life you have for me. I want your plans and purpose to be fulfilled in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to things of old. Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert” Isaiah 43:18-19, Berean Study Bible.

Sometimes your good can hinder your great. You did a lot in the past, you conquered many mountains, you accomplished much in God. Yet, you can’t allow the glory of the past to be your best days. You are still here, therefore, God has more for you to see. He has more mountains to climb. He has more of the kingdom for you to advance. Those moments were great and should never be forgotten. Yet, you have new days for new moments in Him.

Go on into the new moments He has for you.

Prayer: Father, thank You for your word. I ask that You help me to let go of the good in my past, and embrace the great things before me. Let me not limit You to my old glory days. Help me go on into the new moments you have waiting for me. Help me to trust you every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalm 34:8, NKJV

In the Hebrew language, the word blessed in this scripture means “how happy!” Therefore, how happy is the man that trusts in God, not in the way that seems right to man, not in the deceitfulness of riches, not in a company or person, not in an opportunity with strings attached, not in pleasures, but trusting in God is where this man will continually find abundant happiness.

The man that trusts God has decided to hear what the Lord has to say and allows that to be how He lives, how he patterns his life, and how he handles his business affairs. He obeys God and He sees, tastes and discovers that God is good, merciful, favors him, and is on his side. This is the reason this man is so blessed, so happy.
Begin to truly trust the Father with everything in your life. You’ll see He wants you to succeed. He wants you to overcome. He wants to bless you over and over. When you allow Him to be Who you pursue, rely on and follow, you will experience how good God really is.

Prayer: Father, how blessed, how happy is the man that trusts in You! There is no one like You. I leap when I think about how good You are. Help me to realize how good You are and to simply trust You, for it is a sure blueprint to all of my happiness. You are my help and I will totally rely upon You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 144:15, 146:5

“Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation” Isaiah 12:3, KJV.

Within the salvation the Father has provided in Jesus Christ is rescue for not only your soul, but for everything that pertains to living and overcoming in this life. The Bible describes our salvation as not only being a well, but having many wells that we can draw from.

What is a well? It is a source of water made by digging a hole within the earth. In biblical times, they were a valuable resource. A well wasn’t built far away, but very close to where a reliable supply of water was. It has something to draw with and wells cannot be moved. Our source of water is our salvation, and we can draw with joy from its’ wells because we know the water–the life–we need will come out of it. Our salvation isn’t authored by man’s hands, but by the Everlasting Father, the Almighty God, Who is good and perfect in not just some of His ways, but in all of them.

God desires for us to draw more from it in these times. You are a man, built to handle many things, but you need to joyfully draw from Jesus Christ! There is a well of courage in your salvation and you can draw it out. There is a well of strength in your salvation and you can draw it out. There is a well of mercy, a well of wisdom, a well of strength, a well of comfort, and more within your salvation and you can draw it out.

Prayer: Father, Your salvation has many wells because You know all that I need. I am not my source, You are. I come and draw with joy! What a pillar of strength I have in the salvation that You have given me! Help me to lean on and understand You more Jesus and this great salvation found in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13

Let the Holy Spirit take the wheel and drive today. When He turns left, you turn left. When He turns right, you turn right. When He says do this, you do it. When He speaks to you to share Jesus, you open your mouth. When He says call them, you make the call. When He gives you wisdom, follow it.

To let Him take the wheel of your life, humble yourself and ask Him to, and He will. You can’t win without Him. He is assigned to steer you in the right direction, assigned to help you be like Jesus and to help you do the will of God.

Prayer: Thank You Father for the Holy Spirit Who leads me and guides me into all truth. I humble myself and ask You Holy Spirit to lead me and guide me. Take the wheel and steer me according to the Father’s will for me today. Help me to be sensitive to when You are leading me. You are my Help and I thank You for victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides” Matthew 6:33, AMPC.

As men, we desire provision. We want to be able to take care of our wife. We want our kids to have the best things in life, especially if we didn’t have them growing up. We want to support our parents better. We also desire to be in a position to be a great blessing.

With God, provision is found within purpose. God’s wisdom for us is to seek our purpose and within the purpose, there will be the provision. Go after God first and He will add the promised provision to you. Fear will tell you to operate backwards. But know that God will bless you financially when your first priority is to strive for His kingdom and living right, living with integrity. He has promised provision for you and your family.

Confession: Thank You God for being my Provider. You will add your promised provision to me when I seek Your kingdom and Your righteousness first. My trust is in the Lord. By faith, my wife, children, and parents are provided for. I am in a financial position to be a great blessing.

Study: Psalm 115:14

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].” James 5:16, Amplified

One of the greatest things you can offer your wife is when you take her by the hand and say let’s pray together. When you stop and take the lead in the middle of what your facing, and say we’re going to pray about it. When you say baby I can tell you’re going through something–let’s pray about it together.

This serves a dual purpose. There is power in agreement, according to Matthew 18:19. It also shows your wife how much you love them. It shows that you care about them as you cover them as her head and protection. Also when you pray together, several things will happen. God will prompt you of any wrong you’ve done to each other and will instruct you both to ask forgiveness, He will strengthen your bond together, He will cause the enemy to flee, and He will bring supernatural peace. God will use prayer to do something supernatural in your marriage and He will answer.

Join hands with your wife and come into agreement with God and His will. The marriage you want and need is in your time of prayer. It is true, the fervent prayers of a righteous man avails much!

Prayer: Father, thank You for the power available when I pray with my wife. I thank You for the victory we have in Christ and the power of agreement. Help us put aside how we feel and our personal agendas to focus on what matters most to You. Help us to remember that our prayers together are powerful. I make a commitment to consistently pray with my wife. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Ephesians 5:23-26

“Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths.” Psalms 25:4, NKJV.

The Father’s way, His course of action, His will is the best way. Your way may on the surface appear better or even more sure, but there is nothing like allowing God to have His way in your life. In His hands He holds life, good instruction, wisdom, success, and strength. In His will is where your desires get met. Everything you could ever dream of, He will exceed your expectations because He is just that good.

Our way won’t work. Let God do what He wants to do in your life. Don’t restrain Him or hold Him back. Let His Spirit fill you and use you today like never before. Let His praise flow from your mouth and make Him big in your circumstance. Let advancing His kingdom be what you’re all about. Let Him have His way in you and through you.

Prayer: Father, thank You for another day and I ask that You have Your way. Have Your way in me. Have Your way on my job. Have Your way in my children. Have Your way in my wife. Have Your way in the earth. I surrender to You and allow You to use me in a mighty way. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

“If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land” Isaiah 1:19, ESV.

If you’re like me when it comes to cooking, I don’t do much of it at all. My wife even says what would I do without her. Yet when I do cook, it can feel a little intimidating when I begin to prepare a meal. In the midst of what to do, how to do, how much, and all the things that come with being in front of that stove, I would be reminded by God if I just follow the instructions, it will turn out fine.

Whatever you are facing in your life that appears intimidating. Whatever giant is before you. Whatever your back is against the wall about. Whoever the Lord is leading you to disciple or minister to. There may even be something the Lord has put on your heart that you’ve never done. Be reminded to get the instructions of God and then follow them. Those steps that He provides are sufficient enough. Those steps will bring you the success He has for you. Those steps will lead you into the restoration of God.

Don’t allow your focus to be on what you’ve never done, how will this turn out, how long will it take, how will they respond, or will you fail. The instructions are your part; causing it to succeed is God’s. Let Him determine the results. Sow your seed of obedience, and He will make it grow!

Prayer: Father, You are good and You give great instructions. Help me to not be afraid of what is before me, and remind me of what You have said. I ask for a hearing heart. I will obey You and follow Your instructions, and everything will turn out fine! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Joshua 1:8, 1 Corinthians 3:7

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28, KJV

It may not appear like it, but everything you have been through will come together for a bigger and glorious picture. From every single experience, every mistake, every trial, every hurdle, every test that you’ve faced, God will make sure you experience every single promise of blessing because you love Him and you are called by Him.

Nothing can derail God’s plan for your life. Whatever you’ve been through, it has only made you better, stronger and wiser. So don’t be occupied in your mind with regret, but rather be thankful. Don’t live in the “what if’s” of the past, but rather be thankful, for God will make it benefit you and someone else going through the same experience. God will make it work for you, not against you, and the devil can’t stop the restoration power of God. God is a good God. He will set you in victorious places and blessings, just as if you didn’t go through anything at all.

Be encouraged and walk in joy. It is working for your good!

Confession: I am thankful that all things are working together for my good. No matter how I feel, I will give thanks. God is a good God. I will not live my life full of regret, guilt or condemnation. Thank You that Your plan is in front of me and is unfolding right before my eyes. I am truly a blessed man and I Thank You Lord!

“But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” 1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV.

Pray this prayer with me today: Father, I desire to be right before you in the hidden places of my life. People can see how I look on the outside. People can see how well I do my job. Yet, they don’t see the thoughts that I have privately. They don’t see what I have been lusting for. They don’t see my heart like You do. You see whether I am really putting you first in my life. You know if I am being a man of integrity and honor. You see my heart, Lord, and I want to be pleasing to you in the area you deem as most important of all. I want to have clean hands and a pure heart. I want to be right before You. I ask You to repair me. Really change me in the areas that You can see, because when it is all said and done, that is what matters. I thank You for it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read: Psalm 51

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” Philippians 4:8, NKJV.

Sometimes our minds can be all over the place if we allow it to be. In the face of being tempted to be dissatisfied, your mind can think on what if you made different decisions in life and what could have been. In the face of not having enough income, your mind can be full of what you don’t have instead of what you do. When a challenge comes, your thoughts can be consumed with why did it have to happen?

It is our responsibility to, on purpose, think on good things. Just as you turn your head, turn the thoughts of your heart and mind toward whatever is true and noble, whatever is just or right, and pure. The battlefield is the mind and what you think on can determine whether you dwell in the past or you live in joy and hope right now. Think on God’s word, His report, and what He has said the outcome will be. You may say looking for something good happening in your life right now is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but fight to find it. The Lord never leaves us without hope and there is always something that is worthy to give God praise for.

In the midst of trial, if there is anything you are gaining from it, anything Jesus is teaching you from it and it’s working for your good, think on that. It is a new day. Pursue and choose to not dwell on what you see, but what God’s word says it will be.

Prayer: Father, help me to think on good things. Help me to learn to think on what is good, honest, true and praiseworthy to You. I refuse to be a worrying man, but I will live. Help me catch myself when my mind begins to dwell on what’s wrong and what is not like You. May Your word your always weigh in on every matter. I ask for a mind that stays on Jesus and the victory I have in him. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” John 10:10, NKJV.

When you go to work, you put in all your hours, you expect to receive what belongs to you. If your company came to you at the end of the week with only some of your pay check, that would not be good enough. Most of your pay check would be better, yet that still wouldn’t due either.

You did all of your work, therefore, you rightfully expect all of your compensation–nothing less.

Jesus came and lived a sinless life, loved, discipled, saved, healed the sick, opened blind eyes, caused the lame to walk, delivered, empowered, forgave, endured, and then, gave his life on the cross for you and I. He finished all the work, he came to save, and as a son of God, you can rightfully expect everything he paid the price for.

Rightfully expect nothing less than an abundant life. It is the Lord’s joyful desire. He died, so you can live an awesome life. Expect nothing less than being free in Christ, nothing holding you back. Expect nothing less than what Jesus said. Expect nothing less than what He promised you.

Prayer: Thank You Father for Your Word. Thank you Jesus for the work you finished on the cross and I can rightfully expect to be blessed above measure. I am free. I believe You, and I will expect nothing less than to experience Your goodness, faithfulness and promises in my life. It is your joyful desire for me. Thank You Lord! In Your name I pray, Amen.

Study: 2 Corinthians 1:20

“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding” Proverbs 4:7, NKJV.

“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God…” 1 Corinthians 1:30, NKJV.

Wisdom is the principle thing and above all, it is what you want to receive from God for every decision you make. It is like the foundation of a home–it’s what you build on. Wisdom is the foundation for all of the choices and plans, and you don’t want to approach doing anything without it.

When doing a work for God, get wisdom. When deciding on who to marry and when to marry, get wisdom. When making a financial decision, get wisdom. Practically, get all the information you can about that area and your decision can become very clear. In the multitude of counsel there is safety (see Prov. 11:14), so ask other godly men do they have any advice and even share any of their own experiences. You’ll be surprised at how God will speak to you through them and help you locate the exact wisdom you need for your situation.

Most of all, the Bible says that Jesus has been made unto us wisdom. He is our wisdom because He is the word of God (see John 1:14). It is principle, it is foundational, to find the wisdom Jesus give through the word, then follow his lead. Follow his peace.

Don’t settle and refuse to be pressured. You want peace. In these times, it is crucial as a man to be wise, to pray and understand God’s will for your life. Therefore, “if you don’t know, don’t go.” Stop and get the principle thing–wisdom.

Prayer: Father, I needed this. I have so many decisions before me. Give me wisdom. Help me to find the wisdom I need, even through the counsel of others. As I get all the information I can from Your word, as I pray about it, Jesus speak to me and I will follow your lead. Help me to stop and not move until I receive Your wisdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Proverbs 3:19, 8:11 & 35, James 1:5, Ephesians 5:14-17, Philippians 3:15

“Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” Psalms 100:2

Anyone can serve the Lord when everything is going well. The children of Israel gladly praised the Lord after they crossed over the Red Sea. They gave Him glory with no hesitation after they saw how He delivered them from the Egyptian army. The challenge came when they walked through the wilderness and God allowed them to — to humble them and prove their heart to see if they would still serve Him.

Are you like the Israelites who lost faith the moment things became difficult? Or are you like His servant Job, who after losing everything still bowed down and worshiped the Lord? Will you let go of Jesus because things aren’t going your way right now? Or will you hold on and believe Him with all you’ve got?

Although you are being proven, still serve Him. Although you are learning humility and patience, still serve Him. He doesn’t want your worship and your obedience to be conditional. When all is well or when it isn’t, when He gives you what you want or when He doesn’t, no matter the wilderness, no matter the trial, serve Him. There is always a promise land after the wilderness. After obedience, there is always the blessing.

Prayer: My LORD, You are my King, and I worship You, not outcomes. I worship You with all my heart because of Who You are. I choose to trust You no matter what I face. Strengthen my heart. Strengthen my praise. Strengthen my faith and my joy in believing. Fill me, God, as I humble myself in worship to You. Let nothing steal my praise and my worship. It’s my lifeline. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You” Psalm 5:11, NKJV.

There are always reasons for you to rejoice. Rejoice over the good things the Lord has blessed you with. Rejoice because the Lord is up to something in your life. The Lord fights your battles. Rejoice because you are a man that’s going to another level in your life. Be glad that He has made you whole. Yet above all, rejoice because your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life.

God’s desire is that your day be full of rejoicing in Him, as the Lord has made you glad. He wants our all when it comes to rejoicing and to do it more. Just as you rejoice over your life-long sports team, rejoice over your God. Shout for joy, shout because you have overcome, no matter what you face! It will keep your joy full. It will keep you reminded of Who you serve, Who kept you, Who restored you, Who is faithful, Who is pleased with you, loves you and with Him, you cannot lose.

If you learn to rejoice, you will handle your challenges a lot better. You will be more of a man that’s free of care, more lighthearted, less stressed. You will find it to become easier and easier to remind yourself and shout for joy over what the Lord can do. There is no better way to live than to rejoice!

Prayer: Father, I rejoice over You. My name is written in heaven! I rejoice that You have set me free. I rejoice because You are up to something great in my life! Thank You for being a Father to me. I celebrate You and the victory I have in Christ. Develop in me a life of rejoicing. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Read: Psalm 9:2, 68:4; Luke 10:20, Philippians 4:4

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” Galatians 2:20, NKJV.

The Apostle Paul said I am crucified with Christ. This is the ultimate statement to say you don’t live any more, yet your life is now Christ to lead. All of his sin, the sinful nature and its’ desires for doing what doesn’t please God has been nailed to the cross. Jesus lives in him and a new man has risen.

That old man may call your name, but refuse to be the man you use to be. A new man has truly risen. The devil my remind you of what you have done, even something recent, but don’t allow him to define you by it. You have been crucified with Christ and live by the faith you have in him. He removed the power of sin and its’ dominance over you, and the life God has planned for you is yours to seize and experience today. The freedom, joy, peace, strength and success is yours to experience each day. This is what He paid for.

With no condemnation, rejoice in your day. Live in Him and let Christ live through you.

Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Your Son to die for me. Jesus paid the price for my sin. I make the ultimate statement: I am crucified with Christ. I don’t live, but Christ lives me. That old man is gone. Your agenda is my agenda. My life is hid in Christ and what He has done for me. Help me to not tell myself where to go or what to do. I don’t lead, I will follow You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: 2 Corinthians 5:17

“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:6, NKJV

The Pharisees at the time loved to pray openly so man could see them and say how great they were. They sought the reward that comes from man, but not from God. But Jesus told his disciples don’t pray like that. Go to your heavenly Father in secret, close your door and be only focused on opening your heart to Him to pray.

When you shut your door, it signifies a time between only you and God. You aren’t out to impress. No one is around and how you sound when you pray doesn’t matter. The way you pray doesn’t matter. Bow, cry or just sit a while and commune with The Father. God will answer and make His goodness known to you and reward you openly.

To help strengthen your prayer life, it may be wise to physically put this in practice. Go daily to your closet, shut the door and begin to pray. When you shut that door, you are symbolically shutting off every distraction. Scripture doesn’t indicate that Jesus always had a physical closet he went into, yet what we do find is that He always went away to pray. The more you get away, the less distractions there will be. The less distracted you are, the more powerful your prayer life becomes.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word this morning. Thank You for the riches found in my prayer closet. Help me to stay focused on building my prayer life. Help me to not seek after the reward of man, but the reward that comes from You. I will pray in secret and watch You openly reward me. Be glorified in my life. I believe I receive. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read: Matthew 6:1-13

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” Romans 5:1, NKJV

There’s something about not being right with God that causes us to be restless, without peace. In other words, our soul is not at one with God, Who is Jehovah Shalom–The Lord Is Peace. When we are separated from the One Who embodies it and supplies it, we cannot have it. We cannot access it.
We try to find it in gaining more, vacationing more, eating more, drinking more, and/or accomplishing more. Yet, it seems to always come short of peace. More money seems to always come short of peace. More women seems to always come short of peace. It’s sugar, but it is not sweet, and it always eludes satisfying us.

Jesus became the bridge to having this peace that passes all understanding. It is a peace that you will find yourself, above all, being so thankful for. This is the amazing peace which only comes from merely being right with your Maker God. There is an unspeakable joy and peace that comes from knowing that all of your sins have been washed away, your past forgiven, and the penalty of them, the guilt of them…all gone, and every promise from God, all of His mercy and grace, is yours. Eternal life is yours. This is real peace.

Prayer: Father, thank You for peace with You that comes through having faith in what Jesus did for me. Forgive me of all my sins. Cleanse me now. I ask Jesus to come into my heart. I am set back in a right relationship with You. I receive the peace I’ve never known. Turn my life around like I’ve never known. Thank You for it today! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Read: Judges 6:24

“And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable: ‘A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside…but others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold” Luke 8: 4-7, NKJV.

A farmer doesn’t consider how the soil will respond to the seed they sow. They know they have no control over that miraculous part of the harvest. That part is beyond their ability. They understand their responsibility is to sow the seed, and then, watch it grow.

Many times when we consider sharing the seed of God’s word with someone, we consider the things that we can’t control. Yet, just as a farmer is not responsible for the soil of the ground, you are not responsible for the condition of a man’s heart. God is. He is the Lord of the harvest. We can’t make anyone change, only a patient God can and it’s in His timing. He is the One that causes the power of His word to produce even long after He used you to sow it.

You never know what the Lord has already been dealing with someone about. Just be a faithful sower for Jesus and let God make it grow.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word. I am not responsible for the soil of another person’s heart. You are. I am responsible for only being a sower of Your word. Help me to be about Your mission to spread the good news everywhere I go because people need You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Luke 8:4-15, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” Romans 5:6, KJV.

When you were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for you. No matter what you’re going through, if you’re in Christ, in due time you will see what Christ dying for you has given you. It has given you rescue, mercy, deliverance, favor, and right-standing with God. In due time, you will see how much God loves you, as He brings you out. In due time, you will see Him make it right. You will see His plan completely unfold. He will turn it around. In due time, you will see your restoration and blessings ahead, and you will say this is all a result of what Jesus has done for me.

This is how it always will be for a believer. Because He died, you will live and live more abundantly. All because of Jesus Christ and all that we have in Him, most of all, the forgiveness of sin.

Continue to stand in your righteousness and serve the Lord with a happy heart. Thank Him as you reflect on His goodness and mercy. Don’t be moved by what you’re going through. Know in due time He will always step in and bring you victory.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for all You have done. You are good and faithful. Thank You that I can trust You and Your timing. Thank You that in due time I will see Your plans come to pass. Thank You that what I’m going through has an expiration date. I trust that You will always bring victory in my life! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Read: Romans 5: 7-8

“Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:1, 9, NKJV

Believing God will help us enter into a rest that we’ve never known. It’s a place when daily stuff doesn’t bother us like it use to. Things that use to occupy our thoughts and minds because we are worried about them, don’t bother us like they use to. We believe God and we have entered into His rest for our souls.

God doesn’t want your rest and peace to be dictated by circumstances; that isn’t real. If good things are happening, you are happy. If you make an error, if the sales decline in your business, if a co-worker does something wrong that affects you, if your money gets low, in an instant, your mood changes. Just like you insert a letter within an envelope, God wants you to insert your faith, engage your faith in Him in those moments during your day–and rest. He wants you to believe on Him that He will handle every matter in life.

As a parent tells their child to trust they will take care of it, so does God say to you. He has a real rest and a real peace He wants you to operate in, so He can fill your life with joy, and you can live life as He intended. He also desires for others to see Him shine through you and what He can do in the life of someone that decides to trust Him.

Prayer: Father, I desire real peace and real rest. Help me to believe You when you tell me You got it. I come against stress and moodiness. I will not come short of this promised rest. I thank You for rest and peace because I believe You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read: Hebrews 4:1-10

“For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” Romans 4:3, NKJV.

“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption” 1 Corinthians 1:30, NKJV.

Abraham wasn’t perfect at all. He lied about his wife being his sister and also slept with his wife’s handmaid. What made him right before God wasn’t what he did, but Who he chose to believe, and the Father accounted his faith as righteousness. Because he believed God and didn’t allow his shortcomings to hinder his obedience, he became the father of faith and of many nations.

You will never be a perfect man. Yet, Jesus became your perfection, your righteousness, and because you believe in Jesus, you are in right-standing with your Father. Therefore, you don’t have to feel you have to do enough, feel condemned, unworthy, or unqualified. What you have done will never change who you are in Christ.

The Father knew you when He called you. He isn’t looking for a perfect person. He is looking for a perfect heart toward Him. A perfect heart says in spite of your flaws, you choose to love and believe God. In spite of your mistakes, you will follow Jesus and do what God wants you to do. All God requires of you is to believe in what Jesus did for you and what He says about you.

Receive it and move forward. Jesus is your perfection.

Prayer: Father, thank You that I am washed and made new in Christ. I am made perfect, not by own works, but through faith in You. I ask that You remove any condemnation from my heart. I have been counted worthy and qualified for what You have for my life. Even with my flaws and my past mistakes, You have called me, and that settles everything. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Study: Genesis 16:4, 20:1-3; Romans 5:1, Galatians 3:1-9, 26

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6, KJV

As men, we have a lot of responsibility and we pursue to handle it all. However, we can fall short, get greatly distressed and heavy. This is exactly what happened to King David. David felt defeated and needed to be encouraged. Yet, he didn’t go to his friend. He didn’t go to the prophet. To receive what he needed, he went directly to Lord.

Sometimes, no one will be able to encourage you. At that point, you still must decide that you will not stay in a place of heaviness and encourage yourself in the Lord!

No one can strengthen you like the Lord. No one can show you the way out like Him. No one can lift your burdens and give you joy like the Lord. No one can revive you like the Lord.

He will put might in your heart. His peace will keep you knowing that you can hope in God. His Spirit will comfort you in times of loss. His Word will remind you of Who He is and Who you are. The Father will speak to You and assure you that everything is going to be alright.

Choose to do like David did. Encourage yourself in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that I can encourage myself in You. There is no one like You! Encourage me Lord. You are my fortress, my healer and my Provider. I don’t feel like it, but I praise You now. I receive strength in my heart and peace in my mind Father. Thank You Father for lifting my head and showing me what to do. I have the victory! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 3:3

“He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great” Luke 6:48-49, NKJV.

A foundation is something sure, firm and strong, set in place to build any house or structure upon. As a man, you are as a foundation for your home, and you are a leader of those within it. You have to be sure, firm and strong. Your family needs you to be sure, firm and strong.

The only way you can be strong, no matter what comes your way, is if you have the right foundation yourself. If you build your life, your marriage, and your home on the Rock, which is Jesus Christ and His word, He will make you like a rock in these times. He becomes your firm foundation when you learn of him, apply his instructions regarding how to live, and depend of God’s Word as your constant guide.

As a house, a man can look impressive on the outside, yet with the wrong foundation, it is only a matter of time when the right flood, the right pressure, the right storm comes to make it crumble. Choose the Lord be your firm foundation, and let Him help you build something great in your life. Let him build in you what will stand and endure!

Prayer: Thank you Father God for being this man’s firm foundation. I will build my life on your ways and principles. Anything can come my way, but in Jesus, I am steady like a rock. I am firm, sure and strong. Help me and other men to always put our trust in Your mighty Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalms 32:7, NIV

The safest place to be is in the will of God during these times. God’s will maneuvers you around the blows you would otherwise take being out of it. The devil cannot stop God; therefore, he can’t stop you when you are in the will of God. The written word of God is the will of God, and it is lasting through the ages. It is an armored truck, and you will not get robbed of the plan of God for your life!

As long as you remain in it, you will come out victorious. Yes, weapons will be formed, but they will not prosper. You will prosper instead. Desire the will of God, want it, pursue it. The goodness of God is real and is experienced in His will. Ask God what is your plan for my life? What is your will for my family? What is your will for this career decision I must make? What are the steps in fulfilling your will for me? Seek God’s will for your life today and you will prosper in these last days!

Prayer: Father God, I thank You for Your rich words spoken directly to my heart. Help me to stay in Your will and not go my own way. Give me wisdom and direction and be glorified in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“For with God nothing shall be impossible” Luke 1:37, KJV.

Beloved brother, the heart of what Jesus is speaking about is putting our faith in action. Our faith needs to be built on a solid foundation of His Word, and what we have heard, we must be able to put forth in this world in how we live and in good works. As we abide and grow in the Vine (see John 15:5) and use our faith, we will see the Lord do great things, even see a revival of the miracles and wonders of the time of the apostles. Do you dare believe it? Nothing is impossible with God!

I challenge you this week to go crazy with your faith. Speak life and love, prophesy, lay hands on the sick, and proclaim victory in Jesus name. Speak and move those mountains in your way. Believe, believe, believe and then do!

Prayer: Father God, thank you for filling my life with purpose. Thank you for talents, gifts and abilities to glorify Your Name. Please continue directing my footsteps by Your will and believe You for the impossible. Teach me to fill this world with light and love so that I can secure salvation for anyone who enters my life. Holy Spirit, I invite You to fill me and may good works flow as I walk by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Matthew 17;20, 7:24 – 27; James 2

“And the Child continued to grow and become strong [in spirit], filled with wisdom; and the grace (favor, spiritual blessing) of God was upon Him” Luke 2:40, Amplified version.

Long before God’s grace is experienced in your life publicly, it will rest on your life privately. It will be present to help you and prepare you for God’s will. As a child, the grace of God was upon Jesus helping him and preparing him for the assignment from God ahead.

Grace is not only God’s unmerited favor, but it is also God’s spiritual blessing and empowerment from Him to carry out His will for you. Learn to recognize God’s grace upon you in every moment and season. It is His indicator to what He wants you to carry out. It will also confirm again and again what your purpose is and that you are not ever asked of God to do anything alone, even when you prepare. The grace of God is upon you.

There will be days the Lord will have you rise up early to work on your ministry, your business, or that God idea. Be encouraged to obey the Holy Spirit and flow with His grace. There will be nights He will be flooding you with strength to do something. Flow with His grace. By His Spirit, He is giving you the grace in private to accomplish His purpose for you.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for not only providing the grace to walk in my calling, but also the grace to prepare for it. Help me to recognize Your grace when it is operating in my life. As I see it, give me the courage and grace itself to obey You. May I be like Jesus and continue to grow, as more and more grace is placed on my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

Study: 1 Corinthians 15:10

“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24, NKJV

God has never made anything the same, including today. This is a new day. You’ve never had one like it, and you won’t ever have another one like it again. It is one of a kind. See each day as valuable, treasure-filled, full of mercy, full of opportunity, full of learning, and victory. God has caused you to open you eyes, which should let you know that He has a plan and a purpose for you. Make the first thing you do, as soon as your feet touch the floor, is to rejoice in God and be glad that He’s blessed you to see a new day. Own it.

The more thankful you are to see another day, the more value you will see in living it and to make it count. It’s up to you. Regardless of what you are going through, choosing to rejoice is choosing God and to have an expectation of Him. He made this day, therefore, He will be good to you and He will do good through you. Be determined to rejoice, live and press forward in your new day in God.

Prayer: Father, thank You Lord for a new day of life. I will rejoice and be glad in it! I receive Your joy and I thank You for simply waking up. You have blessed me! Life is precious, valuable and good. I’m expecting some great things within this day You’ve made. Choosing to rejoice is choosing to have faith in You. I trust You will lead me. Help me to own it and make it count. Be glorified in my life today! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“So get rid of all uncleanness and all that remains of wickedness, and with a humble spirit receive the word [of God] which is implanted [actually rooted in your heart], which is able to save your souls” James 1:21, Amplified Version.

Just like words from a good friend, God has something good to say to encourage and revitalize you. He wants to speak directly to your heart to refresh and transform you.

Welcome His Word. Let the Word shape you. Let the Word teach you. Let it show you the way. Let it light your path. Let it instruct you. Let it uproot that desire for sin. Let it calm you down. Let it lift you up. Let it remind you of the victory you have in Christ.

It’s the Word that will do the work in you. It is full of power. It can save and prosper you soul. It will change your life. There is something in His Word for whatever you’re going through. There is something in His Word for whatever you’re seeking to achieve.

Sit down, open your Bible and welcome the Word into your heart today.

Prayer: Father, with so many things going on, it can be easy to not sit down and hear what You have to say. Help me to humble myself and obey You with welcoming Your Word into my life. Your words are the words I need to hear every day, especially regarding what I am facing. As I open the Bible, say something to me that brings me success and victory. Thank You Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Romans 12:2, Philippians 2:13

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:1, 3, NKJV

You may be experiencing some rough situations as you pursue to press your way into the promises of God. Things may not be so comfortable in your life right now. But don’t quit and turn back. It is time to strip your boots tighter and endure.

Some things are hard because it is not God’s will for us. Yet, just because it is hard, doesn’t mean it is not God. Just because it is testing your faith more than it has ever been tested, doesn’t mean it is not God. He is stretches us for His calling ahead.

Be strong in God’s grace–His strength to help you through this season. Proclaim God’s will for you more. Pray more. Think on His Word more. Praise God more. Cover yourself in the Lord. Like Jesus endured the cross, endure hardness as a good soldier and keep your eyes on the joy before you. Your breakthrough and blessing will surely come.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for the power of Your Word. Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world. I am more than a conqueror. Give me the courage and grace I need to endure this hardness. Help me be strong in the grace. I trust You and I praise You because my breakthrough is ahead. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

(Read Hebrews 12:2)

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV
If you slow down and live in the present, you will hear God saying quietly, “Look around. Look at all I have done, and what I am doing for you.”

Look at how far He has brought you. To the same extent that God has brought you, is evidence of how much farther God is going take you. You are being stretched, yet know that all is well. He is going to continue to bless and do great things for you, even now at this moment in your life. If you ever asked what is the will of God for your life. Here is one of His victorious desires for you: In every thing give thanks.

You’re alive and He is working out the unseen things on your behalf, just like He did before. You are truly blessed. He has surrounded with people to help you, encourage you and that are on your side. He has and will continue to keep you. Take account of what He has done and be grateful, because truly all is well.

Prayer: Thank You Father for all that You have done and are doing in my life. I give You thanks for every blessing I have. Thank You for my family. Thank You for my home. Thank You for the people that encourage and help me. Thank You for my salvation and this journey of faith. I’m walking it with You. I’m being stretched, yet I will follow You. You are with me. All is well Father, all is well. In Jesus name, Amen.

“Then David said to Saul, ‘Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine’. Then David said to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand…” 1 Samuel 17:32, 45-46, NKJV.

David was small in stature on the outside, but he had faith bigger than Goliath on the inside. The Lord was bigger than any giant he faced. That’s how he saw his God, which was the source of how he saw himself and what he believed he could do with the Lord on His side. His faith in God ministered to him to have faith in himself.

No matter the giant you are facing, it doesn’t bear in comparison to the size of your God. The Lord towers over your adversary, as the sun towers over the earth. He is all powerful, and has all authority, wisdom and sovereignty. He reigns and He is more than able to deliver victory into your hands. Therefore, it doesn’t bear in comparison to what you are able to do through Christ which strengthens you and is on side. Don’t back down from what God has called you do. Fight for the will of God. Fight for what is in your heart to accomplish, because the real giant–Jesus Christ–lives on the inside of you, and with faith in him, there’s nothing you can’t do!

Prayer: Father, You are great and there is none like You. I will not back down from what You have called me to do. You are on my side! Through You, I will defeat the giant in my life in the name of Jesus! I will fight with giant faith. I believe in who You have made me and I will do Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Prayer: Philippians 4:13, Romans 8:31

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper” Psalm 1:2-3, NKJV.

“Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” Psalm 119:97, NKJV.

Sometimes, you just need one scripture. You just need one to hold on to and to set your faith on. You only need one to stir your joy and give you strength in your life. One word from God can change your circumstance, or change you while you are in the middle of it. God will speak through His word, and provide exactly what you need.

Get a scripture regarding what God has promised you, what you are facing, a need you have, or maybe you are seeking to simply know God more. Start there. Meditate on a little and watch God make it into more. Take a little of His word and think on it while go here and while you go there. Before you know it, the day has gone by and you notice more of His word dwells richly in you.

Prayer: Father, thank You that Your words they are spirit and they are life. One word from You can change my entire perspective on where I am. Lead me to just one scripture that is exactly what I need right now and change my life. As I go here and as I go there today, let it remain on my heart no matter what comes. I declare I am a man with great joy and peace because Your word dwells richly in me . In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Psalm 1, 119:97-105; John 6:63, 15:7

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV.

God didn’t give you a spirit of fear. He didn’t give you the worry, the doubt, the unbelief, and the torment that comes from that spirit. The key is recognizing it when it comes, and identify it operating in your life.

You can be living according to fear and not even realize it. Fear can be disguised and subtle. When a decision needs to be made, when something happens, when you question who you are and your self-esteem, what people think about you, when you consider a challenge and the possibilities ahead of you, your response is one of stress, doubt, a worried mind, and pessimism, rather than one of love and faith. Call out that spirit. That is fear, not love, and God didn’t give it to you!

God has given you a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. No matter what you encounter, you can walk in love, confidence and according to the freedom Jesus has given you. You have been given everything you need to respond like God and accomplish His will for your life.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word. Help me to recognize when fear is trying to operate in my life. With every thought and concern, I will call fear out. I have been given a spirit of love, power and a sound mind. Through Christ, I will walk in the power of Your love and by the faith I put in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: 1 John 4:18

“If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought…” James 1:5-6, Message Bible.

I’ve been in times where I just didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what decision to make or where to turn in my life. There has also been times when although I have known what to do, I didn’t know how or when God wanted me to do it.

If God can tell Noah how to build an ark, if He can give David wisdom on how to defeat his enemies, if the Lord can tell Esther what to say and do before the king to save her people, if He can tell Joshua how to bring down the mighty walls of Jericho, if Jesus can reveal to Peter that there was money in the mouth of a fish, an impartial God can and will show you what to do also.

He doesn’t charge for wisdom. It is free for any man in need of it and, the Father loves to provide it. Continue to seek God and don’t quit on receiving the wisdom He freely gives. Sometimes it’s wise to step away from your very environment and seek to hear Him. No matter the pressure, complexity of your situation or decision, there will never be a time that He will fail to show you what to do.

Prayer: Father God, I thank You that You are not a partial God and You freely give the best wisdom. If You showed many in Your word what to do, You will show me what to do also. I will not worry, but believe. I humble myself before You and acknowledge that You know me better than myself. I sincerely want to know Your wisdom for my life. As I lift it all before You, I ask for wisdom and direction on what to do. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

Study: James 1:5-8, Colossians 3:15

“If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land” Isaiah 1:19, ESV.

“But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.” Jeremiah 7:23, ESV.

Just as we can make a wrong turn while driving, do you feel like you are off course in God’s will for your life, and genuinely desire to get back on track? You may be asking God how do I get from this place that I am in, back to the other? How do you get to where God wants you to be?

Some of us may very well need to go back to our last place of obedience. What was the last thing you remember God told you to do, and did you do it? When did things go off course in your life? That’s where the turn back towards the plan of God begins. That’s where things will become well for you again. That’s where all the confusion will cease and everything will begin to fall back in place.

You are never too deep, or too far away to obey God and get back on His path for your life.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You never leave us where we are. You are ready to help me get my life back on track. I declare you will eat the good of the land again! I want Your will for my life. Show me my last place of obedience. May I begin there and do what You told me to do. As I do, I praise You in advance for turning things around for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

“The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children” Psalm 115:14, KJV.

What I have realized is that everything in life needs order. For example, without a traffic system, there would be chaos on the road. However, with a traffic system that drivers abide by, there is great peace and more people can safely travel to their destination. Even as powerful and sovereign as God is, He operates with order.

Establish some order in every area of your life and abide by it. The result of order will be the peace you’re looking for. The devil wants your life to be in disorder and chaos so you can be distracted from the things and the people that really matter. If you’re so frustrated and without control of your money, bills and drama, you will find it difficult to focus on advancing the kingdom of God, pouring into your kids, watering your wife and investing into building yourself.

Regardless of how much money you make, when there’s financial order, you will be happy. With order, God’s wisdom–the principal thing–is made the foundation in which now God will build upon, and then supernaturally increases you more and more, you and your children. Favor will flow because the order of God has been set in your family and in your home. If you desire increase, get some order.

Prayer: Father, thank You for speaking to me. I need some order. Help me to settle down and submit to Your order, Your will for every area of my life. I set the stage for You to move in my purpose, my family, in my marriage, and in my finances. As I abide by Your order, increase everything Lord in my life. I Thank You in advance for change and flowing favor because of Your order. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Proverbs 4:7, 8:35

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” Revelation 2:4, KJV

I have a lifelong friend of mine and sometimes we can go gaps of time without talking. It can seem as if we are not even close. However, all I have to do is call him. We get to laughing and it’s always just like old times again. Our friendship never left, we just needed to rekindle it.

Your fire for God is still there and don’t believe otherwise. You only need to call on Him and rekindle it. Get your fire back!

Prayer: Father, I feel so far away, yet I believe all I have to do is call. I need a work done in my heart only You can do to get my fire back. I want my fire back! I want it and I need it in order to be who You have called me to be. I come against any hindrances in my life and I stir up the gift that is in me. I praise You now! Fill me with Your Spirit now! I love You first Lord. Oh Father, it feels like old times again! Thank You for Your presence and Your joy! Even move beyond the old and I ask for a new fire. Thank You for saving me and I remind myself of all You have done for me, and You still keep blessing me! Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Read: 2 Timothy 1:6

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” Philippians 3:13, KJV.

One thing about missed opportunities, if you’re not careful, they can take your attention off the ones that are right in front of you. If you dwell on missed opportunities, if you give them your attention, if you live in their regret, they have a way of causing you to miss more.

Don’t do that. The best practical antidote and comfort for a missed opportunity is wisdom. It is wise to take your eyes from looking backwards and look forward. Look at what is in your hands. Look at what is all around you. I guarantee there should be something you see. It is wise to dwell on the opportunities that God is presenting to you right now.

The Lord always turns it around, restores us and sets us in a place where it will be as if we never missed an opportunity at all. Listen to His wisdom and move on to the opportunities ahead.

Prayer: Yes Lord I missed it big. Yet, comfort me by Your mighty Spirit. Comfort me with Your mighty wisdom. Establish Your wisdom in me and give me eyes to see what is before me now, what Your strategy is now. In You, all is never lost and You will restore. I thank You for new opportunities for me and my family now. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Judges 4:14, Proverbs 3:18, Isaiah 43:18-19

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalm 34:8, NKJV

I assure you, anyone you’ve heard say that God is good, they’re not making it up. He is a Waymaker and a life changer. He will give you the desires of your heart. He will provide and prosper you. He will bless you to the core of the real need you have. He will give you divine purpose and make something glorious out of your life. Yet, just as it would require you to taste and see a new restaurant experience you’ve only heard was good, so you will have to taste and see that God is good.

He will give you joy, but you have to try Him. He will give you peace about the outcome, but you have to try Him. Try doing what He says and see He’s been waiting to be good to you. Try surrendering to His will, and you will see He’s been trying to turn your life around and bless you this entire time. You just needed to taste and see. Once you do, you will never be the same.

Be reminded He will never fail to perform His word. No matter what you are facing, try God today. He will be good to you!

Prayer: Father, I choose to taste and see that You are good in my life. Help me to put my trust in You and obey You. Because I trust You, I declare I am a blessed man. As I try You, I will see that You are good! Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 34:9-10, 84:11, 100:5; Nahum 1:7

“Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother” 1 Corinthians 1:1, KJV.

The most important aspect of this scripture is not that Paul said he was an apostle. It isn’t even that he was called of Jesus Christ. The most invaluable insight here is that he was who he was through the will of God. As Paul became who was called to be through the will of God–so will you.

You are not a happen-stance. You can receive that your calling is God’s will for you because God has designed and fully equipped you to do it. You can operate in your calling with a strong confidence when you understand, before you were even conceived in your mother’s womb, it was His will for you. It is established, never to be revoked, altered, stripped away, or changed.

As you pursue to walk out your calling each day, be assured that God is with you. No matter the obstacle, you are not alone. His love and grace are backing you. His favor is backing you. His will is backing you. You can operate in authority because He made you, He put you exactly where your are, and no weapon will prosper against you because of His plan for you!

I know of no one that can turn the will of God from you. I know of no mistake that can turn the will of God from you. He has authored it and He will help you finish your specific assignment in the earth. You will be who you are called to be through the will of God.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the truth of Your Word. Show me what You have called me to do. Show me Your will for my life. Through Your will, I am blessed and graced to do what You called me to do. I declare I am called and through the will of God, I won’t be stopped. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Read: Jeremiah 1:5, Romans 11:29

“But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God” 1 Corinthians 2:9 & 12, NKJV.

I’m so excited about what God is doing and what He is about to do in our lives. We may not know it by our natural mind, but by His Spirit, we have an expectation to see Him move in a great way. Watch Him do a new thing because you begin to agree with what He has shown you.

When the Holy Spirit shows you something, it’s important to agree with Him. Don’t back up from what He shows you; agree with God. If the Father says this is what you will do, respond that I agree with You. When He says I’m going to use You in a mighty way, agree with Him. If He says I will restore your life. I will wipe away the past and make things new again. You will have a powerful ministry. I will do what seems impossible. I will deliver you. I will heal you. I will cause you to start a business. Whatever He reveals to you, you are who God says you are, and you can do what God says you can do.

When you agree with His will for your life, you’ll begin to experience His will for your life. You will find the Holy Spirit begin to navigate you and lead you there.

Lift your hands and thank Him today, as you stand on God’s word in total agreement with Him. Receive a victory, a peace and a joy that you’ve never known, all because you simply agree with God.

Confession: Father, thank You for what You have shown me. Today, I decide to agree with You. I will not back down. I will not believe the devil. I believe You God! I am who You say I am. I can do what You say I can do. This man has what it takes because You have spoken it about me. I agree with Your will for me and I rejoice over what You have freely given me. Hallelujah!

Read: I Corinthians 2:9-12, Luke 5:5

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” Luke 4:18, ESV.

These are not the days to be a believer that just goes to church. People are hurting and going through the deepest of situations. And with all that is happening around us, we have the answer. They need you and I to be the church. The same presence of God and power you experience at your church, the same love you experience at your church, is the same power and love that you carry everywhere you go. It is because Christ lives in you and you are the church. The kingdom of God is in you.

Don’t just go to church. Be the church. Be an extension of Jesus Christ. Be His hands and reach out. Be His feet and go. Be His heart and listen to someone’s situation to help deliver them. You’ve been given authority over the devil. You are equipped with His Holy Spirit and you are anointed just like Jesus. People may not come to your church, but nothing says you can’t take the church to them.

Let His love, power, wisdom and authority flow through you. Offer pray to someone, offer to meet someone’s need, share the wisdom of God, love them like the Lord would, and set others free! You are the church!

Prayer: Father, thank You for making me the church. I see the church isn’t the four walls, but it is us Your people. Show me more how I can be the church wherever I am and love others. Christ lives in me. The kingdom is in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Luke 9:2, Acts 1:8; 2:42-47; 8:5-6, 12

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV

God did not give you the spirit of fear. He gave you what it takes to dominate and reign in this life. He gave you what it takes to be a man of God. He gave you what it takes to build what He has called you to build, lay hold of what He told you to lay hold of, win those He has called you to win, receive what His will is for you to receive.

Jesus proved His power through overcoming the cross and that same power, by His Spirit, resides in you. The same love resides in you. The same mind, the mind of Christ, one of discipline and quietness, resides in you. The Holy Spirit is well able to bear you up and get you past whatever you’re facing as you go higher; just do not receive the spirit of fear as your own. Receive His Word instead.

Don’t fear, keep walking by faith and keep moving forward.

Confession: Nothing is too hard for my God. I will not fear. I will not be intimidated by the devil or man. Through my God, I can do this! My Father has given me the Holy Spirit,filling me with power, love and a sound mind. I have the mind of Christ. I receive no spirit of fear, and nothing will stop me from moving forward.

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14, KJV
Have you ever been moving forward in what God has called you to do, then all of sudden, out of nowhere, things begin to happen, and before you realize it, you have stopped your pursuit? You stopped witnessing. You stopped preparing yourself. You started looking for answers, instead of praying for answers. Those things have come to stop and hinder you from doing the will of God.

Don’t allow them to. Keep your mind on the Lord. Put your attention on the assignment at hand and what you know to do. You may not know everything, yet move forward in what you do know and keep praying regarding your circumstance. You may be experiencing a financial challenge, but don’t let it distract you. You may need some answers right now, but don’t let it distract you. Keep your eyes on Jesus and on living for Him.
Trouble can chain you and put you at a stand still if you allow it to. Feelings are temporal, yet we don’t live by them–we maneuver around them. Keep living by faith.

Let nothing stop you.

Prayer: Thank You Father for encouraging me. All of a sudden, this just came out of the blue. This is a distraction, and the devil is trying to hinder me. I will not let this stop me. Help me to maneuver around it all and keep my eyes on You Jesus. I put my attention on You now, and I am moving forward in what I know You want me to do. I am going to keep living for You. I will not be stopped. Glory to God! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” Colossians 3:2, NKJV.

Affection here means to intensively interest oneself in, with concern or obedience. It also means to be mentally disposed, more or less earnestly in one direction. It’s like traveling to your vacation spot that has your intense interest, so much so you get excited just thinking about how it will be. You then base your decisions regarding your time, your money, your planning, and your efforts all around getting to that one place.

We all have one affection. What have you set yours on? There’s nothing wrong with having things, yet they should not have your affection, your intensed focused, to where all of your life’s decisions are made to obtain them and not Christ.

Set your affection your eternal destination, your eternal vacation spot–heaven. Nothing will compare to it. All of your labor for the Lord will be worth it. His well done will be worth it. Be concerned more about your soul, than your income level. Be more interested in having a lit heart, than a lit home. Deem it a greater gain to have clean hands, than a high position in which it took doing anything to reach it. Be focused on your relationship with God and intensely interest yourself in walking with Him.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for showing me where I need to set my affection. Forgive me if I have been focused on earthly things. Help me to set my affection on things above. Help me to have an intense interest in my relationship with You. Reveal Your purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, NKJV

No one knows how deep your fight is but you. No one knows the trials you are facing but you. No one knows how much you are being pressed on every side but you. No one knows the level of warfare and persecution you are experiencing as you enter into God’s calling for your life but you. No one knows your inward struggles to do what’s right but you. Yet I will tell you this, God knows.

The treasure of His salvation will bring you the victory. God will show Himself strong on your behalf and you will not be conquered. Your triumph will only prove the greatness of His power. Your triumph will only show that grace comes from God, and not you. You are walking out the Gospel that you preach. Don’t let anything stop you from going higher, going to a new level, a greater strength, a stronger passion for God, a faithfulness you crave, a faith walk unwavering. Be determined that you’re going higher and going deeper.

Prayer: Thank You Father for giving me encouragement today. I am pressed on every side, but I will not be denied the victory You have for me. I will not be denied the lives you are changing through my reach for more of You. I will continue to stand as a light in the darkness and help others to see this treasure in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6-7 NIVUK.

Paul wrote this text to the Philippians from a prison cell. It shows how amazing it is that you can have peace, even under such circumstances when we decide not to fret, but pray.

Naturally, it’s being a man to try to solve problems ourselves. We also try to decide and rule over the outcome. I have been guilty of fretting, trying to rule over my own life and solve it myself. Yet when we don’t pray, we are simply showing God that we are not depending on Him, when the truth is He is all and everything we need.

As men of God we must come into the habit of having a prayerful life. He wants it to be natural for us to bring everything to Him in prayer, no matter what it is, and not fret. We let Him solve it, let Him decide and let Him rule over the outcome, trusting in Him. Don’t spend your day fretting. Give it to God and get some peace. Pray and thank Him that you have already received what you have asked for because He will provide.

Starting today, be an ocean of calm and pray about it. The fruit of every prayer is joy, peace and His perfect will being done in you.

Prayer: Father God. Thank you for Your ever-abounding mercy and great kindness. I don’t have to fret. I won’t spend this whole day in worry. Thank you that You always hear me and that You will answer. As I pray with thanksgiving, I receive Your joy and peace. Let Your perfect will being done in my life. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture reading: Psalm 141:2, 1 John 5:14-15

“He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor” Proverbs 21:21, NKJV.

There’s something powerful about living right and being merciful. God will give you life, righteousness, and honor.

When you seek after living right, when you are content with living in a way that pleases God, you will find the benefits, the prosperity, the peace, and the reward that living right brings. Living right isn’t an empty cup; it is full of the life God has for you in Christ Jesus. It is full of the leadership, conviction and strength that people look up to. When you do your job, you do it right. When you deal with people, you treat them right.

As you seek after mercy, you are mindful to extend to others the same mercy that God has extended greatly to you. You are full of God’s love and compassion. Anytime you need mercy, you ask for it. Anytime someone needs your mercy, you give it away. You keep others right with you, and you keep yourself right with the Father. Both God and man will honor you for the way that you live before them. It will keep you as a man above reproach and as a light for Him.

If you desire to have God’s kind of success and honor in your life, simply live right and be merciful. Jesus has made you righteous and there are no chains–you are free to be this kind of man.

Prayer: Father, thank You for this simple but powerful truth. Help me to apply it in my everyday living. I desire to be a light of Your love and compassion. Help me to trust in Your ways. Help me to live right and be merciful, and I will watch You do great things in and through me. Be glorified in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 84:11

“And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you…this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations” Exodus 3:14-15, KJV.

He is mighty. He is strong. He is your shield. He is Who you can put all of your trust in. He is your confidence. He is your invincible Army. He is your strength, peace and joy. He is whatever You need Him to be. He is the great I AM and there is none like Him!

When you abide, dwell in, rest back in the truth of how matchless God is, your circumstance becomes swallowed up in the knowledge of Him. Situations become as dust in size, compared to God. When He shows up, even stress, unbelief, fear, and limitations say that He is God, and bow down! He reigns. He is all-sufficient, multi-faceted in how He can provide, unstoppable, perfect, and He is the all-wise God. There is nothing He can’t be for you and there is nothing He won’t do for you.

Let nothing keep you away from making Him big in your life today and rejoicing in Who He is. Let nothing keep you away from going to God for whatever you need. He is everything to you and all you have to do is ask. Then, rest back and dwell on the great I AM, the God that can do anything!

Prayer: Father, thank You this morning for Your Word. You are the Great I AM and that makes me glad. At every moment, You are all that I need You to be. Fill my mind and heart with Your truth today. Help me to rest back in the knowledge of Who You are. You are an awesome God and there’s nothing You can’t do. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Read: Exodus 14:7-15

“Know your sheep by name; carefully attend to your flocks…and then, when the crops are in and the harvest is stored in the barns, you can knit sweaters from lambs’ wool, and sell your goats for a profit; there will be plenty of milk and meat to last your family through the winter” Proverbs 27:23-27, Message Bible.

There have been many occasions when I felt like I didn’t maximize the money that was put into my hands. Yet, the more I ruled over and planned the use of my money, the more I applied the financial wisdom I’d been given, the better my financial situation was, the more peace I had regarding my needs, and the less self-inflicted, unnecessary struggles I went through.

Many times lack occurs because we don’t apply the financial wisdom we already know. We have to ask ourselves how long will we keep experiencing the same self-inflicting struggles? How long will we keep living without ruling over our money? We rule over our money by planning our money. Is doesn’t seem spiritual at all, but it is very godly and wise. If you don’t rule over your money with your spirit, your flesh will use it and rule over you with it. Next thing you know you’re buying things and you don’t even know why. You’ll be spending based on how you feel, not because it was a part of a God-given plan on how to use it.

The more faithful you are with ruling over the money you have, the more God will bless what you have and with abundantly more. The more you’ll have to do the things you enjoy. When applied, this kind of wisdom carries you quickly to a wealthy place and a place of plenty, without even having the wealth to begin with. It will make your life as a believer more positioned to be a blessing.

Prayer: God, You are not only God over my life, but over my money too. Teach me on how to submit to Your counsel over the money You bless me with. I am a man that rules over my money. I declare no more self-inflicted struggles due to not having a plan. Be glorified through me to the world and use my stewardship as light of godliness and contentment. Cause my bank account to be full so I can help someone in need and I can properly do the things I enjoy. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Proverbs 13:11; 21:5, 20, Malachi 3:10, Colossians 3:23

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9, NKJV.

Three times God told Joshua to be of good courage and to not be afraid. That is the same thing God is saying to you. Don’t be afraid of your circumstance because He will deliver you. Don’t be afraid of where He is taking You because He is with You. Fear will keep us in the same place and we don’t find ourselves experiencing anything new in life.

Fear will cause you to accept being comfortable where you are, instead of being excited about where you are going. It will tell you that you can’t do great things, so you have to settle for what you have. Like Joshua, your promise land is ahead and only be of good courage. Go get what God says is yours. God is commanding you to go get your blessing. Go get what He has for you. Keep God’s word before you, because it will be the key to your success.

Prayer: Father, you have told me to not be afraid, but be of good courage. You are with me. I must enter into what You have for my life and I will be unafraid. Through You, I can do it! I am designed and equipped to do what You have called me to do. I will go forward and possess the land you have for me. Help me keep Your word before me, and I thank You for it bringing me good success. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scriptural reading: Joshua 1:1-9, Philippians 4:13

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36, NKJV

Make this confession this morning: “I am free! I’m a man not bound by my past. I have no limitations. Jesus has paid the price for all my sins and I live forgiven. I have the mind of Christ. I am free to love God and gladly seek Him. I am free to understand and retain His Word. Depression is bound and His joy flows freely in me. My ambition is free. My confidence is free. My faith is free. I am free to accomplish the dreams He has given me. I can do all things by the strength He provides. I am worthy. I am encouraged. I am healed. I am more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me. I am free to prosper. I am a new man. I am blessed and a great blessing. Wealth comes to me like it should. Favor comes to me from all directions. The devil is under my feet like he should. I am free to understand and walk in my purpose. I am free to win. I am free to work hard like I should. I am free to play hard like I should. I am free to share Jesus. I am free to trust God. I receive grace to freely obey God. I am free to be happy and enjoy this life. I am free. Thank You Lord!”

Study: Romans 8:2, 37-39

“But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” James 1:25, NKJV.

In the morning, even as men, at some point we are going look into the mirror. Once we see ourselves and determine we are ready, we are literally free, liberated, of that concern. We know how we look and we go on our way.

The Word of God is as a mirror, but a different type. You don’t literally see yourself like in a natural one. In His word, we don’t see who we are; God tells us who we are. It is as a mirror that we look into and it tells us who we are free to be in Christ.

Therefore, when you read “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens you” (Philippians 4:13), the Almighty God is showing you yourself and that He made you able. His word will be just like a mirror, a perfect law of liberty, and when you are challenged, boldly remind yourself that you overcome it. When you read “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God” (1 John 3:9), you see that there is a seed of His Spirit, seed of His character in you, you are born of God and there’s no sin that can rule your life. His word tells you you’re not the same man anymore and you’re free.

No matter what the devil says, agree with God and say who you are. Remind yourself to operate according to the mirror of God’s word and you will be blessed in all you put your hands to.

Prayer: Thank You Father for looking into the perfect law of liberty–Your word. I receive who You tell me I am and what I can do. Therefore, I declare Christ lives in me and I am able! I am Your son. I am born of God. Help me not to be a forgetful hearer and I thank You that I am blessed in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Read: James 1:22-25, Ephesians 5:1-2

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” Matthew 11:29, NKJV.

To become a millionaire, you must think like a millionaire. To become like Christ, you must think like Christ. Change your mind with God’s word. Change your outlook with His word, and you will see the transformation and joy in your life you’re looking for. Read the Scriptures below and meditate on them. They will help to change your mind and your thinking.

1 John 5:4 “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Psalm 84:5, 12 “Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. O LORD of hosts, blessed (happy!) is the man that trusteth in thee.”

Psalm 1:2-3 “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the power of Your Word. I desire to be more like Christ, but I need Your help. Change and renew my mind by Your word. Transform me by Your word. Give me the discipline to learn of You and Your ways. Help me to be changed from the inside out as I allow Jesus to be my example. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” Ephesians 5:15-17, NKJV.

I woke up to seven headlines in the news: 5 shot inside Wal-Mart, 8 killed in an Oregon crash, benches clear in LA for a fight, Bridge collapse toll, New Mexico judge receives threats, Southern California earthquake, and wins historic primary. Of the seven headlines, six of them were bad news. It hit me that the evil that is in the world now and that we are truly in the last days.

With all of these things we see, the Bible says wake up and see that the days are evil, so redeem the time. Redeem means in the Greek to buy back, ransom, to rescue from loss; improve opportunity. As you realize the times we’re in, let your perspective be more and more on rescuing others before they are lost. More and more, allow God to use us to do good, so we can see more good in the world. From giving your time to helping someone, to launching that idea God gave you; whatever you can do to impact this world with good while you yet have the opportunity to do so. People are hurting, hungry for love, and in desperate need for Jesus Christ. Be a redeemer like Jesus, and get someone back to God.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for this understanding today. Help me to redeem the time. The days are evil and people need to know you. Use me to help minister salvation to someone today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” Proverbs 27:17, NKJV.

My friend told me there were some things that he was learning from me, and in turn, there were some things that I was learning from him. He has given me some wisdom about the financial area of my life. I have shared with him some marital wisdom that he needed. He has encouraged me, and I’ve encouraged him. There are areas that are being fine-tuned, or sharpened, in our lives as a result of our friendship.

Iron sharpens iron. However, listen carefully. Iron is required to be struck at just the right angle in order to become sharp.

A lot of men spend time together, yet hide, evade, or turn our heads from discussing the things we really need to be open up and talk about. We have to ask the hard questions that really need to be asked like how’s our relationship with God, our marriage, being a father, or any sin you’re struggling with. We aren’t saying what we really need to hear. We aren’t confessing and praying with one another like we need to be. As a result, we are missing just the right angles of friendships to make each other sharper, better.

As a man, don’t hide from discussing the rough areas in your life, or you will remain dull. There is someone God has placed in your life that He wants to use to sharpen you, and God wants to use you to sharpen them. We aren’t meant to walk alone. You both can help one another become better husbands, better fathers, better men.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word. Although You sharpen me, there are people in my life you want to use to sharpen me also. I can’t get sharper on my own. I humble myself Lord. Help me to talk about the things I’m going through and admit I can use some godly advice. Help me to not be ashamed and really talk openly so I can become a more effective man. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Proverbs 28:13, 17:17, 1 Peter 5:6

“And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before” Job 42:10, KJV.

Some good friends of ours had something occur in their lives that has shaken them to their core, and they didn’t see it coming. After all of the prayer and all of the faith, they don’t understand why would God allow it to have happened.

Maybe you’ve experienced or are experiencing something right now that you truly have no answers for. You prayed. You had faith. You gave it your best and thought God would give you a certain outcome, but it didn’t happen. You didn’t see it coming and now you are asking God why.

Although you don’t understand why, be encouraged to keep trusting Him. Know when things happen in our lives we don’t understand, it doesn’t change Who God is. God cares about your situation and your life. He is not the author of evil, but good. Companies may fail. People may fail. Our bodies my fail. Yet, God never fails.

You may not see it now, but you’ll understand in due time. The Lord will make it all clear to you and bring light to what you’re going through. He will also bring people around you and although it’s not their valley, they’ll walk with you as if it was. That’s God and His way of showing you He’s there. In the end of it all, Job triumphed and was given double. His end was he was blessed and so will you.

Prayer: Father, help me get through this. Why? I don’t understand why, but I put my faith in You. I will trust You. Help me to not be silent or prideful about what I’m going through. I thank You for the people You are sending to help me. As I pray, speak to me. As I pray, lift my head. I believe there is a purpose for this and You will cause me to win. Be glorified Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: John 11:1-27

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” John 15:4, NKJV.

Maybe it’s been a while since you have spent time with God. Maybe it’s been a while since you have opened His Word and allowed Him to speak to you. Or, maybe it’s been a while since you went to church.

One or all of these could be you. Abiding in God, my friend, is where we belong. It’s hard to walk upright without Him. It’s hard to have joy and peace without Him. Even as strong of a man as you are, it’s hard to have strength apart from Him. He is the source of all that you are. He is the source of any fruit you are pursuing to bear in life. He is how you live, move and have your being.

It’s time to abide in Him again. It’s time to seek Him and hear His voice. It’s time to get back on track. Regardless of what you have done, decisions you’ve made or what you’ve been through, you are never too far from Him. Humble yourself as a man and receive His mercy and grace. Let Him restore you. Let Him lead you. The Father still has a purpose for His son.

Prayer: Father, I admit it’s been a while. Forgive me Lord. Help me to not be ashamed or condemn myself. I am before You this morning solely to seek You. Although You know, here is what’s been going on in my life. I receive Your mercy and grace. Thank You Lord. I move everything out of the way, and I set You in Your proper place of my life. Give me the strength to abide in You every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: John 15, Acts 17:28, 1 John 1:9

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32, NKJV.

For someone to give their life for you, it communicates they must without question love you and there isn’t anything they won’t do for you.

If God gave Jesus on the cross for you, what won’t He do for you? Think on that for a moment. If there is anything you are going through, if there is anything you need help accomplishing or overcoming, if there are any answers you seek, there’s nothing He won’t do for you. Let this deeply encourage you. There is no way that God would give His only begotten Son to go through what He did to save you then, yet not save you now. If He gave the greatest victory for your soul, what won’t He do to give you victory in your life? He will help you, bless you and direct you now. He will freely give you all the things that are good toward your life.

He will give you joy and wisdom freely. If you’re single, He will bless you with a beautiful, godly wife. If you’re married, He will help your marriage be strong. Since He loves you, as long as it doesn’t harm you, and it is according to His word, He will freely give it to you—not some things, but all things.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your word. When I ask myself the question what won’t You do for me, I do not have an answer. You gave Jesus for me, therefore, there is nothing for me You won’t do. Hallelujah! You freely give, so help me to always come to You for every need. I will live full of joy and faith. You will freely give me all things! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study : Psalm 84:11

“Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand (be carried out).” Proverbs 19:21, Amplified.

In movies, I have seen characters get cornered in an alley. They have run as far as they can go, and then it is time to surrender. The same thing has happened with your own plans. It is humbling, but they have come as far as the Lord will allow you to go with them. Now, your plans are cornered, and the conclusion is very apparent. It’s time to let God be in the driver’s seat and surrender your plans to Him. It’s time to let the will of the Lord stand.

Nothing else is going to work, but God’s way. Like the children of Israel, your own plans will keep you going in circles in the wilderness. The Father’s plans will truly get you from where you are into your promised land.

His plan for you will not fail. He will not let you down. He is not trying to take something from you, but He’s trying to get something to you. Everything you can dream of is found within His plan for your life. Let God be God and follow Him. His plan for our lives always produces the desired outcome we’re longing for.

Confession: My plans have not worked and I realize they won’t. They are cornered and I give them up today. I choose to let God be God. I will do what You want me to do. I will follow His plan for me. I will not fear. He knows what He is doing and I choose to trust Him.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:6, NKJV.

“I am determined to be glorified in your life. I am determined to finish the work I’ve started in you. My promise to never leave you or forsake you is also a promise to never leave My work in you. It is a promise to never abandon My purpose and plan for your life. I will get you to the place you long to be in Me. I am faithful and I will do it. I am the author and the finisher of your faith. I will finish what I’ve began building in you. I am determined to establish you, settle you and place you on a firm foundation. I will bring you out of bondage and into a place of freedom in Me. I will bring you out of captivity and into My promise land. You are not forsaken. You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. I will be glorified in your life. I will open those doors before you that no one can shut. I will grace you to overcome all of your obstacles and will deliver you from all of your fears. You will be a testimony of My grace and power. You will be a reflection of Me. You will walk in all of My purpose and plan. I am determined to accomplish this in you. Says the Lord.”

“He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:25

(Read Isaiah 62:4)

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV.

Accept no fear which comes to stagnant you. God did not give you the spirit of fear. He gave you what it takes to dominate and reign in this life. He gave you what it takes to be a man of God. He gave you what it takes to build what He has called you to build, lay hold of what He told you to lay hold of, win those He has called you to win, and receive what His will is for you to receive.

The Holy Spirit is well able to bear you up and get you past whatever you’re facing as you go higher. Jesus displayed His power through overcoming the cross, and that same power, by His Spirit, resides in you. The same love resides in you. The same mind, the mind of Christ, one of discipline and quietness, resides in you. He didn’t give it to you, so do not receive the spirit of fear as your own. Receive His Word instead. Don’t fear, keep walking by faith and keep moving forward.

Confession: Nothing is too hard for my God. I will not fear. I will not be intimidated by the devil or man. Through my God, I can do this! My Father has given me the Holy Spirit, filling me with power, love and a sound mind. I have the mind of Christ. I receive no spirit of fear, and nothing will stop me from moving forward in my God.

“These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me” Matthew 15:8, NKJV.

Jesus said this to the Pharisees that did all the outward things to appear like they knew God. They walked in their religious exercises, they robed themselves and dressed like holy men. They said all the right things, however, their lifestyle, their genuine love for people, their pride, their hunger for glory, their motives, were far from reflecting the heart of Jesus and what He was really all about.

The pharisees had religion, yet no relationship. Religion wants the praise of men, rather than the praise of God. Religion only pursues going to church; relationship is being the church. Religion says I need a suit to go, yet relationship says I can come as I am. Religion secretly seeks to be known. Relationship seeks to make Him known. Religion sees someone hungry and prays, “Lord help them”, while relationship will take them to the grocery store. Religion will see someone drowning, then pray while walking by. Relationship will save them, then pray while walking with them.

Don’t focus on having an outward appearance of knowing Jesus. The truth is a religious heart is far from Him. A heart of relationship is near to Him. In these times, religion is going to produce nothing for your life. Relationship is going to produce everything for your life–and through it. Connect your heart with His and truly honor Him with your life.

Prayer: Father, thank You for speaking to my heart about having a relationship with You, not religion. I truly desire to know You and have a heart like Yours. Examine me. Help me and help Your people to not only worship You with our lips, but with our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: 1 Samuel 16:7

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14, KJV

Have you ever been moving forward in what God has called you to do, then all of sudden, out of nowhere, things begin to happen, and before you realize it, you have stopped your pursuit. You stopped witnessing. You stopped preparing yourself. You started looking for answers, instead of praying for answers. Those things have come to stop and hinder you from doing the will of God.

Don’t allow them to. Keep your mind on the Lord. Put your attention on the assignment at hand and what you know to do. You may not know everything, yet move forward in what you do know and keep praying regarding your circumstance. You may be experiencing a financial challenge, but don’t let it distract you. You may need some answers right now, but don’t let it distract you. Keep your eyes on Jesus and living for Him.

Trouble can chain you and put you at a stand still if you allow it to. Feelings are temporal, yet we don’t live by them–we maneuver around them. Keep living by faith.

Let nothing stop you.

Prayer: Thank You Father for encouraging me. All of sudden, this just came out the blue. This is a distraction and the devil is trying to hinder me. I will not let this stop me. Help me to maneuver around it all and keep my eyes on You Jesus. I put my attention on You now and I am moving forward in what I know You want me to do. I am going to keep living for You. I will not be stopped. Glory to God! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” 2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV.

I remember when my family and I were taking a road trip from Columbus, Georgia to Miami a year ago. I knew that driving was best, but I did ask God whether we should rent a vehicle or drive our own. When He told me to take our van, I seriously wondered could our van make it. We’ve had that van for so long and I knew all of the engine problems it had. Then God reminded me that I replaced the engine. The van doesn’t have that old engine any longer. It has a new one now.

Sometimes, it can be easy to think of yourself and your life like that old engine. You consider your past, what you’ve done and how you use to live, and you wonder can you make it. You wonder can you really do what the Father is asking of you, and can you really become the man God wants you to be. Yet, let God remind you of who resides in you now, Jesus Christ. You have new engine.

When you came to Jesus, all things have been made brand new. Everything! There’s not one thing regarding your old man that hasn’t passed away. You’ve been given a new start. You have a new life in Him to experience and joyfully live out. The blessing and favor of the Lord rests upon your life. Your spirit man is brand new. God has redeemed our lives from destruction and Jesus has sitted us together in heavenly places with him. You now always have this position of victory in Christ Jesus. You have a new engine and there is nothing you can’t do through him. There’s nothing you can’t accomplish through him. For so long life was one way, but it’s new now.

Prayer: Father, thank You for making all things new. Jesus lives in me, I am a new man and I can be all that You’ve called me to be. I receive that it’s new now! I’m new now! Allow Your word to renew my mind to the great work You’ve done for me. I declare I leave my past and go forward into what You’ve destined for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Ephesians 2:5-7, Philippians 4:13

“(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were” Romans 4:17, KJV.

God calls those things that aren’t, as though they were. He calls it like He sees it, not how it appears. It will be as He desires, not your enemies. He says you who you are before your life began. He calls you rich while you have a small amount in your hands. He calls your marriage fixed while it appears to be broken. He calls you strong, even though you feel weak. According to His will and ability, He calls it already done.

Be like your Father. Call yourself victorious before the battle over! Say you have joy before anything happens. Say your financial needs are met before it materializes. Say you are healed, in spite of the symptoms. Say your marriage is fixed, even if it appears broken. Say you are strong and excel in all things, although you feel weak. Call the way already made. Call it done!

Confession: I will not dwell on the problem, but be a man of joy today. I am an imitator of my heavenly Father. I call it done! I call myself victorious! I call my marriage healthy and working. I call my financial needs met. I call my children blessed. I have strong faith, and I thank God now for all He has promised me. I call it done in the name of Jesus, thank You Lord!

Study: Hebrews 11:1, Ephesians 5:1, Jeremiah 1:5

“Thus saith the Lord, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?” Jeremiah 2:5, NKJV.

God asked Israel the question is there something in Me that would cause you not to want Me? What sin is found in Me that you would not follow after Me and go far away from Me after other gods? What harm do you think I would do toward you? Let that sink in for moment. They said God You don’t work. Your ways don’t work and You will default on Your promises. You are not good and we rather live for what’s empty because we don’t believe You can fill us.

This is an issue of the heart that Israel had at the time, that we must be careful of in these times. They rather live according to what’s vain–what is empty and the things that will never satisfy.

No matter what the devil offers you. No matter how your faith gets tested, know that there is no sin, no ill-motive, no worship-hungry, no pride found in God. He is a holy and just. He will do what He said He will do. His thoughts and plans toward you are of peace, not of evil, to give you an expected end. He is a good, and He does satisfy. He will keep His promises and His word!

The reality is there is always an element of faith regarding experiencing the promises of God. We’ll find Him, His expected end, when we search for Him with all of our hearts. It’s not bless me, then I’ll believe You. It’s rather believe, then you will see what your mighty God will do. That’s when you’ll find His expected end for you. Living for God is satisfying and rewarding in this life, and the life to come. Let nothing derail you from that.

Prayer: Father, thank You. I will not be deceived to pursue what is empty, but I will pursue You. Thank you Jesus for saving me. There is nothing wrong with You and You work! You word works! Help me to continue to serve You, knowing You do satisfy with good things and a good life. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Jeremiah 29:11

“And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed” Deuteronomy 31:8.

Feeling dismayed is like playing a game you still haven’t conquered. You play again and again and lose, and you wonder if you will ever win. When it comes to your wife, your life, and your situations, you may feel like you will never get it right. I was sitting in my car one morning, and I started thinking about everything I was up against. I felt like I didn’t know how to overcome what I was facing.

As men, we have a number of responsibilities and expectations. We have to work and support our families. We feel the pressure to perform and are pulled on every side. It can be tempting to feel dismayed. Dismay means to breakdown, which I perceive is prevalent with men in these times.

Our dismay comes as a result of listening to the wrong voice. What are the words Satan is tormenting you with for the purpose of breaking you down? God’s words should be the only one you receive. He is telling you now, “Don’t be afraid. I am fighting your battle. I will make a way. I can fix it. I can fix you. I will not fail you. Don’t be dismayed!”

Don’t breakdown under the pressures of being a man. God has already gone before you and has already provided the answer. His desire is victory—through Him and His grace. In the midst of it all, slow down and pray. Open God’s Word and listen for God’s words of life, and respond with courage. Satan says breakdown. God says breakthrough.

Prayer: I thank You Father, Your word for me today is to not be dismayed. I thank You for dealing with all my fears. I rebuke Satan and his pressure right now! I will listen to You only and have faith. I am who You say I am. I am built for this. I ask You to give me instructions on what to do, how to do it and I will do only that. I will respond with courage. I receive a refreshed spirit now! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” Psalms‬ ‭121:1-2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Lift your eyes to the hills from where your help comes from; your help comes from the Lord. You are not helpless. You are not without support. However, it’s up to you to receive the help He has provided to you. When you call on the Lord, His Holy Spirit will come to your aid; He will mightily rush to your rescue. He will help you lift your hands in worship. He will help you sustain under pressure without breaking. He will help you seize every promise that He’s made to you. Don’t worry my brother, He will help you!

There will never be a moment in our lives when we will not need God’s help. So look up and say, “Father, I need your help. I can’t make it without you. I can’t do anything without you. But with you, nothing’s impossible. So I cry out, heal me, strengthen me, set me free and help me to persevere by faith. I receive your supernatural help. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

(Read John 16:7-15)

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” Lamentations 3:22-23, NKJV.

The mercies of God are new every morning. You haven’t experienced the mercy you woke up to today. Whether you made a mistake, hurt someone, or you completely made a mess of something in your life, He has new mercies available for you.

This is the mindset of God: nothing old for a new day! New mercies are able to eradicate old things, if you let them. If we let new mercies do what God has intended them to produce in us, they will encourage us to forgive and leave yesterday behind.

This mercy displays the great salvation found only in Jesus Christ. Wherever you are in life, whatever you are going through, you are never too far gone. As long as He brings you life and breath for a new day, He brings new mercy with it. It’s His way of affirming to us that it is never too late — to change, to live, to love, to heal, to make it right, to be happy, to win, to finish strong.

How exceedingly great His love is toward us. How faithful He is to His word that He’ll forget about all our sins and let us start again. This morning, no matter where you are, remember and receive the triumph and joy from the new mercies of the Lord today!

Prayer: Father, I love You today. Thank You for new mercies. Because of Jesus, I am forgiven. Your hand of salvation reaches me wherever I am and revives me. It delivers and sustains me. It brings hope and joy to the core of me. My heart is full from the love You show to me every morning. Your new mercies and Your compassion never fails. You continue to bless me. Let Your will be done in my life today. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Ephesians 2:4, 8-9

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry” Habakkuk 2:3, KJV.

You would say I’m out of mind if I say that men give birth too, but we do–we give birth to vision!

The vision God gave you is so real to you and has been for a long time. You see it so clear on the inside, but brother, it can’t stay there. It must be birthed. If a physical baby is ready to be birthed, but stays in the womb, it couldn’t continue to live. As good as the womb is for preparation, it’s only for a season, just like with the plans of God in you. It only is to remain in you for a season, and if you don’t allow God to bring it forth, it will die with you.

Understand the season you are in. Some of us men are at a point that the Lord says prepare. Others have already been preparing, and now it’s time for it to come to pass. Now, God says it’s time for what is in you to come out and bring life to a dying world.

The most difficult time of birthing is in the labor room, but at the same time, it is, without question, the most rewarding. You must depend on God and His grace to push beyond the adversity so you can bring life to the vision He gave you. This is when you have to rely on the Holy Spirit, Who Jesus specifically refers to as your Comforter and Helper. He will comfort, help, strengthen, lead, guide, and empower you to give birth to your vision. Some of us even have something that the Lord wants to bring forth before the year is out. Some of us, He will direct to fast to help you bring it forth, whatever it takes.

Don’t let your vision remain in you. Give birth to it.

Prayer: Father, it’s time to birth the vision You’ve graciously put within me. I understand the season I am in and it’s time! Help me, Lord, to bring forth what You have called me to do for You. Give me the strength and focus I need to move beyond the sacrifices I have to make and see that what’s in me is worth it. I won’t let it die. I make a decision to give birth to it. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Study: Joshua 1:8

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, NKJV.

I was talking to a brother and he made reference to all he was going through and the challenges he was facing. Then I asked him how was his prayer life and did he begin his day with spending any quality time with God. He said when he wakes up, he just goes to work and prays throughout the day.

It is important to begin your day with spending quality time with God in prayer and in His word. You can’t make it without it, and just praying on the way to work, or when you bless your food won’t do. With everything you are facing, only with God you to overcome them. With where He wants to take you, only He can get you there.

Naturally, it can seem like spending time with God is not the answer and to belittle the part that it plays in your life. This is your first battle. The devil will pursue to lie to you and fight against you to not invest into it. He will give you all kinds of reasons, including sleep, to not take the time to start your day with prayer, worship and studying God’s Word to spend time with Him. However, it is the one powerful key to every door, every answer, all grace, wisdom, every bit of strength you need. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22) and this is the fruit you will bear when you decide to sit at the feet of Jesus.

Your time with God will do volumes in your life. It has done a tremendous work in mine. When you are weak, He will make you strong. He’ll show you what to do.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your truth today. I humble myself. I can’t do anything good apart from You. I rebuke you Satan and I will rely on You. I will trust in the power of prayer, worship and Your word. I make a decision to spend quality time with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: John 15:1-5, Galatians 5:16, Matthew 6:6, Luke 22:39-40

“And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s” 2 Chronicles 20:15, KJV.

When you are in a battle, it can appear like God is no where in sight. As a man, it can seem like you have to take matters in your own hands and get it done. But be encouraged to not take the position of God. Your position is not, and never will be, to fight the battle.

Your position isn’t to fight the battle, but to have faith in the One Who fights all of your battles for you. Your position is faith! Your position is not fear, nor confusion. Your position is not depression or to live without hope. Your God is always in His position to fight for you and He will. His desire is that you be a light in the midst of it. Obey Him in the midst of it. Be an example of trust and praise in the midst of it.

If you look back over your life, even when you didn’t realize it, your God has fought many battles and won them for you. This will be no different. Maintain your stance of faith, and let God be God and fight your battles.

Prayer: Father, I give You praise this morning. I don’t have to take matters into my own hands. The battle is yours! You fight all my battles! Help me not to take Your position, but to keep my position of faith. Help me to be a light to the unbeliever and an example of how to trust in You in the midst of a battle. I praise You now! Guide my steps Father and I thank You for winning this for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: 2 Chronicles 20:15-20

“In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever. Selah”, Psalm 44:8, NKJV.

The last thing the devil wants to do is deal with a man that talks victory. Every time he comes against you, all he hears is your talk of faith and victory.

A victorious believer is a speaking believer about how he will overcome through Christ. This is the man that praises and makes his boast in the Lord. No matter what he sees, a victory-speaking believer is agreeing with God’s Word, and finds joy right where he is.

Your words hold life and power, and within your boast is a stirring of your mighty faith. When you boast, it helps you to see clearly your outcome in God. You see clearly that indeed great things are in store for you. Don’t allow the devil to deceive you into talking about defeat because there is none found in God. Stand toe-to-toe with the devil and declare who your God is. Joyfully tell him he is no match for the Great I AM. Boast on how God did it last time and it will be no different this time. Boast on what Jesus did for you. His plan for your life is unfolding right before you, and your victory cannot be stopped.

Prayer: Father, Thank You for Your Word. You have overcome for me. Help me to not talk defeat, but talk victory! By faith, it is already done! I boast in your face devil that My God is good and He is able. Thank You God I have victory in this situation. Thank You for the awesome plan You have for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: 1 Corinthians 15:57, 1 John 5:4, Isaiah 53:5, Proverbs 18:21

“Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more. Then they said to one another, “Look, this dreamer is coming” Genesis 37:5 & 19, NKJV.

God gives all of us dreams. It may not be a literal dream, yet you can say He has shown you something about your life. You know it was no one but Him. He gave it to you and it keeps you going. It gives you joy, encourages and strengthens you. It helps you to endure and continue to press forward in spite of your challenges.

God has given you a dream, yet like Joseph, you didn’t know what you may experience before you get there. Joseph was set up and sent to slavery by his very own brothers, his own family. He went through something, just like you and I. He had to decide to have faith and trust God, just like you and I.

Yet, God divinely used it to ultimately escort him right into the very dream his brothers were trying to stop. God is all-knowing, all-wise, all-powerful, and no matter what you’ve experienced, the devil cannot stop whatever God has shown you. God takes it all and divinely turns it to escort you into the very plan the devil is trying to derail.

So be encouraged. Don’t stop dreaming. Don’t let go of it because of what you’ve been going
through. I don’t know why He allowed it, but like Joseph, you will end up blessed and being a mighty blessing. You’ll see. Keep that dream from an awesome God. He will surely bring it to pass!

Confession: I am a not giving up on my dream! God has fashioned me to do great things for His glory. My God is faithful! Everything will work for me and I will arrive at my dream. I will keep my eyes on an awesome God. I will keep the joy of it before me. I will keep trusting God because He will bring my dreams to pass!

Read: Genesis 50:20

“Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in” Galatians 6:9, Amplified.

You have sown seed into God’s kingdom. You have given to others, helped others and been a great blessing throughout the years. You have served, giving God your time and abilities. You’ve loved and sacrificed. When it was hard, you remained faithful to God.

Every man hasn’t been sowing what you’ve sown, and every man will not reap what you’ll reap. Every seed you put in the ground of God’s kingdom will always produce a harvest. It’s only a matter of time. It is time to reap what you’ve sown. This is the year of reward and there are some things you’ve been waiting for that are now springing forth.

God says it is time for Him to also reap what He has sown as well. He has done a lot of sowing in you. He has sown His word into your life and much bout Who He is. He has revealed much about His plans for you and your calling. He has sown great wisdom, leadership and many experiences that seemed to not have meaning, but He says now I will show you I’m going to use them. Some things you’ve been through have hurt you, but He is taking the bad and causing you to receive something good from it.

He wants to take everything He put in you, everything He has invested into you and use it now. It is time for the man on the inside to come forth on the outside. When God reaps what is sown in us, everyone benefits from the harvest. Don’t faint my brother. Keep pursuing God and walking upright. You are about to reap your reward and He is making you a great blessing.

Prayer: Father thank You for speaking to me. No matter the seed, You never forget a seed sown. It’s been hard, but I’ve been faithful. It is the year of reward and my time to reap. Help me to not faint and give in, but continue to serve You. Reap what You’ve sown in me Father. I give You all the glory and I thank You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 126:5-6, Galatians 6:7-9

Father, I am not giving up on You. I am not giving up on Your Word and on Your promises. I am not giving up on You making me into the man You have called me to be. I am not giving up on your plan for me. I am determined to follow You all the way. No matter what is going on in this world, nothing will move my faith from You. I will continue to trust You! I will remain faithful. You didn’t quit on me and I’m not quitting on You! Even when I feel like quitting, remind me of who I am. Strengthen me to my core today. I am not alone. I come against the devil now, and I command peace in the storm. I ask that You give me wisdom and joy. I ask that your truth makes me free and give me power. I believe You will meet the root of my need, Father. You will bless me, Father. I will continue in faith in You. I give You all the praise and glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!

“For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world, and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God]” 1 John 5:4, AMP.

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26, NKJV.

When someone has a main concern, it is what governs everything they do. Above you being blessed with accomplishments and things, God is interested in you living clean and living right. Before prospering you financially, He is concerned about prospering your character. Before He changes your address, His utmost desire is to change you. The Father’s mainly concerned about you having a clean heart. His will, what He tells you to do, and how He instructs you to spend your time, will reflect that.

Don’t expect God to put anything before you focusing on your sanctification and a pure heart. This is the greatest reward you can receive. This is the greatest outpouring of blessings you can receive. Let this become what you value. When you live upright and tell the truth. When you forgive and are above reproach. When you don’t accept bribes and you are a keeper of your word. There is nothing that matters more to God. If nothing else matters more to your heavenly Father, let nothing matter more to you also.

At the end of the day, the Father wants Christ to be formed in you. Let Him do it. This is the man that won’t be moved. This is the man that will ultimately be blessed.

Prayer: Father, I thank You today. Your main concern is me having clean hands and living right. Your main concern is my soul. Help me to focus on what is more value than anything I could ever accomplish in this life–Christ being formed in me. Nothing matters more than this. I will let You do this great work in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 15

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord. Isaiah 54:17, NKJV.

In these times, there are weapons we can’t see being formed against God’s people, but they won’t work, and God will not allow them to. You are like God’s weapon in the earth, formed in His image and likeness, formed to work and formed to prosper.

Instead of seeing the devil’s plots work against you, God’s word, His ways and His plan will work for you instead. You will see God’s goodness and favor work for you. You will see nothing will move God’s hand that is on your life. You will keep moving forward and being blessed instead.

Don’t be derailed from standing your faith because you have encountered something formed against you, because surely God will not lose. You have a heritage of victory from God. Victory runs in His family, and He will dominate for His sons, as He did through Christ!

Prayer: Thank You Lord that no weapon formed against me shall prosper or advance in my life. Your will for me will prosper instead. Your word will prosper instead. Your plan and Your leading works for me. Help me to stand with my faith knowing Christ has given me a heritage of winning. Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

“It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay” Ecclesiastes 5:5, ESV.

Heaven and earth would pass away before God lets His Word fail. This is a part of His character that if He says something, He’s going to perform it. God keeps His Word.

Do you keep yours?

If you tell someone you’re going to do something, do you do it? Can your boss trust you to carry out what you commit to? People may not say anything, but they notice when we say we’re a believer, but they can’t believe us.

As a man of your word, don’t make commitments that you aren’t sure you can keep. Yet if you give your word, you should do it and it’s honorable to do so.

Keeping your word is a small principle, but it goes a long way. Ultimately, the character of God is operating in you. People will say he keeps his word, just like the God he follows. It’s a display of greatness when people believe you when you put your word on something. Your wife and kids will say when daddy says something, he does it. Let them be excited over your word, just like we are over God’s.

Prayer: Father, I praise You today. Help me to be like You and be a man of my word. Help me to consider everything before I give my word. If I tell someone I am going to do something, I need to do it. Just like people believe Your Word, I want them to believe mine. Allow this small principle to bring You great glory and draw others to know You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Ephesians 5:1

“When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad” Psalm 126:3, NKJV.

Throughout my entire life, I cannot think of a time where the Lord has let me down. Not one time. Not a moment that He was not there. Not an experience that the Father didn’t carry me through. When it was all said and done, He always brought blessings and victory into my hands.

No experience will you go through where He is not there. The times you feel like He is there the least, are the times He is there the most. He will not let you down. Not one thing God has spoken will fall to the ground. He will deliver you. He will help you. He will fulfill His promises.

When He does, just as with the people of Israel, it will be like those that dream. You will say how could He have done this. You will be have great laughter when you see the great things the Lord has done for you. He won’t let you down!

Prayer: Father, I’m encouraged today. I thank You that no matter what I go through, You are with me and You will never let me down. You are going to come through and when You do, it will be like those that dream! I am going to laugh and say look what the Lord has powerfully done. Great things are on the way for me. I call it done already, and I’m glad about right now. Thank you Jesus! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Jeremiah 29:11

“He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it” 1 Thessalonians 5:24, NKJV.

When you watch the weather channel, if the meteorologist said we are expecting heavy rain tomorrow, there are things you’ll begin to prepare for it. You would get an umbrella, and dress appropriately in expectation of the rain to come.

We prepare for what we expect, and we expect what we believe.

What has God told you that He’s going to do in your life? If God has spoken to you about anything, it would be wise to expect it and prepare for it. If He said He’s going bless with a wife, than begin to save and get your finances in order. If God gave you a vision or dream and said it’s coming, write it down and begin to run with it. Whether it’s your calling, an opportunity or a blessing, believe what He said and expect it to come, because it surely will. He that has called you, will surely do it!

Get focused, prepare yourself and be ready to seize your open door. Be ready to possess what He promised you. Be ready when your blessing comes.

Prayer: Father, thank You for speaking to me. You desire to do great things in and through my life. Help me to increase my expectation of You. I will believe what You told me. Show me how to prepare for what You said You will do. I will prepare and be ready when the blessing comes. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Isaiah 55:11

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ” Philippians 4:19, NKJV.

“I’ve seen You move
You move mountains,
And I believe I’ll see you do it again
You made a way out of no way,
And I believe I’ll see you do it again”
-Elevation Worship, Do It Again

In my life, there were times I didn’t know how God would provide, but He did–again and again. Don’t worry, God will provide. He is faithful to His covenant and faithful to His word. He will meet your every need, and He has multiple ways to get it to you. Look for Him to move the mountain! Look for Him to make a way out of no way. Look for Him to open a door again. Never will you see the righteous forsaken, nor His children begging for bread (see Psalm 37:25).

No matter what, let this keep you walking in joy and praising Him for what He always does. He will provide!

Prayer: Father God, You are my Provider and I praise You! I choose to put my trust in You and cast my cares on You. You are a good God and You will never leave or forsake me! You are right here with me, and I believe You will provide again! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Matthew 6:25-30, 1 Peter 5:7

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” Isaiah 41:10, NLT.

As strong as men appear on the outside, some of us are afraid on the inside. We’ve been afraid for different reasons. Some of us have been told we can’t do anything, won’t be anything and have been deeply discouraged. Some of us failed before and now we don’t dream anymore. We then settle for what’s comfortable in God and avoid the decisions that require stepping out in faith. No matter the reason, we’re stuck and need help overcoming it.

God wants you to let Him in. Let Him into those deep, masked areas so He can minister to you and plant His truth in you. Some decisions you are going to have make in order to follow God, while you face fear, but that’s courage. He is with you. He will strengthen you. He will help you. He is going to hold you up with His victorious right hand! He will heal your hurt and establish who you are–a man of courage.

Let God bring permanent change to the man behind the muscles. He wants to give you real strength, real courage, real freedom.

Prayer: God, as strong as I appear, I am hurt inside. I am afraid inside, but no more. I surrender and let You in. I choose to believe that You are with me, and I receive Your word over my life. I can make the decisions needed to walk in Your plan for my life. I thank You for making me a man of courage! Glory to God! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read: Joshua 1, Philippians 4:13

“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” 2 Timothy 2:3-4, NKJV.

Make it your goal to please God. Make it your sole aim to give Him your best and focus on your assignment. Nothing else matters more. Therefore, don’t get entangled with the affairs of this life that have nothing to do with what you are aiming for. Don’t allow minor things to move you from walking in joy and faith. A hardness that we have to endure is simply keeping our goal, our pursuit, to please God in everything we do.

As you aim your heart at pleasing God, He will point you toward those God-inspired goals, and by the Holy Spirit, help you achieve them. You will say God is surely with me, aiding me to please Him.

Confession: I thank You Father for being my aim right now. I set my heart and mind to please You. I am a good soldier. I can be all that You have called me to be. I will put my trust in You and serve You with conviction. I praise God for helping me hit every target in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read: Psalm 35:27

“And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable: ‘A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside…but others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold” Luke 8: 4-7, NKJV.

A farmer doesn’t consider how the soil will respond to the seed they sow. They know they have no control over that miraculous part of the harvest. That part is beyond their ability. They understand their responsibility is to sow the seed, and then, watch it grow.

Many times when we consider sharing the seed of God’s word with someone, we consider the things that we can’t control. Yet, just as a farmer is not responsible for the soil of the ground, you are not responsible for the condition of a man’s heart. God is. He is the Lord of the harvest. We can’t make anyone change, only a patient God can and it’s in His timing. He is the One that causes the power of His word to produce even long after He used you to sow it.

You never know what the Lord has already been dealing with someone about. Just be a faithful sower for Jesus and let God make it grow.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your word. I am not responsible for the soil of another person’s heart. You are. I am responsible for only being a sower of Your word. Help me to be about Your mission to spread the good news everywhere I go because people need You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Luke 8:4-15, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

“Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’ And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go’.” John 11:43-44, NKJV.

Lazarus was dead, but Jesus called him forth and brought him back to life. For those that use to love seeking the Lord and spending time in His presence. For those that use to love to pray and studying God’s Word, but now you don’t. You use to be a man of ambition, but now you’re a man of comfort. Jesus is calling you forth!

He’s calling your diligence. He calling your obedience. He’s calling you from the background to lead in this hour. He’s calling lukewarm hearts to come forth. He’s calling men from a pursuit of pleasures and gain, to a deeper love for His kingdom, His righteousness and the things of God.

Jesus says come forth and it’s time to rise. It’s time to take your place. He will make everything in your life come alive!

Confession: I hear my Lord calling me, all of me, forth. I will step forward and embrace my purpose. I will do what He has called you to do. I will love Him with all your heart, not just half of it. I will let go of this world for heaven. I will advance the kingdom! I will break forth! I will come forth!

Study: John 11:19-44, Matthew 6:33

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Children, have you any food?’ They answered Him, ‘No.’ And He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish” John 21:5-6, NKJV.

In your life, to get something you’ve never had, you will have to do something you’ve never done. It will cost you something. It may not necessarily cost you money, but it will require change, a higher level of commitment, or doing something new you’re not used to doing.

To reap different fruit, you’re going to have to sow different seed.

If you keep doing the same things, spending your time the same way, reading the same things, yet expecting different results in your life, your days and years will be repetitive and unfruitful.

God’s desire is that your life is filled with new experiences, new knowledge, new income, you become healthier, your marriage gets better, and most of all, you go higher in Him.

Refuse to be stagnant in regards to what you want to see happen in your life. You can be all the Father desires for you to be. God has said it is yours, and Jesus will help you do what you’ve never done.

Prayer: Father, thank You for speaking to me today. I ask that You show me and help me do what I need to do to have what I’ve never had. I can’t keep doing the same things expecting different results. Help me not to be afraid of what’s required of me. Your grace is sufficient, and You have great plans for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: John 10:10, Romans 1:17, 2 Corinthians 1:20 & 3:18
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“The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me; Your [unwavering] lovingkindness, O Lord, endures forever-Do not abandon the works of Your own hands” Psalm 138:8, AMP.

Have you ever been traveling somewhere using a navigation system and you miss your turn? What you’ll find is that the system will immediately say “rerouting”.

You may have had some expectations about your life, but it hasn’t turned out as you thought. You may have known the will of God and His plan for you, yet as we all have, you missed some turns. But don’t worry. God is rerouting you. Like a navigation system, God will give you the proper directions to get you back to the road you were on, or provide new turns to get you to His destination for your life.

His perfect will is not behind you–it’s ahead of you. Continue making your turns, obeying Him with patience and have faith in the mighty sovereignty of God. He will get you there!

Prayer: Father, thank You for encouraging me today. Even though I made some wrong turns in my life, I trust You to reroute me. Your goodness and mercy follows me all the days of my life. Help me to keep being lead by You. I praise You now for bringing it to pass! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 8:28

“His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.’ ” John 2:5, NKJV.

What if I do it and it doesn’t work? What if they say no? What if I fail? What if no one buys my book? What if no one comes to my ministry? What if no one comes to my new business? What if they ask me something I don’t know? What if I’m not great at doing it? What will my wife say? What if it doesn’t turn out right God, what will I do? To whatever question you have about what He is instructing you to do in your life, God’s answer is simply: just do it.

This was Jesus’ mother response to the people at a wedding when they ran out of wine. She told them whatever he tells you to do, do it. As they did what Jesus said, he worked a miracle and turned water into the best wine there. It’s hard to believe if you have to make it happen, it can even be fearful. Yet God is the Almighty, able and the earth is His footstool. Therefore, leave that to God.

We’re not responsible for making the miracle, we just do what he says.

So don’t focus on making it work. Don’t focus on the outcome or making it turn around. Don’t even concern yourself with how the person will respond, past mistakes or even changing yourself. Shift your heart to say I will leave the results to Him, and just do whatever Jesus says.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your word and I’m encouraged today. Help me to shift from focusing on making it happen, to only doing what you say. Help me to keep this before me. I praise You now. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: John 2:1-10, Ephesians 3:20

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires” James 1:19-20, NLT.

My wife has told me not to allow certain foods, like grits or oatmeal, to sit in the pot after they’ve been made. If you let them sit there, it hardens in the pot. The pot then becomes harder to clean than if I would have cleaned it right after it had been used.

As a man, you can get angry, and yes, you can get offended too. Yet, it is wiser to quickly handle your hurt. It’s much better to quickly handle what you’re upset about right when it happens, than to let time go by, and it begins to fester and harden your heart toward them. If you hold on to it, in time it will be God. Therefore the Lord says don’t even allow the sun to go down on your wrath (Eph. 4:26). You will give place to the enemy the longer you allow the offense to sit there and the devil is the one we don’t want to give any place to. With that one seed, he will use it to produce strife, pain, arguments, unforgiveness, and a root of bitterness in your marriage and in your life.

Some things aren’t worth it, and if you can, decide to let it go or go get it right. Yet, don’t be prideful and live secretly offended from something you’re now bitter from. Handle it today. Love God’s law and imitate Him, as He quickly loves and gets things right with us.

Prayer: Father, help me not to let anger live in me. I desire for any seeds of offense to be plucked up and dealt with in my heart. Help me to not give the devil any place to come in and ruin my marriage and the relationships I have. I will love Your law of forgiveness and imitate You. Teach me how to set things back right again quickly, just like You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Study: Psalm 119:165, Proverbs 18:19, Ephesians 4:32

“Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen” Mark 16:14, NKJV.

The disciples were told more than once that Jesus was alive, but they didn’t believe. Jesus rebuked them for it. From his standpoint, he had told them that he would, and he had shown them that he had the power to do it. All the times he brought the dead back to life, which they seen him do, but they doubted he himself was alive.

When it comes to doubt, what helps us get beyond it is when we remind ourselves of the great things we believe he has done. Do you believe Jesus rose from the dead? If you do, you can believe he can make you alive again. Do you believe Jesus walked on water? Then you can believe he can do the impossible in your life right now. Do you believe scripture that he caused the blind to see and healed the sick? Then he can heal you too. Do you believe he fed thousands with a fish and loaves? Then he can get you more food in your house, change your financial status and supply all your needs.

Doubt is something the we all face, but through Christ, we can get through what we’re facing. If you can exercise your faith in what he did, you can believe he can do anything and have great joy!

Prayer: Father, thank You for all that You have done. As you remind me of all that You have done, deal with any doubt in me. Jesus, you rose from the grave! Since there’ nothing Jesus that you can’t do, there’s nothing you can’t and won’t get me through! Whenever doubt comes at me, teach me more and more to exercise my faith and walk in joy. May this truth radically change my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Mark 16:9-14, Romans 10:17

“For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost” Matthew 18:11, KJV.

Like all men, Jesus had a vocation while on earth. He did what we as men do. We work for a living, and Jesus was a carpenter by trade. That is what he did, but that wasn’t who he was. At the appointed time, Jesus moved from being a carpenter into being the Savior.

Jesus wasn’t fearful and worried about leaving carpentry. The Bible makes no mention of him having any concern about how becoming the Savior would affect His life or income. He simply obeyed the Father and moved on from carpentry to save us. He moved from working for a living, to do what he lived for.

When will you do what you are destined for? The time comes when you have to do what you were born to do. If Jesus would have remained a carpenter, he wouldn’t have become our Savior. If you remain just a mechanic, just an engineer, only a doctor, how will those around you be saved? As God takes care of the sparrow, as He daily waters the grass, your Provider will take care of you.

Follow God. He may direct your path to make the type of step that Jesus did. He also may not tell you to leave your vocation, but to begin doing what God has put in your heart to do within your vocation–right where you are. Either way, it’s time to move from just being a carpenter and to go after what you’re ordained for.

Prayer: Father, You didn’t just create me to work. I was born to be to make disciples and advance Your kingdom. Help me to know and obey Your voice. Help me to not be fearful, but like Jesus, put my trust in You and do what I was born to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Jeremiah 1:5, Matthew 6:25-33, Mark 6:3, Ephesians 2:10

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 8:37-39, ESV.

Through the fire, through the tough times, in the times where I could do no wrong, He was right there. He has proven to me time and time again that when He says He loves us, He means it.

He wants you to know today that He gave His son for you. He’s been there even when you didn’t realize that He was. When you couldn’t walk, He carried you. As long as you have lived, there has not a day gone by that God has left you. Every blessing you have, every open door, His hands provided it. He did it all because He loves you.

His love is what He wants you to come to receive today. Right now, His love is what He wants to strengthened you. You can’t stop now. Why? Because nothing can separate you from His love. In the face of the enemy, tell him that nothing can separate you from God’s love! We are more than conquerors because He loves us!

We try not to talk like this as men and we want to be strong, when all the time, this is exactly what we need to keep going.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your word today. I am a man that will receive that I am more than a conqueror because You love me. You gave Your son for me. You’ve been there for me. I won’t stop now. Thank You Jesus! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

Study: John 3:16, Ephesians 2:4-5

“When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you” Deuteronomy 8:10, NKJV.

You are excelling in your line of work. Your business is thriving and sales keep coming your way. Your ministry is growing. There’s substantial money in the bank. You and your spouse are on one accord, and your family is happy. The time off you needed lined up just right so you can take an awesome vacation. You just bought a new vehicle at a great price and you are loving it. Everything is working for you.

When you are experiencing so many blessings, remember to remain thankful. Sometimes, it can be so easy when it appears that you have it all, to feel like you don’t need God or need to seek Him. That is actually the time to thank God and to continue seeking Him even more. Don’t fall for the ploy of pride the devil sends to subtly drift you away from your Source, which is how you’ve arrived there in the first place.

Thankfulness is the voice of humility. It will keep you balanced. You don’t get too high or too low. Thankfulness has reminded me, sometimes with tears in my eyes, that it wasn’t always this way. God did what He said He would do. He did it, not you.

Stay thankful to God for your blessings, with all that you have, so He can keep using you to be a blessing.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for bringing me into this place of plenty. Thank You for delivering me! Thank You for prospering me. It wasn’t always this way. You had mercy on me and blessed me. Help me to remain humble and seek You even more! Use all that You have given me to advance Your kingdom! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Deuteronomy 6:10-12

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT).

Whether you are a believer, pastor, a missionary, a volunteer, doctor, or whatever work God has called you to, remain strong (steadfast), immovable, always abounding each day in it. Always give your best toward it, going way above what’s required and remain excited about your purpose. The enemy may be telling you to stop the work you are doing, it’s useless and where’s the money in it. That is far from the truth of God. His work is never useless. It was never about money for Jesus, and don’t allow it to become about money for you. Do what you do for God. Your blessings and reward always comes from Him.

God is saying to you today, “Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work I’ve given you to do. Know that your labor is not in vain. You may not see any visible proof of the difference I am using you to make, but you are making a difference. Don’t me moved. Don’t lose heart. Don’t lose your eternal perspective. Continue to abound in My work and I will cause all of My grace and favor to abound toward you.”

Prayer: Father God, I thank You for speaking to me today. I receive Your supernatural encouragement and I thank You for giving me the victory through Jesus Christ. No matter how it looks or what I hear, help me to abound and stay on fire about the work You’ve called me to. Restore my passion for it. Help me to maintain my joy and an eternal perspective on what I do for You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Study: 1 Corinthians 15:57,58

“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it” Mark 8:35, NKJV.

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He is our example, as he shows us the way to live is to actually lose our lives for him. This is not something physical, but rather we die to our own fleshly desires and give up all for the sake of the Gospel of the Kingdom.

Losing our lives for Christ’s sake isn’t easy, but in so doing, we come to save it. We experience his suffering so the will of God can be done in us. Yet, if we suffer with him, we will reign with him. We display his love because we live selfless. We find ourselves reap strength and we triumph over the flesh. Christ in us rises and we walk in power to overcome evil with good. His grace breaks forth to do what He has called you to do, and you walk in it. God’s blessings and favor begin to show up in our lives, confirming that He has our desires in mind.

You may be enticed to save your life and live it your way, but don’t because in time you’ll lose it. Be encouraged to trust Jesus is showing you the way to be a great man. He is revealing how to reach your full potential in life. We have to sow our life for a better one found in Christ–even in the life to come.

Prayer: Father, I thank You that Jesus gave his life so that we can live an abundant one. He is the author and finisher of my faith. He shows me how to get it done. Father help me to take this leap of faith and sow my life into Christ. As a result, I will sit in a seat of authority, victory and blessing. I have eternal life also. Touch someone through the life that live for You. I receive Your grace now. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: John 10:10, Philippians 3:10, Hebrews 12:2

“But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.” Isaiah 64:8, NKJV.

When I think about what it means to be a father, I cannot help but to look to the greatest Father of all. God is our example of what a good father is and we can be abundantly thankful for. He loves us, He is merciful and gracious, correcting, encouraging, provides, strengthens, our Teacher, helps us through tough times, patient, gives us a perspective of victory, gives us identity and purpose, shows us how to love our wives and treat women, teaches us to leave an inheritance for our children’s children, never gives up on you and I, and He keeps His word.

No matter where you’ve come from. No matter your upbringing before we came to know God. No matter if we had no natural father there for you at all. God is a good Father and He will make something great out of you. As in Isaiah, we are like clay in His hands and He continues to mold, shape and make us like Him.

You too have children that are as clay in your hands and everything God is to you, you are called to be to them. Don’t get weary and give up on them now. Keep being a reflection of the Father to them, and He will use you to make something great out of them. May you feel honored and appreciated on this day as a father.

Prayer: Father, thank You for being a good Father and being my great example. I honor You today. I appreciate the role of being a father. I ask You to continue to mold and shape me. Bring the best our of me and help me to give my best to my kids, to my family. Teach me to love and raise them like You. May all fathers feel very appreciated and continue to make something great out of them. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Proverbs 13:22 and 22:6, Matthew 7:11, Hebrews 12:5-7

“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created” Revelation 4:11, NKJV.

“I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore” Psalm 86:12, NKJV.

As men, it can be hard not to want the glory. We want the praise and to be lifted up. We want the honor and to stand as the champion. We have a desire in our flesh to have our weight of worth made known for all the world to see. When this happens, we do what we do for our own glory.

Be sure to do all that you do for His glory, not your own. Let Him handle exalting you. Even when men seek to give you the glory for what you’ve done, give it to God. You’ll notice when you are seeking His glory and not your own because you will turn toward doing His will. You’ll have right intents and motives. Your priorities won’t be self-seeking. You’ll after the things that bring God glory.

You’ll become a more humble man because it’s not about your honor and worth, but His honor and worth being made known in the earth. He alone is to be exalted as Creator of all things and we were made for His pleasure.

As He has been so good to us, as we have seen so much mercy and grace toward us, it is only right to give Him the glory for it. He is the source of it all and He alone deserves all the glory. Jesus is the champion over sin and death, and He deserves all the glory.

Prayer: Father, thank You for speaking to me . Teach me to seek after Your glory, and not my own. Remove any lifting up of myself in me. I will do what I do for Your glory. I desire for You to be lifted high in my life for all the world to see. Be glorified in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 29:2, 148:13; Isaiah 14:12-15, John 8:50, 1 Corinthians 1:31

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24, NKJV.

A lot of times when we think about what worship is, we think of it as physically bowing down on our knees and laying prostrate to someone. Yet, true worship to God is reverence to Him by bowing down in our heart and walking according to His truth. We exalt God not only by lifting our hands, but we lift up our life. It extends beyond a Wednesday or Sunday service. It’s a daily service, and our lives give honor to Him as Creator and He is the only One that we serve.

As Satan did with Jesus, he will offer you the world, he’ll offer you anything, for your priceless true worship. He wants you to bow down to him and what this world can give. Yet, tell Satan to get behind you! God says there should be no other gods before Me and only Him will you live for, only Him will you serve. There will be no thing or no woman, no car, no money, no fame, that you will put before the Almighty God that saved you and redeemed you. The God that has been good to you and always brings you into an awesome place in your life.

Receive the charge as a man to truly worship the Father in this hour. God is seeking such to worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Prayer: Father, thank You for defining worship to me and help me to always worship You. Help me to recognize if I have exalted anything in my life to worship instead of You. I will not worship no one or nothing else. You are God and God alone, Jesus is King. I will serve You only and keep You first in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'” Matthew 4:9-10, NKJV.

“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them,that your progress may be evident to all” 1 Timothy 4:14-15, NKJV.

Timothy was a young man, and he was about to embark on being a pastor. The Apostle Paul knew the gift that was passed down to him. He knew the calling on his life. It was now time for Timothy to receive it and walk in it. It wasn’t time to be doing a lot of different things, but to give himself and settle down into his ultimate calling from God.

Receive and settle down into your calling. As men, we can find ourselves having many projects, but no evident progress. We can be like a mechanic, working on ten different cars in the shop, but none of them are running well. Receive what you’ve been called to do, and go hard after that. Give yourself wholly to that, and then you will see great progress, the grace of God, the blessings, the favor, and the power that the Father has preordained for you to walk in.

Some pursuits may be a good thing, but not a God thing. You aren’t called to do it all my brother. Timothy had to settle down in his calling and run his course. So will you.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word and I know You have called me to do a mighty work in these times. Give me clarity on what my calling and purpose is, and let go of what I don’t need to be doing. I ask for the courage and faith to settle down in my calling and run hard my course with an action plan from You. I praise You for the evident progress as I give myself wholly to it. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: 1 Timothy 4:16, 2 Timothy 1:5-6, 2 Peter 1:10, Ephesians 2:10

“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4, NKJV

I have worked for a staffing company before, and even though I worked at another business, the staffing agency was really the one that took care of me. All my pay and benefits and rewards came from them. When I did something great on the job, the staffing company wasn’t physically there, but somehow they would always find out and would reward me for it.

Likewise, though we live on this earth, we are citizens of the kingdom of God, and we serve Him, not the world. Our blessings come from the Lord. He sees your labor of love. He sees your acts of kindness. He sees you hold your tongue and love your enemies. He sees you apologize when you didn’t have to. He sees you opt to not defend yourself. When you chose to be a man of integrity and be honest about your mistake, the Lord watches that. He sees your longsuffering and forbearing of others.

Love appears like you receive the least, but in fact, it yields the greatest fruit in your life. The Father is pleased when we represent Christ, and it is pleasing in His sight. Don’t become weary in well-doing because you will reap if you don’t faint. When no one knew, you will find that He saw all your work of faith and love, all that you do, because He’s going to reward you for it my brother.

Wherever you are, be encouraged to keep up the good work of His love.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word. It can get challenging sometimes, but I will continue to love. You see all of my labor of love Father and may it be pleasing in Your sight. I do it as unto You. I worship you through how I live. I serve You and You are the One that sees me, blesses me and rewards me. Grace me to love and I pray the more I love others, the more Your love changes their lives–and mine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: 1 Corinthians 13:13, John 17:18-23, Galatians 6:9, 1 John 3:11

“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens” Hebrews 7:25-26, NKJV.

Intercession is one of the greatest displays of love, going before the Father to pray on the behalf of someone else. It is great to know that this is what Jesus does for us. Right now He is interceding for you. You are not alone. You have a great High Priest in Him.

A high priest went before the Almighty God to intercede for himself and the people. He would primarily go daily before a holy God to offer up a sacrifice and atone for the people’s sin, as well as his own. If in biblical times, a high priest with sin prayers availed much, how much more the prayers of our spotless King on your behalf.

He gave Himself once for all our sin and now Christ stands as a perfect, continuing High Priest for us with compassion. He has been here in this earth, in this world, and He knows exactly what it is like to live here. He knows every day the things we go through. He knows the things we daily resist. He knows the trials we experience and everything that we face, yet He says be of good cheer (take courage) because He has already overcome the world.

You have come to Him, and He is with you. He is praying that your faith does not fail. He is praying for your heart not to worry. He is praying for the Father’s will to be done in you and through you. He is always before God at the throne of grace, praying for you with power. At this very moment, be encouraged knowing Jesus is praying for you.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your word. Thank You Jesus for interceding for me. I sure need it. You are my great High Priest, always before the Father on my behalf. Even when I have felt like I couldn’t pray, You are praying for me. I am truly not alone in this life and I truly have the victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Hebrews 7:16-28, Romans 8:34

“Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness” Psalm 143:10, NKJV.

When a student isn’t doing what they’ve been instructed to do, a good teacher will take the time to show them how.

Speaking for myself, I have to admit that like that student, I need help in my life. There are some things I have found myself continually doing, even when I make a great effort to stop. I have also found myself knowing what to do, yet for some reason I still haven’t changed my ways. I need God to teach me to do His will.

This goes beyond us just knowing or being aware of what to do. This goes beyond even understanding it. It is when our actions catch up to where our heart is, because for many of us men, our sincere desire is for more of God. It is when our actions show a higher level of preparation for where God is taking us. It is when our actions show we don’t want the sin that secretly is harming and hindering us.

Ask God to teach you to do His will. No matter where you are, He is still your God and His Spirit is there to help. His Spirit is good. If you will allow Him to teach you, He will lead you into an upright life and into His perfect will.

Prayer: Father, You are my God. Teach me. I don’t want to keep doing the same things in my life. Show me how to change. I know a lot, but I only do half of what I know. Help me God. Help me read to Your word and apply it to my life. I ask for a hearing ear and to be humble, so You can teach me to do Your will. I thank You in advance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: John 14:26, Philippians 2:13

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV.

Your own power runs out, but the power of God doesn’t. It is present all the time. He gave you power to be the man He created you to be. The word power here means “dunamis” in the Greek, which is where we get the word dynamite. The Father has given you by His Spirit, not only love and a sound mind, He has given you power–this kind of power.

This is the power to operate as a man of God with strength. You have power to live right. You have power over the devil and every evil work. You have power to overcome evil with good. The power of God gives you the strength to dominate over your flesh, and tell it to do what your spirit man tells it to do.

Step into your God-given power, as well as the authority given through Jesus Christ. You have delegated authority, like an officer with a badge. They could be small in stature, but that badge makes them as big as who backs it, they walk in the same power as the one who backs it. How much more with Jesus who backs you! Take a stand against your unseen opposition and tread upon them. Take a stand against not having a joy. Possess what God says is for you. The devil knows Christ is in you and he knows who you are. You must know also. You are a man of power.

Prayer: Father, thank You for filling me with power. Make me like a dynamite in prayer and explode over the works of the enemy. Cause when I pray, even when I prayer over my wife and children, the power of God moves their obstacles out of the way. I have been given authority to walk in victory in every situation. I declare I am a man of power! Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Luke 10:19, Acts 1:8

“And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward” Exodus 14:15, NKJV.

With Pharaoh and his army behind them, and the Red Sea in front of them, the people of Israel found themselves in a tough situation. It seems there’s no where to go and no where to turn. Yet, God spoke and told Moses to go forward. In the heat of a decision, in the face of pressure, He said to them what they needed to hear.

In these times, the first thing, most important thing you need to know regarding your life, a situation, your ambitions, your challenge, your victories, is what is God saying? In the heat of a decision or obstacle, God isn’t silent. He is speaking right now regarding being wise with your blessings or to navigate you through a storm. He is speaking of a way out and where to turn. Many of us experience what the devil is saying to us, and we can hear him loud and clear. Yet, the great thing to know is that God is speaking also–much more.

In a moment of plenty or a moment of drought, He is speaking much more. In a time of devastation, He is saying something to you. In a time where you and your spouse aren’t talking, He is talking. What He is saying always agrees with His word. Also what He says will always call us to use what we live by–faith. He tells us if we pray, if we speak to Him, He will speak to us. He will not only hear us, and let us down. He hears us with the intent to answer, to lead, to take us forward. If Moses can hear God in the moment, and you have Christ in you, you can too.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your word. At this very moment in this situation I face, what are you saying to me? I thank You for hearing Your voice and just as Moses, give me the courage to go forward with what You are telling me to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: John 10: 1 John 5:15

“To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified” Isaiah 61:3, NKJV.

In sports, when a team is down in a series 3-0 or down with seconds left in the game, the whole world will count them out. Everyone says it’s over. Sometimes, the things we go through can seem the same way.

It’s great to know that you may can count out man, but you can never count out God. No matter what the devil says in your ear about your end. He may even tell you it’s too much, or it’s too big of a mistake, but you are never counted out with the Lord on your side. With God, it’s never over, and the best is yet to come. He takes what is nothing, and makes something good out of it. He takes what appears dead and makes things alive. You will rise from this situation better, wiser, and blessed.

Sometimes, He will allow you to be uprooted, but He will plant you in a place far better than you were. Your turn around will be so great, that you know only He will get the glory. You will look back and only be able to say only God could have done this in my life. No one can tell you how He does, but He does for the man the puts His trust in Him.

Prayer: Father, You are good and You are awesome. I will not count You out. I declare it’s not over and the best IS yet to come because You are on my side. Steer me during this time and help me to obey and keep trusting You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” Ephesians 5:18-19, NKJV.

When you begin your day, get filled up with God. Even if you’re already at work, don’t live today on empty, or half a tank. Act on His Word, praise God and let His Spirit fill you now.Pray, give Him praise and glory. Worship the Lord and spend time in His presence. Bless the Lord with your mouth and thank Him for all He has done. Don’t stop in your time with God until you are filled with the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, and now on us, with power to be a witness for Jesus. He also lives in us, and at the same time, He daily fills us to help us. Just as a cup gets filled, God will fill you with His Spirit, and He will fill you with His joy peace, love, and all the fruit of His Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). Once He fills you, the Father will send you to go forward with power and direction for your day.

Prayer: Father, fill my cup this morning. Fill me with Your peace. Fill me with Your love. Fill me with Your joy. Fill me with Your power. Hallelujah! You are good and Your mercy endures forever! There is none like You and I give You praise today. Fill me Holy Spirit! Overflow in me and through me to a dying world. I go forth boldly being a witness of Jesus in my words, my works and in my lifestyle. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: John 14:16, Acts 1:8, 2:4, 4:8 & 31

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” James 1:17, NKJV.

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1, NKJV.

The timing He sent Jesus to redeem us was perfect. In His great wisdom, He knew exactly when to we needed him and we’re blessed because of it.

God has done and always does great things for us, but sometimes the challenge for us is that He does them in His timing, not our own. God’s timing may not be your timing, but the truth is still the same: His timing, His season, is perfect.

Just as He is perfect, so is everything He does is. He isn’t late and no matter how it appears, He is in control and never behind schedule. He knows better what you have need of than you ever will. He knows all of your days and the current state of your life, He sees every one of your needs, and even knows what you will need in the future.

Just as God’s timing, what He has for you will be perfect also. His results will be better than you could ask for or imagine. What He is doing for you even now, and going to give you will be far greater than what you could produce on your own.

Wouldn’t you wait for what is perfect? Don’t settle by trying to make something happen in your own ability, by your own hands. The Father is going to be good to you. Don’t bail out because of the wait. What God has for you, His blessing, will be perfect and will have no sorrow with it.

Prayer: Father, You are a good God and everything You do is good and perfect. Help me to trust Your timing. Help me to know that it is in Your hands. Help me to leave it in Your hands. I don’t want my best, I want Yours. Keep me in Your will Father. In faith I will continue to serve and obey You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Ecclesiastes 3:11, Lamentations 3:25-26, Psalm 126

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” Luke 6:38, NKJV.

My son said to me, “Guess what daddy? Christian (brother) was sad today at the store because he needed a dollar to buy something, so I gave him one.” “That’s great. That was nice of you”, I said. He then hesitantly responded, “Yeah, mommy said God will bless me, but I don’t believe it.” I then reminded Him of how God has blessed him before, and he remembered and was glad.

Some of us may have had the same experience. God asks you to give and you do it for the right reason, yet you doubt that you’ll be blessed in your giving. Yet, if you remember the times that you have given before, there was not a time that God didn’t bless you, and that should make you glad. According to His Word, when you give, He will give back to you pressed down, shaken together and running over will He cause men to give to you. He may cause men to give back to you in money, it could be with favor, help, mercy, wisdom, knowledge that people usually pay for, an opportunity, or something that you need.

From money, time and resources, imitate the Father and be a giver. When you do good for God, He will always cause more good to come back to you. That’s the heart of God. You will never out give Him. Not that you do it to get; that’s just how good God is, and His desire is to bless you.

Prayer: Father, thank You for speaking to me about giving. I will give, and I will not doubt You. I remember how You blessed me before and it makes me glad. No one loses when I give. You want me to know that You desire to bless me, therefore, I believe You. You are just that good. Help me to always be a cheerful about giving to advance Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: 2 Corinthians 9:7

“Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day” Psalm 71:8, KJV.

God told me one day, “You don’t praise Me enough”. I thought I praised God a lot. His response was, “Exactly. You need to say it more.”

The devil opens his mouth, but he doesn’t want you to open yours with praise to God. The more he can get you listening to his words of defeat, the less he has to hear your praise, declaring the victory you have through Christ Jesus.

Life and death is in the power of your tongue (Proverbs 18:21), and the more you give God praise with your mouth, the more you will stir up your joy and your faith. Your praise will remind you of God’s power and keep you encouraged. Your praise will declare that He is a great God, and that He is more than able to overcome any obstacle before you. He is able to do what He said He will do.

One practical way to help you open your mouth and praise God more is christian music. Turn it on in your home, in your car and begin thanking Him for making a way. Praise is not an aspect of your christian walk that God wants you to be quiet about. Shout with a voice of triumph. He has done and is doing great things!

Prayer: Father, I thank You this morning for speaking to me. You are a great God and I praise You! Help me to open my mouth and praise You more. Make it a lifestyle for me. Let it stir up the joy of the Lord in me. Every day, let it stir up my faith and remind me of the God I serve. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Psalm 40:3, James 3:2

“I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread” Psalm 37:25, NKJV.

There are some things I have been through and there was only reason why I didn’t give up–because He was there. There are some mistakes I’ve made and even lessons I learned the hard way in which I’ve said to myself I don’t desire to experience that again. Yet, even as I went through it, He never left me.

You may be wondering where is He, but you can be assured He has not left you. He gave His son Jesus for us to confirm there’s not anything He won’t do for us. God wants you to know that He will NEVER leave or forsake you. No, not the Almighty God. Not Jehovah Jireh our Provider, Not the God Who is love and is good. At every trial, any turn you take, any aspirations you are in pursuit of, any mountain you climb, He will not leave you. Let this bring you courage and hope as you consider the truth that nothing will cause God to ever loosen His hand on your life.

You may not understand why, but don’t you give up. You may not see the way yet, but you will. Like finding a set of keys you know are there, He will cause you to find the way He’s already made.

Prayer: Father, thank You for encouraging me that You will never leave or forsake me. You’re right here Lord. You are with me through this. I will not give up on seeing Your salvation! Show me the way already made and I will walk into it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5, Hebrews 13:5-6

“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth” Psalm 46:10, Amplified.

There have been times as a man, when I have had to ask myself how in the world can this work out. I have felt like I had so many needs and wondered how will they all get met. Even as I stepped out in faith to do the will of God, to others I look as calm as the sea, but inside I am searching for how will this get done, and like a person, a barrage of questions are pacing back and forth through my mind.

Then God calmly speaks, “be still and know that I am God”.

Be still and acquaint yourself, remind yourself of Who He is. Recognize and put before your eyes the truth that He indeed is God, and if anyone has already made a way and will get you what you need, He can. If anyone can open a door, He will make it swing wide open. If anyone can move the mountain, if anyone can turn it around, He can.

God will be exalted in your life. Time and time again He has come through for you, and it will be no different now. Be still. The resolve for your situation is not based on your own ability, but His supernatural ability. Be still and remind yourself that you are in His hands.

Prayer: Father, thank You for helping me to stop, be still and remind myself that You have already worked it out. Help me to stand on Your word. Help me to stand in faith and allow You to lead me into what I need. Be exalted in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Isaiah 41:10

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire” 2 Peter 1:3-4, ESV.

God has given us a divine life. Divine means what proceeds directly from God. It also means supremely good! It is a life filled with what God intended for you when He created you.

God meant for us to have a divine life all along, even from the beginning in the Garden of Eden. In spite of what you have gone through, when you give your life to God, He turns it into something supremely good and supplies what comes from Him. He will turn every part of your life into what it is meant to be. He will turn every pain into something divinely used for His glory. He will take your setback and use it as a testimony to divinely prosper you. God will make all things new, better than the first. Don’t settle for anything less. He has given you all the things that pertain to life and godliness.

He follows the above verses with this encouragement in verse 5-8, which He gives to you today: “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement (or add) your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Prayer: God, you can do far more with my life than I can. I want to experience all what You meant life to be. Take this life and do with it what only You can do. You will take every pain, and divinely use it for Your glory. Show me my purpose. Show me how to add all things that will make me fruitful in life. I praise You for giving me a divine life! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: 2 Peter 1:1-8, Luke 11:2

“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep’ ” John 21:17, NKJV.

After denying Jesus three times, Peter decided to turn away from his calling and go back to fishing, which was his vocation. When Jesus rose from the dead and came back to visit his disciples, he sat down and ate with them. He then asked Peter three times “Do you love me?” Peter’s answer was yes, and Jesus tells him then feed my sheep.

After you have faced difficult times, you may wonder whether you really should just go back to living like you use to. After you have messed up with the same thing multiple times, the devil will say you really don’t want to follow the Lord, just go back to living for sin and pleasures. Yet like Peter, Jesus is going to ask you for every mistake, every wrong turn, do you love me?

Your love is not defined by your mistake, but your decision to choose Jesus in spite of your mistake. The truth is God knows our wrong turns before we even make them, and He is rich in mercy for a reason. Yet, He still chooses us. He still chose you and you are a forgiven man.

God cares enough not to leave you where you are. For every mistake, every hurt, every denial of him, every let down, and for every wrong turn in life, Jesus is asking you do you love me? Let your response be yes, and do what you know He is asking of you. Move forward. Get back up, and walk out your calling.

Prayer: Thank you Father for Your word. Thank you Jesus, for with one question, you settle all matters of the heart. Yes, I do love you. I choose to love you by getting back up and waking out my calling. I receive Your mercy and grace now. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Luke 22:54-62, Philippians 3:13-14, 2 Peter 2:9-10

“Being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry. Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time” Luke 4:2-3, & 13, NKJV.

When Jesus was being born into the earth, the devil pursued to stop his coming. When Jesus was exiting the wilderness and entering into his ministry, the very thing he was called to do, the devil came while he was hungry and tempted him. One thing you will find in scripture is that the devil watches for and attacks during very important moments of transitions.

When I look back on all the moments of transitions in my own life, the devil pursued to keep me from making them. During those times, you want to especially walk close with the Lord, receive His plan and be very diligent to follow it. As you are walking with Him, the Holy Spirit will show you things to come. He will reveal things to you about your new transition and what you are entering into. Those are the times to be watchful for any subtle trickery or scheme from the wicked one to derail you from God’s will to be blessed and advance the kingdom.

Also practically as a father, when you notice your children entering into key moments of transitions in their lives, be there to share with them what is to come, and pour into them the godly wisdom and insight they need. Whether it’s the change from high school to college, college to finding their purpose, or singleness to marriage, these are especially the times to not be ignorant of Satan’s devices, and to watch over them to help them successfully through it.

Prayer: Father, thank You for this insight about moments of transitions. Let me follow Your plan and not be ignorant of the devil’s devices. Holy Spirit show me what is to come for myself and my family. I will lay hold of your blessings and advance the kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: John 16:13, Matthew 2:13-15, 2 Corinthians 2:11

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” 1 Timothy 6:12, NKJV.

I once heard a great quote: “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog” -Mark Twain. This is true, and I would say further that it is not the size of your situation, but the size of your faith within it. The best choice you can make right now is to fight with your faith.

No matter the situation, Jesus is the author and finisher of your faith, and your faith in God will see you through to the finish. Keep believing for what He promised you. Don’t quit because you don’t see anything yet. Your faith will award you the victory. The situation may be fierce, however, it is no match for your God and what He is able to do. He will not fail you. He will keep His word. When you hold fast to what is good, you will watch your victories come in by the droves in this season of your life.

You may ask yourself, “how can I strengthen my faith?” Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). His word is powerful and able to make your faith strong within your heart.

Feeling like God has left you? God promises, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” according to Hebrews 13:5.

Needing provision? “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” according to Philippians 4:19.

Feeling intimidated? He tells us “Greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world” according to 1 John 4:4.

Fighting against laziness? Proverbs 10:4 says, “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”

God will do what He said He will do. He is a good God, and He wants you to put your total trust in Him and fight the good fight of faith!

Prayer: Father, I praise You! I have the victory through Christ Jesus and I fight with faith. You have already won the battle for me. I already have what I need. Nothing is too hard for You, according to Jeremiah 32:17. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, according to Philippians 4:13. I will overcome through You. Continue to lead me until I possess the victorious outcome You’ve promised me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Numbers 23:19, Romans 10:17, Hebrews 12:1-2

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” 1 Corinthians 15:10, NKJV.

“My grace is here. My grace is here and upon you to do what I have called you to do. Don’t wait to do what My grace is present for. It is here now to do it. It is My Spirit of grace that has risen upon you to help you perform a great task, one that you could not accomplish on your own. Yet, by My Spirit, by My great grace you will do it and you will easily do it. I will make it sweat-less and delightful to you. Don’t wait to do what My grace is present for. Take it and run with it. Yield to My grace and seize your time and season to perform the work that I have called you to do”, says the Lord.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your word. Thank You for Your great grace. I feel Your Spirit of grace upon me. Help me to recognize and discern this season. Help me to recognize and discern what You have specifically provided grace for. It is Your indicator to me that is time to do it. Give me the courage to yield to Your grace and do what Your Spirit has risen upon me to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Luke 4:18, Acts 4:33, 6:8; 2 Timothy 2:1

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:4, NKJV.

I was sitting down before God’s word and it felt like food to me. Truly the best meal of the day is God’s word. It is food for the man you can’t see. It’s food for the man that needs joy, hope and strength for great battles. God’s word isn’t physical food, but it has the attributes of it and what it will do for you:

It’s good!
It strengthens you.
It helps you keep going.
It quickens you with life.
It feeds your faith.
It helps you focus.
It refreshes your soul.
It quenches your thirst.
It will fill you inside.
It satisfies.

I’ve had some great food, but nothing does all the above like the word of God. Just as when you don’t eat physically, you notice the difference, so it will be when you don’t eat spiritually. You will notice the difference inside, and the word of God is what you need. Bread alone won’t do it. Coffee won’t do it. God’s word alone feeds the areas in our lives that are empty and without strength.

Again, the best meal of your day is God’s word. Remember to eat today.

Prayer: Father, thank You for speaking to me. The best meal of my day is Your word. It is the key to my success today. Just like I make sure I eat physically, help me to make sure I eat spiritually. I can’t live without. Like I love to eat food, show me how to love Your word. I praise You for it. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

Study: John 6:63

“So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts” Zechariah 4:6, NKJV.

Pray this prayer with me: Father, we thank You today. We can not be who we’ve been called to be on our own. It is not by our own strength, but by Your Spirit. Fill us with Your Spirit Lord! Fill my cup Lord! Lead me Holy Spirit. Overflow in my life and in my heart Father. Help us, your sons, to flow with Your Spirit. Fill our hearts with Your mighty Word. Help us to depend on Your Spirit to walk in love. By Your Spirit, we have self-control, power and steady peace no matter the situation. By Your Spirit, we can provide for our family. By Your Spirit, You will show us how to prosper in everything we do and show us where Your promotion is for us. By Your Spirit, we can be great fathers. By Your Spirit, help us live, think and obey like Jesus. I declare I have the mind and wisdom of Christ. By Your Spirit, I overflow with Your joy, which is my strength! We can do it through Christ! Show us the things God has for us to come Holy Spirit. We lean upon You Holy Ghost for victory today! Glory to God! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

“It’s not by power, not by might, but by My Spirit. Utilize my Spirit at every turn. Let Him lead as you follow. Let Him be in front of you, not behind you. Allow Him, let Him, Yield to Him. My people must get filled with Me and they will see, they will see, then you will see, so come to Me, come to Me and watch Me bring you the victory, says God”.

Study: John 16:13, Ephesians 5:18-20

“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy” Psalm 107:2, KJV.

Redeemed in Hebrew means to to be next of kin, as in to buy back a relative’s property. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. It means let the redeemed say that they have been redeemed. “Why should I say it? Why should I say that have been bought back by the precious sacrifice of Jesus Christ?”

There is something powerful about saying where you belong and what the Lord has done for you. When you actually say you’re redeemed, it reminds you of who you are. You were far away in the enemy’s hands, but Jesus bought you back and you’re home now. No matter what you go through, He has given you a home for your soul, a place of rest. Jesus paid the price for you and you are in the family of God.

It helps you not forget your place in God and remember the devil’s place in your life. The devil, nor sin, has no level of ruler-ship in any area of your life, and he doesn’t want you to say it. But don’t be silent. You are no longer the enemy’s property, but you are God’s son and whom the Son has sets free, is free indeed.

No matter what you face, you can be still and trust God, saying and expecting to always receive everything, every promise, every provision, that comes with your mighty redemption. Say I’m redeemed!

Prayer: Father, thank You for what Jesus has done for me. I am redeemed and I say so! I speak according to what You say, not what I see. Help me to line up my mouth to speak of my redemption. I belong to You. I thank You and I declare I am redeemed! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: John 8:36, Galatians 3:13, Proverbs 18:21

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love” Revelation 2:4, NKJV.

I have a good, life-long friend of mine and sometimes we can go gaps of time without talking. It can seem as if we are not even close. However, all I have to do is pick up the phone and call. We get to joking, catching up and it’s always just like old times again. Our friendship never left, we just needed to rekindle it.

The Almighty God is more than a life-long friend. He is your heavenly Father and will never leave. Your fire for God is still there, and don’t believe otherwise. You only need to call on Him and He will help you rekindle it. He will help you get your fire back!

Prayer: Father, I feel so far away, yet I believe all I have to do is call. I need a work done in my heart only You can do to get my fire back. I want my fire back! I need it in order to be who You have called me to be. I come against any hindrances in my life and I stir up the gift that is in me. I praise You now! Fill me with Your Spirit now! Thank You Father! It feels like old times again! Thank You for Your presence right now, and thank You in Your presence of the fullness of joy! Even move beyond the old, I ask for a new fire. Thank You for saving me and I remind myself of all You have done for me, and You still keep blessing me. Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: 2 Timothy 1:6

“In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” John 4:31 & 34, NKJV.

Jesus was hungry for the will of God and to finish His work, that he deemed it more vital than food itself. It was his meat. His life’s focus was upon the will of God being completed. Now is the time to hunger for His will.

Are you a man that’s hungry to finish? Is completing the work of God your highest goal? Show me a hungry person, and I’ll show you a champion. Be determined not only to start, but to cross that finish line before you. Do not be satisfied with just doing God’s will, but also finishing God’s work that He has given you. You have a job to do. You are on an assignment by God. It should drive you and fulfill you more than spending your time doing anything else. As God causes you to see the reward, the great joy, the blessings and being a blessing in front of you, you’ll get excited. Nothing satisfies like accomplishing His will.

Prayer: Father, thank You for choosing me and giving me purpose. I am honored and humbled You have called me to a work. Reveal it even more to me. I ask for a greater hunger to not only start, but finish. Help me be centered and focused on finishing. Like Jesus, my meat is to do my Father’s will and to finish this good work in my hands. I thank God for the grace, the wisdom, and the counsel to do it. I receive the strength, joy and courage to finish. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Study: Hebrews 12:1-2

“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:13-14, ESV.

You don’t have to worry. You don’t have to fret. God is in control and on the throne. He takes care of all of His children, even at the right time.

In His timing, He always will bring the best out of a situation, the best out of you and the greatest blessing to you. He is perfect in regarding the work He performs in us. He is sovereign, and even when it doesn’t appear any good will come out of your test or pain, He brings you through it, and uses it to create the masterpiece of your life.

I have always found God to be faithful to His Word, even when it didn’t look like it. He’s been mighty, even when I had no strength, yet had no idea that He was actually carrying me. I would have given up, except that I knew that He was good. Just know that He is forming Christ in you, and in time, you will understand.

Therefore, wait on the Lord! This isn’t the waiting like sitting in a waiting room dental office. This means to have an expectation of Him. Expect Him to do what He said He will do. Expect Him to keep His covenant. Don’t faint because you will see His goodness toward you. He is a good God. So take courage, and through it all, wait on the Lord!

Prayer: Father, you are good! I’m going through some things, even some pain, but I will trust You! Something awesome will come out of this, even more of Jesus formed in me. I will not faint now because I believe You are a good! I will expect to receive Your best. I choose to take courage and wait on You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Study: Genesis 50:20, Ecclesiastes 3:11

“So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?'” 1 Kings 19:12-13, NKJV.

God asked Prophet Elijah this question 40 days after he fled from Jezebel, who was plotting to kill him. This is the same Elijah that just called down fire from heaven as proof of who serves the true and living God. He had become afraid and comfortable where he now was.

For many men, what we have been through is brutal. The losses have been sorrowful. A lack of money in the past has caused us to hold tight to our great jobs and careers, more than we hold tight to God. Next thing we know, God nor the things of God is not first in our lives any longer. You dare not move, but rather remain fearfully comfortable and complacent.

In the midst of your comfort and pleasures, in the midst of the struggles our women and mothers, in the midst of young men being loss to craziness, drugs and violence, do you hear the still, small voice of God asking you, “What are you doing here?”

Now He is asking some of us, “What are you doing here?” It is time to really set God and His kingdom first in your life. It is time not to fear, but to do what He has called you to do. The One that backs that small voice is more important than your money. He is more powerful than the pain you’ve been through. He is more powerful than any of your fears. He is more good, merciful and restoring than you can figure out. He is with you, therefore, who can be against you.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your truth. I hear You. Forgive me if I have walked in fear, put my career, worldly pleasures or anything else as my pursuit in life. I choose to serve You! Use me Lord to advance Your kingdom! Use me to make a difference in the lives of others! Help every man step up and be Who You have called us to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read: 1 Kings 19, Matthew 6:33, Philippians 3:14

“And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.” (Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him.) Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing” Genesis 18:10-11, NKJV.

Abraham and Sarah had many odd stacked up against them in their ability to have a son, but if anyone could pull it off, God can.

Like Abraham, God has spoken some things that He is going to do in your life, and you wonder how in the world is He going to get it done. You may be saying, “But God look how far I am behind.” “Look at all my faults.” “I don’t have the money.” “I missed my opportunity and it’s over now.” “God, look at the delays I’ve experienced.” “You will heal me?” “Are You sure You can use me. Look at me.”

He has shown me time and time again that if He said it, He will pull it off. You may not know how, but He will. He will either bless you with the money, or favor from man. He will open the door, or provide a new one. He will help you learn it, or bring someone in your life that already does. He will mold you and change you into a completely new man. God created the earth. He can work your life out.

If you would allow yourself to be led by God, step by step, you will find yourself in the exact place you have desired to attain in life. Be encouraged. God is going to pull it off, and it’s going to be better than you could have ever dreamed of.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word. If you can pull it off for Abraham, I believe You can do it for me. Help me to not lean to my own understanding. Help me to hear Your voice and to do what You instruct me to do–step by step. God, pull it off in my life. Hallelujah. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Genesis 18, Proverbs 3:5-6

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35, NKJV.

The devil would rather you pursue a blessing, than become one. He would rather you focus on receiving than giving. It is dangerous to him when you become a blessing because you begin to make God known in the earth. It’s when the Lord makes you the very answer to someone’s prayer. You make the love of Jesus real to someone, seen and felt by someone, as you become what he gives away.

We are living in times where the Lord strongly desires for us to listen for His voice, and obey the Holy Spirit when He says become a blessing. Expect from Him the unexpected, because in an instant you could meet someone and He says yield to My goodness and bless them.

Yesterday, my wife and were selling our kid’s bunk bed without the mattresses on Facebook. The mattresses were old and we bought them new beds. A grandmother responded to the ad and was very interested in buying it for her two grand children that lived with her. Her and some family members came over, and not even a minute after meeting them, God told me don’t sell it to them, give it to them, and tell her it’s a blessing from Him. I shared it with my wife, and when she told the lady, tears began to come in her eyes. The reason is what we didn’t know was she did not have the money to buy the mattresses, but now she can.

God had greatly blessed us with something that day, but honestly, what we did for that family was without question the highlight of our day. It was far, far better and brought us far more joy giving than receiving. It felt so good to not receive a blessing, but be one.

Prayer: Wow, thank You God for this testimony. Thank You for showing us to become a blessing in these times. You have been good to me. I ask for You to be good through me. Make me a blessing! Make me an answer to someone’s prayer. Help me to be sensitive to You Holy Spirit in this area, and make this man a great blessing in someone’s life today. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Matthew 10:8

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” Psalm 37:4, ESV.

“By his blessing they multiply greatly, and he does not let their livestock diminish” Psalm 107:38, ESV.

I had been a temporary worker at a company for 8 months, just working in the department that I had been hired to work in. I was fine with working there, but God told me something. He said that it was my time to leave, and that He had some other people to use me to reach. He also told me that He was going to financially bless me.

One job I applied for there, I received an interview, but never heard anything back from the hiring manager. I had to fight to not be discouraged, and He showed me He didn’t tell me to go on that interview. I then found two other positions that I had interest in, but the Holy Spirit lead me just apply to the second one. So I did.

Two days later, a high-level woman who rarely comes to my department to get her packages, tells someone on this particular day that she’ll come pick it up. She then talks with my manager, who calls me over to meet her. God blessed my words and I spoke very well, causing her to be very impressed with me. I recognized I had favor with her also. At the very moment, I knew it was God helping me and His hand is in all of this. The interesting thing about it was because of her high-level position, she didn’t know that she was actually listed as the hiring manager for the one job the Lord told me to apply for! I was then called for an interview, and received a call with a job offer. God gave me a new position to reach others, and at the same time, making the highest salary I’ve ever had.

Don’t give up on anything He has told you He will do for you. I didn’t get the first job because I wasn’t supposed to. Whether financially or another area in your life, God wants to give you His best, so obey each step of direction that He provides. Know my brother He will do it for you!

Prayer: I give You praise Father for how You bless us! I’m encouraged this morning, and what You do for others, You will do for me. Help me to follow Your directions to lead me to my blessing. What You have for me, it is for me. I thank You for it now! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Genesis 12:1-2, Psalm 84:11

“But what do you think?” A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go.” Matthew 21:28-30, NKJV.

In the parable, the first son showed more devotion to His father than His brother. Even though he disrespected his father in speech, he still honored him by going to the vineyard afterward. How many times have you committed to a cause with such burning passion, and then somewhere along the line, things get complicated–and by complicated I mean excuses get the upper hand, your fire runs out or you just grow weary. The book of James advises us to be doers of the Word, and not hearers alone.

Let me tell you this: There can be times the people you devote to, will not even notice what you do. Can you imagine how God must feel? This can be applied to all areas of our lives because devotion is one of the greatest acts of love, and mysteriously, people can overlook it–but not the Lord.

Regardless, be devoted to your wife, be devoted to your family, your friends, your work and above all of this be devoted to your God. Why? Because the Father is utterly and totally devoted to you. He says, “I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward” (Genesis 15:1). He also says He shall work a work in your day (Habakkuk 1:5). Just think of all the provision He makes for you on a daily basis. So devote yourself each day anew to God’s will for your life, and you shall inherit His kingdom.

Prayer: Father God, your devotion to me has gripped my heart. Please forgive me for straying from Your perfect will, and thank you for loving me even through my stumbling. Lord Jesus, please help me when I grow weary, and remind me that the reward in You is greater than any Earthly joy. Father, grant me the wisdom to discern where my devotion should rest, for Your word says where my treasure is, there my heart will be also. I will devote myself to You anew. Holy Spirit move within me, and may the glory of the Kingdom rise and spread to every person who comes into contact with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Matthew 6:21, 21:31, James 1:22-27, Acts 20:35

“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour” John 12:27, NKJV.

You are in a great time. You are in a great moment in your life. Make sure you don’t allow it to simply pass by. Don’t allow yourself to not notice that the Lord is blessing you. Like Jesus, some of us may not feel like it, but He is. He truly is blessing you–the real you. The man with vision and dreams of doing great things for God. The man that desires for his life to have meant something when he’s gone. This is the man that is breaking forth and cannot be contained!

Every thing you’ve been through is coming together to bring forth who you were called to be. Everything you’ve experienced, all the decisions, all the times you felt the Lord was far, all the times you wondered what is He doing in you, yet He was in control of it all. He’s been at work the entire time, even when you had to bounce back from some challenges. Now, you are seeing the life He has for you unfold. Your steps were ordered (Psalm 37:23), and now, you are seeing all the pieces come together and it’s all starting to make sense.

Don’t stop now. Keep going. The discomfort of not remaining where you are is for a reason. It is compelling you to not settle for anything less than His perfect will for your life and walking in your finest hour.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for being in my finest hour! This man is breaking forth. I will enjoy and be excited about how you’re working in my life. I won’t give up now! Help me to follow Your leading Holy Spirit, as you unfold and launch me into the man I’m called to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: John 16:21

“The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it” Proverbs 10:22, ESV.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” James 1:17, ESV.

When God blesses you, it makes you want to serve Him even more. His blessings are so good and perfect that once received, you don’t want to be blessed any other way, but by God alone.

Yes, you could bless yourself with what you think you desire, yet you’ll have to care for it yourself, watch over it yourself and make it prosper yourself. This is the sorrow (toil, labor, work) along with it when we do it, and not God. It’s when we had to have it now and didn’t want to wait on Him.

However, when the LORD blesses you, there will be no sorrow with it. When He blesses you, it will make you rich and full. You won’t lack. It will add to you joy and peace. With His blessing, there will be nothing missing and nothing broken. It will also benefit everyone around you. His blessings humble you and overwhelm you, to the point where it even causes you to say surely if not for Jesus, I don’t deserve this.

Be patient and wait on God. Refuse to bless yourself. Be resolute that if God doesn’t do it, then you don’t want it!

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your word today. When You bless me, it makes me rich and adds no sorrow to me. I desire the blessings that only come from You. If you don’t do it, I don’t want it. Help me to wait on Your best. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Psalm 84:11, John 10:10

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” Deuteronomy 31:8, ESV.

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” Hebrews 13:5, ESV.

There is an overwhelming truth that can help you in the most trying times. It’s knowing that God will never leave nor forsake you. The devil will tell you that God has left you, but He hasn’t. Your Almighty God is always at arm’s reach.

Whether you are in prison or a penthouse, He’s there and He won’t ever leave you. Whether you are in court or ICU, He’s there and He won’t ever leave you. You could have just decided to live in sin, or for the moment you just don’t care anymore, yet He still won’t forsake you. Some people will leave your side when things get tough, but not God. In the heat of the fire my brother, that’s when you learn He is with you the most.

He will never desert you, or leave you in a bad place in your life. Since He won’t ever leave or forsake you, an access to Him won’t either. He is Jehovah Shammah, The Lord Who is There, meaning where you are, He will be present and always help when you call. He is Jehovah Jireh, meaning He is your Provider, and He will supply all your need. Jesus said that he is the Way, therefore, as long as he’s with you, there’s always a way to get beyond what you’re going through.

Prayer: Father, thank You for never leaving nor forsaking me. No matter where we are, You are there. Help me to always remember You are at arm’s reach when I call. My peace comes from You. May my faith rest in You and that in my battle, You are with me to overcome it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Genesis 22:14, Ezekiel 48:35, John 14:6, Philippians 4:19

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:2, KJV.

Using a camera lens, we can zoom in, zoom out, change lighting and make other adjustments to snap a picture. As good as the camera may be, it still requires focus to capture the shot we want. Our lives are as cameras that must be focused in order to accomplish what the Father has for us to do. The bridge between you and your purpose is your focus.

As men, some of us can find ourselves being easily distracted losing our focus on the primary tasks before us. If you don’t focus on seeking God, you won’t find Him. No matter how much talent you have, if you don’t focus on becoming a disciplined individual and perfecting your gifts, you won’t achieve anything. God has an amazing purpose for your life, and with some focus, you can experience the perfect will of God. You will see the prize of your goals obtained. What you focus on, you will capture.

Prayer: Father, You are all that I need, and I know You have great things in store. I get overjoyed when I think about Your plans for me. Help me to focus in so that I can experience what You have for me. I come against all of the enemy’s distractions. I have the mind of Christ. By Your power, I I ask for a focused mind. I ask for a focused heart. I ask for Your direction, and I receive the focus necessary to carry out Your instructions. I thank You for capturing the life You have for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost?” Matthew 18:12, Amp.

During the course of my day, I always pursue to listen to the Holy Spirit to see if there is anyone the Lord will want me to encourage or share Christ with. Then, one day as I was looking at Facebook, I came across a post from one of my cousins, who seems to always have posts about no one cares, his problems and what he’s going through. The Holy Spirit spoke to me and said that’s who I want you to go after. You’re so focused on strangers, but you have one right in your midst that is lost.

There is a place for witnessing to people you don’t know to help and witness to, but God simplifies ministry, directing us to go after those that are already close to us that need Him–our family. You’ve been divinely connected to them. There are those already near, that if you slow down, watch and pray, He will show you someone that you just may be overlooking.

The Lord didn’t intend on your spreading of the Gospel to be complicated, but very simple. Ask yourself what would show the love of God to them the most–right now? What is their real need, and how can you meet it? Some men in your family need your time, and some need wisdom on how to successfully live their lives. Some have been giving up on and forgotten, and God wants you to step in and say He hasn’t.

I challenge you to target one family member and reach them. Leave your comfort, and go after them. Your ability to change lives is close to you. Sharing Jesus is easier than you think, and the devil doesn’t want you to receive a mighty revelation of that.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your word today. Thank You for simplifying ministry. Help me to minister to that have been giving up on and forgotten. That family member that is always posts on Facebook about their problems–I pray for them. That person you know down the hall that talks to me all the time–I pray for them. Help me to love my family and go after them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Acts 1:8

“The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you” Jeremiah 31:3, NKJV.

When you haven’t done everything right, it’s great to know He still loves you. It’s great when the Lord still calls you spend time before Him.When our minds have been somewhere else, He shows us He does when He puts a song on your heart. When he speaks and encourages you. When those moments we feel the least undeserving, the Lord blesses us.

Even as men, we need to know that Someone loves us. God loves us with an everlasting love. From point to point it can’t be measured, and no matter what you do, God’s love outlasts it. It extends to no end.

With His lovingkindness, He draws us into a place of repentance, surrender and change. With His lovingkindness, with His mercy He draws us and we come in contact with a Father that is for us, upholding us, keeping us strong, even when we don’t know it. Even if you’re running from what He is asking of you, He yet still loves you.

The truth is it’s never been about you doing everything right, and it never will be. God the Father isn’t interested in your perfect deeds, but in a perfect heart toward Him.

He’s good to us, even though when we don’t deserve it. His love makes us want to love Him more. His love makes us want to do what’s right.

Prayer: Father God, I thank you for your everlasting love that you show towards me every day. Even though I don’t deserve it, you pour it out without fail. Thank you LORD. I receive your love and mercy today and I pray that you will use me to show this same love to those in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Romans 2:4, 1 John 4:19

“He must increase, but I must decrease” John 3:30, NKJV.

“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” Philippians 2:13, NKJV.

It can be difficult to move yourself from being head of your own life. What do you do when you find your will is not God’s will? What do you do when God is asking you to do something that is a challenge for you to do? You know you need to humble yourself and submit to it, but it is difficult to submit your will and desires to His. The very will and ability to do what pleases Him, actually comes from Him.

Jesus had the hardest battle of His will to get on the cross, yet it yielded the greatest results, the greatest impact, the greatest blessing in His life. What He knew He could not do, or even wanted to do, He set Himself in prayer to humble himself and decrease, so the grace of God, the power of God could increase. The more you decrease, the more He can increase, birthing the results you are looking for.

There are things that we just flat out don’t desire to do. In spite of how tough it may seem, it can all be accomplished as you go before God and decrease. What you can’t do, allow Him to do in you. It is the key to every victory, every inward fight. He will work in you what you can’t do, what you can’t manufacturer– the will and the ability to do what pleases Him.

Prayer: Father, increase in my life, and I must decrease before You. Only You can work in me the desire and the ability to do Your good pleasure. I humble myself and I decrease, so You can increase in my life, so Your Spirit can lead me. Give me the strength to love, forgive, obey You, even accept what You say I can become. Increase Lord and birth the greatest results in my walk with You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Luke 22:41-43

“Now the Lord had said to Abram: Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing” Genesis 12:1-2, NKJV.

I found a local Kroger that wasn’t doing so well in sales. It was built in a very awkward location and hard to reach off the main road. Well, it moved less than a mile away across the street, and now the store is thriving. Being in the right place is what made the difference.

God told Abraham to go into a land that I will show you, and there is where I will bless you and make your name great. When we are not where God has told us to be, we begin to experience hardship, and God provides no favor there. For some of us, we are simply in the wrong land. Some of us are at the wrong company, have started the wrong business, are serving at the wrong church, have settled in the wrong city, and are dating the wrong woman. If you want the perfect will of God, if you want to experience the blessings God has for your life, it starts with being your land, being in the right place. There is where God will abundantly bless you. There is where God’s favor will surround you. There is where you will begin to hear more of God’s plan for you. There is where you will become great and become the greatest blessing.

Prayer: Thank You Father, You are good, and Your mercy endures forever. Am I in the right place? Am I doing what You told me to do? I need to be where You want me to be, not where I think I should be or have been told by someone else. You saved me, and I have a right to enter into every one of Your promises. I refuse to be off course. Forgive me if I missed your direction. Tell me where to go, and I will go Lord. Get me into Your perfect will for my life. I praise You for it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Genesis 12:1-3; Proverbs 8:35

“While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.” But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe…” Luke 8:49-50, NKJV

Don’t stop believing things will change. Don’t stop believing that God can get you to where you need to be. Don’t stop having faith that things will turn around. Don’t stop believing just because you face a challenge on your way to where God has promised you.

The enemy will entice you to walk in fear and stop believing God in one area, then, he will pursue to stop you from believing God in another and another and another. The result will be you begin to totally stop believing God and quit in your faith. Yet in contrast, when you stand and believe God, even with faith the size of a mustard seed, you can believe God for anything.

Nothing is ever dead in the hands of God. Your marriage will live. Your dreams will live. Your relationship with God will live. Consider it only as adding a greater testimony to your championship belt. Regardless of how it looks, regardless of how it seems, don’t quit believing that God is going to do what He said.

Stand on His word and only believe!

Prayer: Father, thank You for encouraging me today. It is trying my faith right now, but I will not stop believing You! I will not stop trusting You. I thank You for Who You have been and Who you are in my life. Help me to continue to stand on Your word. I say to the enemy I will not fear, but I will only believe! Thank You Father in advance. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Read: Luke 8:49-51, Matthew 17:20, Mark 11:22

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” Ephesians 3:20, NJKV.

When a man asks God for something, you can expect Him to do far exceed what you’ve asked for. Exceedingly abundantly here in the Greek means that God will do what is SUPERABUNDANT in quantity and SUPERIOR in quality above what we can ask for or imagine. It’s like asking for a good deal, He gives you a great deal. You ask for one salary, He gives you a far higher one. You ask for a good woman, He gives you an outstanding one, even full of the attributes you didn’t even realize you wanted. Your dreams will never be bigger than what God will do, and you can always view all of His promises this way.

Look at the very power at work in you. Look at the great work He’s done in you, the work of His Holy Spirit in you, the great salvation you have received, and how your life has changed. Who would have known the man He could make you into! It is as a blueprint and affirms that you have a good heavenly Father that fulfills every promise that He’s made. You have a big God that you serve with a big plan for you and it is nothing short of glorious in your eyes. He’s going to bless you with every dream and every prayer you’ve asked for according to His will–and it will be far better than what you can imagine.

Therefore, when with a right and clean heart that you ask, sincerely ask of the Father for anything you need, know that He will not only answer, but He is going to always superabundantly exceed your petition.

Prayer: Thank You Father! Thank you Jesus for such a great salvation. Each day, every time I pray, help this man to always know that You will do exceeding and abundantly beyond what I can ask or think of, according to the power at work in me! Wow! I serve a big God. Let me never view what I ask for the same. I thank You for it in advance. Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Mark 11:22-24, 1 John 5:14-15

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’. ” Matthew 6:31, NIV.

Have you ever felt like you were beyond tired? You need a second wind. You’ve been going and going, working and have had no time to rest. Even when you do sit down and relax, you aren’t doing anything, you still find yourself still at an unrest, you still are not in a place of peace.

It’s good to step away naturally as a man, with all of our responsibilities, and do something we enjoy. Yet, many times the true rest as men that we need isn’t physical. It is a spiritual rest that we need. It is a rest for the soul that we need, and this rest only comes from the Lord.

You need to still away and get some time to yourself and God. Still away and give it all to Jesus. Push away your schedule, go to a different environment and let Lord minister to you. Let Him refresh you in His presence. Let Him show you how to enter into His rest about everything before you.

Let God answer your questions as you’re quiet before Him. Let Him rearrange and restructure anything about what you’re doing and the way you’re doing it. God will even reveal to you if there’s anything you are involved in that really isn’t His will for your life.

When you choose to find rest in Him, He will give you a fresh perspective on your life, and give you more grace. This is how you can run and not get weary, and walk, but not faint in the Lord.

Prayer: Father, thank You for speaking to me today. I admit tired and I need some rest. Help me do something naturally to rest. Yet above all, help me to spiritually rest by spending time with You. Only You can do something about my life. Only You can ease my mind. Only You can provide rest for my soul. Minister to me and refresh me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Isaiah 40:29-31, Hebrews 4:1-2, 10-11, Matthew 11:28-29

“For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior” Ephesians 5:23, ESV.

The more I get into God’s will, the more my family does too. The more I get in my place, the more I see my wife get into her place and the more blessings she receives into her life. The more I get in my place, the more blessings my children are experiencing in their life.

As husband and father, the man is the head of the home, and the head of the man is Christ. The more submitted you are to Christ, the more of him you will experience in your home. As you get in your place by loving your wife as Jesus would, you’ll see her submit easier to you, as well as your submission to each other. When we’re true fathers, our children will divinely listen to us and have no problem following us.

A man that decides to stay strong in God, will see his family divinely stay strong. When you have faith, the Lord will cause your family to have faith too. God has given such power and authority to us as men, we can bring joy and peace after work and change the mood of everyone in the house.

When we as men take our place, the devil gets in place–which is under our feet! When the man lines up, everything, and I mean everything will fall in place, and the more of God and more blessings your family will experience in their lives–far beyond monetary.

Prayer: Father, I thank You today. Help me to take my place and submit to Christ. As I do that, I trust You that You will cause everything to divinely fall in place as I take my rightful place in You. Use me to minister love and strength to my family. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Ephesians 5:23-29, 1 Timothy 5:8, Proverbs 22:6

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.” Job 13:15, NKJV.

Job was going through a lot that he didn’t quite understand. He had experienced losing his children, his livestock, and on top of all of that, he was stricken with boils all over his body. All of this happening back to back in his life. Yet in spite of all, he said that he will praise the Lord.

Whether it works out, or it doesn’t, whether you land the new position or you don’t, whether He heals you or He doesn’t, will you yet praise Him? If you don’t ever get married, or become a millionaire, continue to praise the Lord. Sometimes things happen outside of our control, but know it is never outside of His. He is always in control and sovereign, and whatever God is allowing to happen in your life, it will ultimately be for a greater purpose than at the moment, we don’t comprehend. However, make a decision to still hope in your God, come what may in your life, come whatever obstacle, come whatever tribulation or trial.

If you’ll praise Him, you’ll serve Him. When your praise doesn’t leave, your servitude won’t leave either. Job did just that and the Bible says his his latter was greater. His awesome end was double than all that he lost, and like Job, your latter will be greater.

Prayer: Father, I will yet praise You. Whether You do it or You don’t, I will yet praise You. My praise is going no where. I may not understand, but You are in control. Help me to stand strong in the midst of it all and trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Job 42:10-17

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“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NKJV.

If you bought a new car and sat inside of it, you would desire for that vehicle to do what you purchased it for. It’s yours. You paid a price, and you bought it for your goodness and pleasure.

Just like that new car, we have been bought with a price. Jesus paid a great price for you and I, the way we choose to treat our body and our spirit is an indicator of how we honor that price. We humbly are now God’s and we have been purchased for His goodness and pleasure.

I was tempted to look at a woman on a magazine in the grocery store line. I said, “No! Get behind me Satan!” I said I will glorify God. Jesus didn’t put in all that work to defeat sin for us, so that it still reigns over us. We can reign over it. The Holy Spirit (Who is absolutely holy and perfect) now lives in us, and He dwells within us with strength for character and power. He is all that we need to live holy and experience the goodness of God.

The Lord wants us to walk in all that He purchased us for. When we wholeheartedly do what He created us for, we glorify Him. When we flee sexual sin, in our body and spirit we’re glorifying Him. When we live holy, when we are faithful to our wives, and when use our gifts for His glory, that glorifies the Father. The most satisfying and greatest joy you will have in life is when God Almighty is looking down at how you live as a man and is well-pleased.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for Your Word. Thank You Jesus. I have been bought with the price. Help me to understand that price and honor it. Help me to glorify You Father in my body and spirit, which are Yours now. Be glorified in me against sexual sin and keep me for one woman–my wife. With You Holy Spirit, I can reign over sin. I can live holy before You. I declare the world will see You glorified in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: 1 Corinthians 6:18, Genesis 39:7-12, Ephesians 2:10

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” James 1:12, ESV.

I’ve found in football, it always gets the toughest and the grittiest at the 1-yard line. The team with the ball meets their greatest challenge right before the end zone. Yet, the team with the ball is confident, coming to realize that if they’ve come this far down the field, they can do it, and there’s no reason to stop now. They’re almost there.

My brother, you’re almost there. You’re facing your greatest challenge, but that doesn’t mean something is wrong. You’re at your 1-yard line. You’re having to give everything you’ve got because you’re almost there. At this pivotal point, the devil is throwing everything at you, trying to fight you the hardest because the greatest blessing in your life is on the other side. His tactic is to get you distracted off the goal God has given you. He is trying to turn your heart to pursuing the things of this world, and not the things of God. You’re so close to entering into what the Lord created you for, and your visions and dreams from God are about to come to pass! The blessings and awesome things God has shown you are coming to pass!

Why stop believing at the goal line? He brought you this far. He’s done too much to give in now. You’ve seen too much favor to not know that He’s with you. He’s shown you too much to doubt yourself and what He put in you now, especially right before you receive.

Prayer: Father, that’s what going on. I’m almost there. It’s hard, but You’re harder! Your grace is sufficient. I ask that you renew my strength. Help me Holy Spirit to remain aggressive in prayer, in seeking You and going after what You have for me. Through Christ, I will enter into what God has for me to do. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

Study: 2 Corinthians 12:9, Hebrews 12:1-2, 1 John 4:4

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24, NKJV.

Lately, I can say that I have not felt like getting up in the morning to study and pray. Yet, with the decision before me to seek Him or not each day, what God has begun to spring up within my heart is that I have to take up my cross and follow Christ.

It is a decision as a believer you must daily make. Your day and your year depends on it. Experiencing the will of God for your life, your family, provision and blessings depend on it. Taking up your cross is when you go before Him, and truly surrender your will and your plans, for His will and His plans. It is the place where you give up your weakness and receive His strength. The cross is the place where you give up your way to handle your situation, and let Him be Lord over it, and allow Him to direct you on what to do about your situation.

You can be a believer and decide not to take up your cross. Yet, you will wonder why you aren’t experiencing the benefits and reward from the relationship with the Lord–it is because you truly aren’t allowing Him to be Lord in your life. It is humbling and it’s where the rubber meets the road, but Jesus says if any man will come after him, he must deny himself (say no to himself), take up his own cross, and follow him. Yet, I have found my greatest life and have become a better man then I’ve ever been through the cross–and you will too.

Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly (John 10:10). The cross isn’t your course to die, Jesus did that for you. It is rather your course to mightily live. You’ll see Jesus lead you into great change and great blessings in your life, only discovered on the other side of your cross.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your word. I’m taking up my cross today. Here is my will and here are my plans, and I receive Yours. Here is my weakness and I receive Your strength. I say yes to You today. Help me each day to humbly deny myself and follow Jesus. You are the Good Shepherd of my life. I will put all my trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: John 10:10, Psalm 23

“Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel; and his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened, as she made haste to flee, that he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth” 2 Samuel 4:4, NKJV.

Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, David’s closest friend. He was mistakenly dropped when he was five years old and he became lame. Yet, David sought him out and found him. He brought him from dwelling in Lodebar–a place without pasture–into a place of restoration of everything that belonged to Jonathan’s father, he had no lack and he ate at the king’s table for the rest of his days.

If were honest, some of us men are just as Mephibosheth. Did someone drop you? Meaning, did someone fail to give you what you needed to walk in everything God has planned for you? They may not have meant to, but they did. Ultimately, they fell short of giving you some important things as a man in life that could have made your course a lot smoother, a little better.

Yet, as David did with Mephibosheth, so has the Jesus done for you. He sought you out and found you.

God sent His Son Jesus to find you in a place of sin without pasture and carry you into a place of where there is restoration, no lack and you will sit at the King’s table all of your days. It’s not over. No matter what happened, He will make your life what it should be. Keep walking with the Lord and what seemed like couldn’t be turned around, what door couldn’t be opened, what couldn’t be changed in you, He will do it. Be encouraged because God will make your latter better than how you beginning.

Prayer: God, I was made lame and lacked many things as a man. As a result, I made some mistakes in life. Made some wrongs turns. Yet, You heal lame men. I surrender to You Lord. Like Mephiboseth, pick me up King Jesus. Be a Father to me God and open doors of favor for me. I thank You for healing my life now. My end will be that I will not lack and I will eat at the King’s table all my days. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: 2 Samuel 9:5-13

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13-14, KJV.

God and His promises are always in front of you, not behind you. The reality is you cannot change where you’ve been. You may have had setbacks. You may feel there’s too much ground to cover at your age. You may have lost it in your past, yet it will only be restored with an amazing God in your future. It is all ahead of you. This is a guarantee. It will not escape your hands. It will not and cannot elude you. It will be sitting there within the plan of God. People to help and bless will be awaiting you. Wisdom and resources will be awaiting you. Opportunities, relationships and honor will be awaiting you. You will be restored and made new when you move forward.

The perfect will of God is that you become who you are in Christ and that you live an abundant life. This is not a dangling carrot. This is not a place in Him you can only hope to obtain. With the leading of the Holy Spirit, you can arrive there. It is indeed a place, and you know when you are in it. You’re experiencing using your gifts there. You are fulfilled because you are pleasing the Father there. You are producing for Him and you are the greatest blessing there. You have stepped into what God has called you to do for your life. He is calling you to this place of victory and you must now press into it. Ask the Lord from this day on, to help you live a forward life. Let go of the past, and move forward into what God has for you.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word. I ask that You to help me let go of the past and move forward into what You want me to be. I will not allow nothing to keep me from moving forward into every victory and every blessing that awaits me. I ask for a focused mind and heart. My victory is in moving forward. Thank You Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: John 10:10

“For You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord shall enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop; by my God I can leap over a wall” Psalm 18:28-29, NKJV.

Sometimes as a man, we just needs some confidence. It is amazing what a little confidence will do. You may not be superman, but God wants your confidence to be as if you were-through Christ. David was roughly 5 feet tall, yet he believed he could leap over a wall and he could run through a troop. His confidence was that he could do it by God.

Let all of your confidence be rooted from a great confidence in God. Jesus lives in you. Someone with power lives in you. Someone with wisdom lives you. By Him, you can leap over your walls and you can run through a troop of your enemies! By Him, you can do what He is asking of you.

Don’t cast away your confidence, for it has great reward! For some of us men, all the pieces are there, and this is the final piece you need. Confidence will cause you to take the risk. It will cause you to take the leap over all fear. It will cause you to run with the vision God has put in your heart. You are confident in His ability, His plan, and like David, by God you can do anything!

Prayer: Father, thank You for believing in me. Thank You that others believe in me. But it is vital that I believe in me too. I will put my confidence in You! Help me God to leap over all fear. Lord, tear down anything hindering me, even in my past. I’m going to do it! Help me be confident in the gifts inside of me. Add this final piece in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read: Hebrews 10:35, Philippians 4:13

“…For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” James 4:14, NKJV.

The Bibles says life is as a vapor. This is a sobering truth to pause and think on. Life is like the fresh, warm cup of coffee in your cup in morning that let’s off a little smoke, and in a moment, it disappears. It’s like the visible air you see from your mouth on a cold day, but before you can turn your head, it’s gone.

Life may seem long, but it isn’t. It seems as if we have all the time in the world, yet we don’t. It is here one moment and gone the next. When you are old, will you be able to say I did everything the Lord put me here to do, or will you with regret say I could have done more? I have little to show for all the potential God put in me, and this life the Lord gave me.

It is time to be who God created you to be now. Do what He put in your heart to do now. Live life now. The reward you have for eternity will depend on what you do with your vapor, your life, that Jesus paid for.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of life. It is truly as a vapor, here one day and then gone the next. Help me to live like I don’t have tomorrow. Help me to give maximum effort today. I ask for your strength and grace to run like never before. I want to be and do all that You created me for. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 89:47; 1 Corinthians 9:23-25; Hebrews 12:1-2

“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” Isaiah 43:19, NKJV.

One of the toughest parts of renovating a home is when you have to uproot all the old things inside of it. From old cabinets, old tile, unwanted walls, windows, appliances, tubs, and more, it all must be removed and/or demolished. Yet, if we allow that home to go through the process and be renovated, it will be made into something beyond what you can recognize, beyond what you can imagine.

Your renovator is God, and He is removing the old and establishing the new.

He is removing your old mindset, old perspectives, and old way of doing things. He is uprooting the old pursuits, the ones that have not caused you to arrive at His plans for your life, into new pursuits that will. He’s giving you a new mind about your purpose and what truly will fulfill you.

He is giving you a new perspective on wealth and a new way to get it. You’re leaving the old places in your life. He is demolishing lies and fears, establishing the Truth of His Word and faith. He is putting your plan to the side and saying try this one. He is doing a new thing in your life and He wants you to know it.

Your new has come. It is here. Don’t run from what is happening in your life. In these times, the believer that holds on to the old, will remain stuck and barren with the old. The believer that let’s God lead them into the new thing He’s doing, will see great blessing and reward.

Prayer: Thank You Father, I see now what You are doing. You are renovating me. Continue to remove the old and establish the new in my life. I don’t want the old any more. I want new in every area of my life. Help me to respond in faith and do the new things You are showing me. I will go Lord. It’s time for the new! Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: Proverbs 3:5-6, Mark 2:21-22

“May the Lord give you increase more and more, you and your children” Psalm 115:13, NKJV.

I remember our pastor at the time, would see us around church with all of our children. We had four back then, and I must say, it was challenging. He’d been where we were before in his life. After service, he would come to me, stop for a second, and say, “It won’t always be this way”. Those were few words, yet they spoke volumes and would console me to the core. If we just keep walking with God, it will get better.

Wherever you are in your life, I speak to you brother the same. With all sincerity and consolation, I say to you the same. It won’t always be this way. You won’t always be at that job. You won’t always be driving that car. If you are, you won’t always be at this trying time, or facing a financial challenge. As long as you remain faithful to God and faithful to your family, it will always get better.

The Lord has a plan and as you continue to walk with Him, His plans for your life will unfold and they will stand. His will for your life will stand, including increasing you more and more, you and your children. His desire is that you lack no good thing, and that you abound to every good work.

He will not fail you. He will bring it to pass.

Prayer: Father, you know what I’m going through, yet I’m encouraged to know it won’t always be this way. As long as I keep walking with You, it will get better. I just have to stay faithful and keep trusting You. According to Your word, You will increase us more and more, us and our children. According to Your word, a faithful man shall abound in blessings. If there’s anything I need to do, help me to know and submit to Your will for me. Help me also to encourage my family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 115:13-15, Proverbs 28:20, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Philippians 1:6

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” Hebrews 13:15, KJV.

Praise Him for what He has already spoken about outcome. You’ve seen Him move before and you know He will do it again. He is the same yesterday, today and forever! Don’t wait to praise Him for what He’s going to do. Praise Him now.

Thank Jesus for what he’s done. Thank the Lord for being on your side. Praise Him for His peace and assurance that if you are going through something, it too will pass. Praise Him because He makes all things new. He’s making things right. Praise Him because He’s helping you move forward. Praise Him before you even have to do what He is asking of you because He is going to provide the power to accomplish it. Let your praise keep you focused on God, not on what you see. Let praise continue to remind you that you’re in covenant with a mighty God!

He is still with You. Your praise to God will show Him you are still before Him in faith, trusting Him. Whatever His will is, either way, praise Him because He knows what’s best for you. Before He even does it, before He even blesses you, praising Him will keep you preparing for it. It will keep you expecting it. It will keep you enjoying life. Praise Him now.

Prayer: Father, I won’t wait to praise You. I’ll praise You now. I thank you Jesus. Each day help me, on purpose, to praise You. I thank You for how You are going to use me. I praise You for changing this man’s life. I praise you for the many blessings in store. Before I even receive it, I see it by what You’ve spoken to me and I won’t wait to praise You. Hallelujah! In Jesus mighty name, Amen!

Study: Joshua 6:15, 20; Hebrews 13:8

“Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone” Genesis 35:3, NKJV.

Jacob made a vow to God that He would serve Him, and God had told Jacob to go back to Bethel. He didn’t tell him to go to another town, or stop in another city. Jacob was headed to Bethel, but he decided to stop on the way there and dwell in Shehem. When he did, several things happened to his family, his sons take several lives and his household became defiled. God spoke to him again and reminded him of what he was supposed to do. Then, Jacob told his family we need to arise and go up to Bethel and he got back on track.

Some things may very well be happening in your life because you’ve come short of obeying God. Something took you off course and you are out of His will for your life. Somehow you have found yourself in a rough place and you are wondering why am I going through it. You were on the way, focused and ready to do what God said, but something got you off track. Before you realized it, you have become complacent, stagnant or even slid into turning away from God.

Let go of what’s not of Him and arise. It’s time to go up to Bethel. It means “house of God” and represents a right relationship with Him and being where He wants you to be. You have to recognize how you have disobeyed Him (or even left Him), refocus and revisit His will for you. Pray and go back to the very last thing you remember the Lord instructed you do. Start from there, and like Jacob, God is merciful, gracious and will get you back on track.

Prayer: Father, I thank You today. All of this is happening in my life and I see why. I need to rise and go back to my Bethel. I haven’t completely obeyed You and I repent. Show me where I have missed the mark, and help me by Your grace, get back into the center of Your will. You did it for Jacob and I thank You for doing it for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Genesis 28:20-22; 31:3; 35:1-5

“Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” Hebrews 13:21, KJV.

At least thirty times in the New Testament and even much more, you will see God make reference to being in Christ, through Christ, by Christ, or by Him. It is even mentioned in scripture to put on Christ. This tells us that we should always be seeking to do the Father’s will–through Christ. It is by Christ Jesus that we are who we are, do the good work that we can do and be well pleasing in God’s sight in how we live.

Everything we do, everything we accomplish, any power that we walk in to have a victorious christian life is through the grace found in Christ. He is our ability. There is no overcoming, except by Jesus Christ, and without Him, even being a strong man, you cannot overcome the enemy alone.

Through Christ, you receive power to do the will of God. You will find power to love your enemies. You can receive grace to fast. You can say the right things. You are a focused man, a man under control. You can resist those temptations. In Christ, you’re unstoppable!

By yourself, you can’t do it. Yet, just like stepping into a suit of superpowers, when you step into Him in prayer and yield to Christ in you, you step into His grace, His love, His joy, His wisdom, His power, to execute the will of God for your life.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for letting me know how much I need to depend on Jesus and to live pleasing to You. It’s all in Christ. I ask that You help me to apply this truth and as I pray, I put on Christ today. I yield to the Jesus in me. It is through Christ, in Christ, and by Him that I live victorious! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Romans 6:11, 13:14; 1 Corinthians 15:57

“Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’ But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:3-4, NKJV

Jesus didn’t debate. He didn’t argue about the issue. He didn’t allow the devil to lead him into despair. In response to the devil’s temptations and schemes, in response to what the devil said about who He was and what God can do, He just simply said, “It is written”.

When it comes to everything in your life, declare it is written! Don’t fight with your own words, fight with God’s. Let God’s Word stand alone and win for you. Let it stand alone and show you how powerful it is. It is sharper than any two-edged sword. It drives away your enemies. It is able to shut the mouth of condemnation when it speaks. It doesn’t buckle in the storm. It doesn’t waver and always comes through to bless you. It will tell you hold on. It is able to establish peace in your heart and mind. God’s Word still has the same power now from the time that He spoke it. God doesn’t change and His Word doesn’t either. It is written.

Whether five minutes or longer, start somewhere, and make the greatest commitment in your life to consistently spend time putting into your heart the Word of God every day. Jesus couldn’t win without knowing what was written–nor can you.

Prayer: Father, I truly thank You for Your Word. You left us what is written so I can know You and build my faith. You left it so that I can use it to win my fight. Develop in me the habit, like Jesus, of saying what is written. Make it like a reflex in me! I commit to starting somewhere and putting Your Word daily in my heart and change my life. Thank You Lord! I am victorious with Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read: Matthew 4:5-11, Romans 10:17, Hebrews 4:12

“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.” John 11:5, NKJV.

“Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ ” John 11:21-23, NKJV.

Jesus was on his way to raise Lazarus from the dead, but he decided to spend two more days where He was, and it appeared to be a delay in his coming. However, they witnessed the power of Jesus, who in four days still raised Lazarus from the dead. This was beyond the three days Jews believed a man’s spirit remained near their body. They had an even greater testimony of what Jesus could do. What seemed as a delay, turned out to be their miracle.

I’m learning more and more to not lose hope because of a delay. It’s wise to rejoice and thank God for delays. In my own life, we had been looking for a house. We found one and put in our bid. It was accepted, and everything with our buying experience was going smooth and according to plan. However, the lender we were working with came back and told us they needed us to do more things regarding my credit. We weren’t ready to buy as what we were first told and it was disappointing. Yet, we agreed God must have something better, and what God has for us, is for us.

We took a little more to work on my credit, and we found that the very same house was still on the market. This time, we were able to get a lower interest rate and all the closing costs paid. Glory to God!!

Whatever it may be in your life that you desire, don’t fret over a delay. What God has for you, know that it is for you. Don’t get discouraged if what God told you doesn’t happen when you think it should, or when you want it to. You may want to go ahead and obtain it, but always receive godly counsel, even if it appears it will delay what you really desire. Your blessing could be your delay in disguise, and your delay could be your miracle!

Prayer: Father, I praise You and I thank You for all my delays. Help me not to be in a hurry. I want what Your best. What You have for me, is for me. Lead me Holy Spirit and may I receive all the godly counsel You send me. Help me to respond right to any delays, because it may very well be my blessing in disguise. My delay could be Your protection and my miracle. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: John 11:1-44

“Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-3, Amplified.

As we wait on God in faith, we give God room to bring His will for us to pass, no matter how long it may be. It doesn’t seem like it, but God’s timing is always better than ours. God’s plans is always better than ours. Whatever you’re waiting for, you will receive His best and it will be far better than you could have imagined or asked for.

Your faith is the substance of what you’re trusting God to do. It is what’s in your hands, and although it gets proven and tested, it is producing the mighty fruit of patience and with patience on your side, what can you not receive from the Lord? What battle can you not see victory and overcome? Count it all joy. You may not have what you desire, but you without question have the God that you will receive it from! He is working on your behalf, and your situation is working for you also.

So be encouraged right now while you are waiting on that situation to work out, that financial breakthrough, that blessing. Consider your entire experience joy. Your faith will bring about His will for you. What’s most rewarding and eternal, is your faith will bring about His will IN you. When the wait is over, you won’t lack no good thing.

Prayer: Father, I thank You during this time of waiting and I won’t back down with my faith. Develop my faith even more God. I ask for patience to continue to trust You and not listen to the enemy about the outcome. I count it all joy! I will praise You. You are working behind the screens Your will for me and I thank You for it. When this is over, I won’t lack no good thing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: James 1:4, Ephesians 3:20, Hebrews 11:1-2 & 6

“He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it” 1 Thessalonians 5:24, NKJV.

The word “faithful” appears 28 times in the Old Testament and 50 times in the New Testament. We are living in a time when we are seeing God’s faithfulness like never before. He is faithful to His promises, His word and faithful to keeping His covenant with us. If He is faithful, everything about Him is faithful also.

You will never need Him, and He not be there for you. He is a very present help in time of need. You will never need provision and He not provide for you. He supplies all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. You will never be in trouble and He not make a way. He is faithful to make a way so that you can bear it. Even when you haven’t been faithful, He will always be faithful to you. You will never lose something and He not cause you to experience it again. He is faithful to restore you.

Maybe you use to be strong in God and you’re wondering can you get there again. You have seen what God can do in your life and you are wondering if He can ever do it again? Yes, God can and yes, God will do it again! Faithful is He that has called you, He will do it. He will show Himself to be faithful to shaping you into the man He has called you to be. You may not know how, but what He has promised my brother, He will do.

Rather than looking at who you are, or what you’ve lost, look at His faithfulness. Rather than looking at the problem, fix your eyes on the faithfulness of your God! Set your eyes on His faithfulness and His ability, trusting your God will always do great things!

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness toward me. I rejoice over Your promises toward us. I set my heart and mind on Your faithfulness. Thank You for not giving up on me. Thank You for doing it again for me and making everything in my life better than I could ever imagine. You will get me there. You are faithful. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Study: Deuteronomy 7:9, 1 Corinthians 1:9

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” Joshua 1:8, ESV.

There are times that you don’t feel like going to work, but you do it anyway. You assess everything in moment, and you come to the conclusion, while sleep is sitting heavy on your shoulders, that your livelihood depends on it, and you go to work.

Whether you feel like it or not, give time to reading and studying the word of God. Assess how beneficial the word is to your life and do it anyway. Let it be like the job you go to each day for provision. Your life and your soul depends on it. Your future-self depends on it. Your strength, faith and your prosperity depends on it.

Sometimes you just won’t feel like it, yet some of us may be waiting until we do. We’re waiting for the anointing, or the goose bumps of being in His presence, then we’ll joyfully dive into God’s word. If you waited until you felt like it to go to work, you’ll soon be unemployed. If we wait for the feelings to become discipline in reading the word of God and keeping our mind on it, we honestly won’t ever do it.

Once you decide to do it, the feelings will come because of the revelation of truth you receive–He’s a good God. But don’t depend on the physical feelings, but do it in faith, making it a daily part of what you do. This is a secret to being mighty in God. This is the secret to becoming who you desire to be. Doing what you’re should do with the word of God, even when you don’t feel like it.

Prayer: Father, thank You for speaking to me. Reading and studying Your word is just what I do. In the times what I don’t feel like doing it, give me the strength to do it anyway. Help me to assess the benefits and my desire to walk with You, and do it anyway. From this day forward, help me to start somewhere, and commit to the reading and studying of Your word each day, and cause me to prosper. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 119:11, 105, Proverbs 2:1-5, Matthew 4:4, 2 Timothy 2:15

“O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land where is no water” Psalm 63:1, NKJV.

“You need to check your Facebook and the news, you have to send that e-mail, you have to prepare to go to work, your wife wants to discuss those important plans, what about the electric bill, how will you elevate the business, you must decide about your mortgage, that big client is coming today and you have to get ready for that…”

In the morning, all of these things and more are waiting on you with pressure. They all say we come first. They are all say we’re most important, however, nothing is more vital than your time with God. Your relationship with Jesus is your greatest possession in these times. The wisdom for everything else hinges on it alone. You are about to travel on a road you have never been, and it is important to have your Guide close. You are in a dry land and He has all the water, from joy and peace, to patience and power, that you need.

Either we will seek God early prior to our success, or we will seek Him after our failure. The devil wants to rush you right past your relationship with the Lord today. Yes, you need the money. Yes, you need the deal. However, you need the will of God more.

Confession: God is my source for all things. Nothing is more important then seeking Him first. He is the key that unlocks every door. I will search for Him early. I will search for His wisdom early. I will search for His power early. I will seek Him first. I will inquire of Him and find out what He thinks. That’s my plan and He will handle everything else.

Study: Matthew 6:33

“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24, NKJV.

God has never made anything the same including today. This is a new day. You’ve never had one like it, and you won’t ever have one like it again. See each day as valuable, full of blessings, new mercies, full of opportunities, full of learning, and victory.

Make the first thing you do as soon as your feet touch the floor, is rejoice and be glad to see a new day from God. He opened your eyes, HE did it, which should let you know there’s a divine plan for your life–and it’s a good one! The more you are simply thankful to see another day, the more you’ll live it.

It’s not up to people. It’s not up to the devil. Your new day is up to you.

Regardless of what’s happening in your life, praise Him and have a new, fresh expectation of the Father. Today He will guide you, be good to you and be good through you. Be a light today. Let nothing keep you from sharing Jesus when God opens the door to it. Walk in joy today and give your best. Be determined to abundantly live your new day in God!

Prayer: Father, I thank You for waking me up. You have blessed me with life! You have a plan for me and it’s a good one. I’m expecting great things. I choose to live! I choose to rejoice and I choose to have faith in You. I will trust You. Help me to receive all that You have for me. Be glorified in my life today! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 103

“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said…” Matthew 28:6, NKJV.

“And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty…For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” 1 Cor. 15:14 & 21-22, NKJV.

If you went to Jesus’ tomb in Golgotha, you will find he’s not there. If you looked for his bones, you wouldn’t be able to find them either. The reason is what God’s word states is true. It’s because he’s not there. Jesus got up.

The Gospel hinges not only on the death and burial of Jesus Christ. It stands on the truth that He got up too. Without him rising from the dead, the doctrine of Jesus is nullified, hopeless and without power. Yet, he literally rose from the grave by the power of an almighty God and is alive, even right now as you read this devotional.

Even as you stand in whatever situation you are in, your faith can stand in a powerful Savior. Having Jesus means there is always a rising for you. It may look dark as the grave, but your light will always come. If he can conquer the devil, death and the grave, he can surely handle what you’re going through. Through him, you will trample over the enemy. If he freed us then, he can surely free us now. He’s not dead, and you never are either because he lives, and he lives in you. He saved you then, he will save you now.

You will live and not die to declare the works of the Lord! You will rise! You will be restored! God gave life again to one son, He will give life again to you His son also. He got up then, means you can get up now.

Prayer: I thank You this morning Father for the great salvation through Your Son. Jesus you rose from the dead! You got up! That means the Father will always cause me to get up too. I have joy! I have abundant life and eternal life in Christ Jesus. I pray that many lives receive the revelation of Jesus and make him their Lord and Savior today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: John 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:1-21, Romans 6:23 & 10:9-10, Psalm 118:17

“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” Matthew 21:22, NKJV.

Pray this today with me: Father, I pray that You send men what they are in need of all over the world. Send a solution their way God! I pray that men step into their rightful place in their relationship with You, in their church, and in their homes. I pray for the core of who they are and their purpose. They are sons of God, mighty to win and not get weary in well doing. Breathe life into their lives and shine Your light of hope in every dark place right now! Send hope their way!

I come against principalities, secret plots, and schemes to distract men from the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news of an abundant life awaiting them. Remove any torment and confusion of the mind. Send freedom of the mind and we say, “Peace Now” In Jesus’ name! I come against the secret battles that attack their faith! Send a word in season their way! Help them hear You. I declare men are courageous!

Send a spirit of unity among all godly men and leadership! Help men in jail and send waves of encouragement, protection, peace and strength their way! Send healing to the gang member! Send a word that it’s not over their way! For the men without jobs, send a great job their way!

Touch men Father! Give men a joy for living right! Help us win the lost with Your love. Send strength to men in between making a decision to surrender to You, in between disposing of their pornography, in between living for money, send a resolve their way to trust You and do it! Send a miracle their way! Thank You that everything we ask You to send, they receive, I receive! Thank You for changed men today. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Read: 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Ephesians 1:15-17

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands” Psalm 138:8, NKJV.

Right now, I feel like I’m failing as a man. I have said on the inside to my wife I apologize that over the years I have not lived up to your expectations. Let’s just remain together for the kid’s sake, and once their older, we can go our separate ways. Yes, these are real feelings men have. And yes, if I counted all of my failures and gave up because of them, I would have left my family, left it all by now.

Yet, when you count how far you’ve come, when you count how close you are, the feelings of your failures don’t measure up to the truth of your successes. It affirms that truly God is doing what He told you He will do for you. You are already a great success for being His son alone, yet He will also perfect what concerns you.

Perfect means He will accomplish what concerns you. He is going to succeed at forming you into the great man He ordained you to be. He will not stop until Christ is formed in you. He will not turn His back on the work of His hands–you. Like clay in the hands of a potter, remain in His hands and He will keep working on you.

Accept your failures, but accept and rejoice over your greater successes. He’s not done until you get it. He’s not done with you until you succeed as a husband, as a father, and most of all, a man of God.

Prayer: Father, this really hits home. I may have failed, but I am not my failure. You will perfect and You will succeed at everything You are doing in me, at everything that concerns me. I ask for encouragement and that You pick me up. I declare I’m moving forward. I believe I will succeed as a man of God, husband, father, and everything else You’ve called me to. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Genesis 39:2, Joshua 1:8, Romans 8:1 & 28-30, Philippians 3:13

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32, NKJV

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV

The greatest revelation you will ever receive is that God gave Jesus, His only begotten son, to die for you, and to apply it in your everyday life. He laid down His life, so we can abundantly live ours. We exchanged our sin for His righteousness. We exchanged our weakness for His strength. He also rose, therefore, whatever your situation, you will rise too.

Once you open the gate of understanding of what Jesus did for you at the cross and that He now lives, even in you, God will begin to pour the power of this revelation into every part of your life. He will begin to flood you with His love in every part of your life and make it easy to extend mercy and love to others, as you see just how much He did toward you. You’ll find joy and freedom, because He wiped the slate clean of your past. You will find His rescuing power always at work and that God will save us in all things. He will freely give us all things. He will give you rest and peace about everything. You will then know that there is nothing God won’t do for you. Nothing.

Meditate on the depth of what Jesus did for you. Your life will never be the same.

Prayer: I thank You God for the revelation that Jesus died for me. It brings joy and peace to me that You always save. This revelation helps me to love and show others the same mercy You showed me through Christ. I am inspired live free, not condemned. I am encouraged to trust and obey You. My life is yours. Thank You for showing me there’s nothing You won’t do for me through Christ, even in these times. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read: John 3:16, Romans 8, Lamentations 3:22-23

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” Matthew 11:28-30, NKJV.

If you hang around a millionaire, it won’t be long before you become one. As you walk with them, they will mold you and teach you all of the disciplines and secrets to obtaining wealth. You will even learn intangibles by observing them, and just by merely being in their presence.

When you decide to be meek and learn from God’s word, you are deciding to walk with Him. When you decide to pray, ask questions and listen to what He has to say as you live, you are walking with Him. You are deciding to come and learn life from the best-Jesus Christ, and the Master will teach you how to handle what is before you and live victorious. His way is easy and light, and You will find a mighty rest for your soul. He will mold you into the man God called you to be. No one can change you like the Lord.

Whatever you may be facing, you don’t have to labor trying to overcome in your own strength. Walk with him. Refuse to live heavy and let him walk you right through it. You will always arrive at His will, His peace, and His prosperity for you.

Prayer: Father, You are God and Creator of all things. You are King, You are love, You are strength, You are wisdom and You are peace. You are all that I need. My desire is to walk and learn from the best–You. Teach me many things today Lord. Disciple me and change me into being more like You. No matter what I face, You will walk with me through it, right into Your victory and blessings for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 25:13-15

“The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” Proverbs 13:4, NKJV.

There is a difference between wanting something and actually doing what it takes to have it. As a man, I had to face the hard reality that if I don’t do anything towards accomplishing what I desire, I will only have a desire. If I don’t get my family there, we won’t get there. I am seeing more and more that I am built to go the extra mile. I am built to run hard. We are built to go get what God has for us.

The lazy man sits next to his dreams, waiting on them to happen. God wants you to be the diligent man that says I want it and will do what is required to get it. His will is not that you only see it in your heart, but not experience it in your life. He wants to increase you. God wants to make you rich in all things. You may not know it all, but make a sincere effort to act on what you do know to do. God will step in, when you step out. God will step in and bless the work of your hands, providing grace and favor to help you.

You don’t have to just want it. You can have it also. Understand and rest assured that if God gave you the desire, it is yours to obtain. So go get it.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for speaking directly to my heart and my situation. Your wisdom is perfect for me. I ask for a diligent spirit. I will not be afraid. Help me to get this done and may Your grace abound toward me. Be glorified in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony” Hebrews 11:1-2, NKJV.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” Romans 10:17, NKJV.

If faith was a car, it is what you must use to arrive at every destination God has for your life. I’ve looked for other ways to step into the will of God for my life. I’ve tried to search for another route, but I say humbly–I have found none, and you won’t either.

Your faith is required to get into God’s will. Your faith is required to become the man He has ordained you to be.

Since faith in God is required, then it is absolutely vital to get more of it. If you want more faith in your life, God’s word is what will bring it into your life. His word is like a seed you allow the Lord to plant in the good ground of your heart. It will increase your faith. The more you hear God, the more faith will come.

Before you read the word of God, consider what you are believing Him for and locate those scriptures. Think on them, think on what He has spoken about this year and watch you will begin to respond in faith to God. Watch you begin to respond in faith to His Spirit when He leads you to do something. The Father needs a faith response from you so He can bring His plans for you to pass!

Prayer: Father, I praise You for all You have done. This year, You have said You will do great things in my life. I ask that You get me there by faith. Teach me how to give time to hearing Your word. The moment I hear Your word, let faith become stronger. As You lead me by Your Spirit, help me to have a response of faith and obey You, most of all in how I live. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen!

Study: 1 Kings 17:8-16, Romans 10:14-17, Hebrews 11:6

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” Luke 6:38, KJV.

My son said to me, “Guess what daddy? Christian (his brother) was sad today at the store because he needed a dollar to buy something, so I gave him one.” “That’s great. That was nice of you”, I said. He then hesitantly responded, “Yeah, mommy said God will bless me, but I don’t believe it.” I then reminded Him of how God has blessed him before, and he remembered and was glad.

Some of us may have had the same experience. God asks you to give and you do it for the right reason, yet you doubt that He’s really going bless you for obeying Him. Yet, if you remember the times that you have given before, there was not a time that God didn’t give back to you, and that should make you glad. According to His Word, when you give, He will give back to you pressed down, shaken together and running over will He cause men to give to you. He may cause men to give back to you in money, or it could be with favor, help, wisdom, knowledge that people usually pay for, an opportunity, and things that you need.

Whether it is your time or resources, when you do good for God, He will always be good to you. Not that you do it to get–that is just how good God is! That is just the heart of the Father. You will never out give God and His desire is to bless you.

Prayer: Father, thank You for speaking to me about giving. I will give, and I will not doubt You. I remember how You blessed me before and it makes me glad. No one loses when we give. You want me to know that You desire to bless me, therefore, I believe You. You are just that good! Help me to always be a cheerful giver to advance Your kingdom and help those in need. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Study: 2 Corinthians 9:7

“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed” Acts 16:25-26, NKJV.

Paul and Silas were going through a tough situation in their lives. Having been beaten and thrown into jail wasn’t a pleasant experience. However, they made a decision to not abide in their circumstance, but to abide in God while in their situation. They prayed and praised and surely the Lord suddenly as always came through. He rescued them from prison, and at the same time, saved the jailer with his whole household (v. 30-34)! What a mighty God we serve!

When going through tough situations in your life, it can be a challenge to keep your mind on Jesus. The situation is trying and uncomfortable. I’ve been there.
Yet, God’s desire is that we keep our mind on Him. Jesus is our peace, and our calm in the storm. God is our refuge and our strength. God is sovereign and even when it doesn’t appear like it, He’s always in control.

In due time, God will turn your situation around. Be reminded to trust that there is always a greater work that God accomplishes in our situations and when you come out of it. God is pleased when we decide to praise Him in spite of what we’re going through. In this, He is glorified and made known to those around us like He did with the jailer. All because they see you abiding in Christ and watch the Lord suddenly bless you out of your situation.

Confession: I’m going to trust my Father and think on His word. I’m going to occupy my mouth with praise. When thoughts about my current circumstance come, I’m going to keep thinking on Jesus. I’m going to keep seeking Him and desiring to know Jesus more. His word says He hears me, He WILL deliver me, He WILL never leave me and He WILL provide. His word says I’m blessed. I thank the Father that’s it’s already done. Hallelujah!

Study: Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 37:4 & 25

“Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” Luke 22:46, NKJV.

Any man can spend countless hours in the gym trying to look like Mr. Universe. However, God didn’t just save us so that we could look strong, He saved us so that we could be strong in Him. While exercise is beneficial, real strength is when we can resist the temptation to sin.

We all know how to live according to our fleshly desires, but now that we belong to Jesus, we have to learn how to live in a way that pleases Him. To be tempted doesn’t make us any less of a believer. It’s when we surrender to that temptation that it becomes a sin.

In the days before Jesus’ crucifixion, He asked His disciples to stay awake and pray with Him. He knew that great temptation of the enemy was lurking right around the corner and it would be advantageous that they pray. We are in that hour today, and a strong and consistent prayer life will help us not fall into sin. That’s why God nudges you early in the morning, while the house is quiet, so that you can pray. That’s why He nudges you when you’re on your lunch break at work so that you can get alone with Him and pray. He sees what you do not see. He knows what is lurking around the corner.

My brother, you don’t have to give in to any solicitation of the enemy. You can rebuke him in the name of Jesus. Any time you resist temptation, you grow stronger spiritually. The devil knows this so he works overtime to try to distract God’s people from praying consistently so that he can cause us to fall. His ultimate goal is to destroy our effectiveness as believers and make a complete mockery of our God. But God says He will not be mocked, and whatsoever we sow, we will reap. While everyone around you is sowing to their flesh and reaping corruption, God wants you to sow to your spirit by spending time in prayer, and He promises you will reap life! This is how we bring glory to His name!

Prayer: LORD, thank you for challenging me by your Spirit to come up in my prayer life. Forgive me of all my wrong and wash me clean. Change my heart. Renew my mind. Help me to hate sin. I want to bring glory to you. So I sacrifice my time, LORD, and I ask you to establish in me a stronger and consistent prayer life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(Read Romans 8)

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down (demolition of) strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).

Let’s say someone comes to live with you for a day, and you welcome them to make themselves at home. The moment you leave to pick up a few things from the grocery store, they begin to vandalize your house. They bust your windows, put holes in the walls, tare down your valuable wall paintings, destroy your sentimental family memorandums, and spill dark-colored juice on your expensive carpet. The bathroom sinks are damaged and food is all over the kitchen. You left for one brief moment and someone you allowed inside did the unthinkable, and now multiple, lengthy repairs are needed to correct all of the damages.

This is what evil imaginations and thoughts that rise up against the knowledge of God come to do. If you allow them in, they will mess up your day, your mind, your emotions, your peace, and your faith. In time, they will eventually derail and rob you of God’s perfect will for your life. The knowledge of God is what we esteem and count as most valuable. It is what He has said about you, your challenges, and your future. This is why God commands us to take every thought captive and He leaves no place for any other action.

Take authority over your mind. Catch yourself if you find any evil thoughts and any high thing trying to develop. Do not allow them to make themselves at home in your life. Philippians 4:8 tells us the type of thoughts to think on instead: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Whatever you can find that is good, dwell on it and speak it. Think on what God has already done and what He is going to do, which is His Word. There is an abundance of promises from God there. If you work His Word, it will work for you. We have to move from dwelling on what has happened, into purposely thinking on the God Who will make something happen.

Prayer: Father God, I thank you for victory over my thoughts. I cast down every vain imagination in my mind that is trying to exalt itself against the knowledge of your word and I bring every thought captive in the obedience of Christ. Help me to think on your word and be diligent in keeping my thoughts in check. Thank you LORD. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalm 34:8, NKJV

In the Hebrew language, the word blessed in this scripture means “how happy!” Therefore, how happy is the man that trusts in God, not in the way that seems right to man, not in the deceitfulness of riches, not in a company or person, not in an opportunity with strings attached, not in pleasures, but trusting in God is where this man will continually find abundant happiness.

The man that trusts God has decided to hear what the Lord has to say and allows that to be how He lives, how he patterns his life, and how he handles his business affairs. He obeys God and He sees, tastes and discovers that God is good, merciful, favors him, and is on his side. This is the reason this man is so blessed, so happy.

Begin to truly trust the Father with everything in your life. You’ll see He wants you to succeed. He wants you to overcome. He wants to bless you over and over. When you allow Him to be Who you pursue, rely on and follow, you will experience how good God really is.

Prayer: Father, how blessed, how happy is the man that trusts in You! There is no one like You. I leap when I think about how good You are. Help me to realize how good You are and to simply trust You, for it is a sure blueprint to all of my happiness. You are my help and I will totally rely upon You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 144:15, 146:5

“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding” Proverbs 4:7, NKJV.

“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God…” 1 Corinthians 1:30, NKJV.

Wisdom is the principle thing and above all, it is what you want to receive from God for every decision you make. It is like the foundation of a home–it’s what you build on. Wisdom is the foundation for all of the choices and plans, and you don’t want to approach doing anything without it.

When doing a work for God, get wisdom. When deciding on who to marry and when to marry, get wisdom. When making a financial decision, get wisdom. Practically, get all the information you can about that area and your decision can become very clear. In the multitude of counsel there is safety (see Prov. 11:14), so ask other godly men do they have any advice and even share any of their own experiences. You’ll be surprised at how God will speak to you through them and help you locate the exact wisdom you need for your situation.

Most of all, the Bible says that Jesus has been made unto us wisdom. He is our wisdom because He is the word of God (see John 1:14). It is principle, it is foundational, to find the wisdom Jesus give through the word, then follow his lead. Follow his peace.

Don’t settle and refuse to be pressured. You want peace. In these times, it is crucial as a man to be wise, to pray and understand God’s will for your life. Therefore, “if you don’t know, don’t go.” Stop and get the principle thing–wisdom.

Prayer: Father, I needed this. I have so many decisions before me. Give me wisdom. Help me to find the wisdom I need, even through the counsel of others. As I get all the information I can from Your word, as I pray about it, Jesus speak to me and I will follow your lead. Help me to stop and not move until I receive Your wisdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Proverbs 3:19, 8:11 & 35, James 1:5, Ephesians 5:14-17, Philippians 3:15

“Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. Therefore he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and make walls around them, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us, because we have sought the Lord our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered” 2 Chronicles 14:1 & 7, NKJV.

Early in his kingship, king Asa understood although he was king on the earth, God was King over all. He reigned, yet the Lord reigns over him. He let God call the shots and followed Him. Because He allowed God to reign, king Asa had no war for 36 years and had rest on every side. However, he turned away later in his life, didn’t depend on God, and from that point forward, he had wars as king.

Never forget that although you have a life, the Lord reigns. Keep Him as God and no one else. In a spirit of humility, don’t call the shots anymore, and follow Him. Do what is good in His eyes. When He reigns, His peace will reign in your life. When He reigns, His will is done in your life. His success will always be established and you will have rest on every side. You will always find your provision and rise above every circumstance.

You have been sitted in heavenly places with Christ Jesus, and nothing will keep you from dominating over your adversary the devil. You will reign because the Lord remains exalted, held high above everything in your life!

Prayer: Father, I tell You this morning You reign in my life! Nothing will be exalted in my life above You, not even myself. Keep this under-standing before me as long as I live, that You are King and to let You continually reign. Help me to always do what is good and right in your eyes. I thank You for rest on every side. Since Jesus reigns, I reign also. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Read: Psalm 47:8, 2 Chronicles 16:7-13, Ephesians 1:3, 2:4-6

“Jesus said, ‘Then the children get off free, right? But so we don’t upset them needlessly, go down to the lake, cast a hook, and pull in the first fish that bites. Open its mouth and you’ll find a coin. Take it and give it to the tax men. It will be enough for both of us’.” Matthew 17:27, MSG

It is interesting that Jesus told Peter to go fishing to find the money needed to pay their taxes. Peter was not only called to be a fisher of men, he was a fisherman by trade. It was his profession, it’s what he was good at and he was gifted to do it. Jesus peacefully instructed him to do what He was good at to obtain the money he needed.

Do what you’re good at and you will find your increase. Do what God tells you to do with it and you will find your increase. That is where you will find the money that you’ve been looking for. It’s not God’s will that you struggle financially. You have to be like Peter unafraid to do what the Lord says. Trust God’s wisdom and with your gift, Who gave it to you to serve others and to bless you also. If you don’t use what you’re good at, He can’t cause it to prosper you.

Just like within the fish, it may be rare that a piece of money, of all places, will be found in what you’re good at, but the Lord has already blessed it for it to provide. So step out and do what He says, because only there you will find your constant provision, and great joy also.

Prayer: Father, I have been looking for my financial increase and it is right in front of me. I need to trust You and do what I’m good at. That’s where it is. Help me to not fear and believe You. I’m going to go forward in faith and get what You have for me and my family, and so I can be a great blessing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Philippians 4:19

“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed” Acts 16:25-26, NKJV.

The reality is yes you’re in the situation, but the question is now how do you handle it?

While in jail, Paul and Silas could have done two things. They could have decided to worry, be afraid and put all of their focus on resolving their issue. Even after being beat and thrown into jail, even after finding themselves in a tough situation, in the midnight hour, they began to pray and sing praises to the Lord. They decided not to be in jail, but to be in Him in jail. They decided to dwell in Him, in their situation.

The most powerful thing you can do when going through any situation is to abide in God. Exercise your faith and make Him your dwelling place. Pray and praise. Take up resident in the Lord. Think on His Word and desire God the most, not your circumstance. He is a refuge, a fortress and shield. He is your Strength. If you keep your mind on His Word, and not the problem, that is where you will find life and peace.

Your situation is real, however, your faith will rise in the truth of His Word that you’re not in it alone. The One Who delivers and fights your battles is with you. The One Who has already defeated the enemy is with you. The One Who has declared that He will provide is with you. Your situation, no matter what it may be or how complex it is, is no match for your Guide, your Waymaker, your God.

As you abide in Him, as you keep your thoughts on His Word, the life-changing revelation will hit you that He is bigger than your situation. You will decide not to live under the worry and pressure of a situation any more, no matter what it is, but live in Him.

Prayer: Father, the answer to getting through my situation is You. By faith, I give it to You in prayer now! I make You my dwelling place now! I decide to want You the most, not my circumstance. Give me the discipline to study and continually think on Your Word. Renew my mind concerning living this life in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: John 15:4, Acts 16:20-34, 17:28

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” Hebrews 6:19-20, NKJV.

An anchor is defined as heavy object attached to a rope or chain and used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom, typically one having a metal shank with a ring at one end for the rope and a pair of curved and/or barbed flukes at the other. It keeps ships from drifting or being pulled away. Therefore, the ship owner rests and puts their hope in their anchor to keep their ship, even in the midst of the biggest storm.

When the storms of life come. When you find they begin to rage the most. Jesus is your sure and steadfast hope. He is as sure and steadfast than even before the storm came. He is the Anchor of your soul.

Even when you don’t understand it all, trust Him. Like the two curved flukes on an anchor, one side holds by God’s promises and the other holds by His oath, which He also cannot lie. There is a sure consolation, a sure hope that is right there to hold you down, even at the bottom, your rock bottom. That’s what Jesus came for, and there is a hope that you can always look to in Him. Jesus went behind the veil, the holiest of holies, the mercy seat of God and secured salvation for those that receive Him. You are not anchored in a sea on earth, but He anchored you there in Heaven.

He won’t let you be taken away in the midst of what you ‘re experiencing. Nothing can move what Christ has done. He will keep you through it. He will carry you through it.

Prayer: Father, I feel like I can’t do this. But even deep at the bottom, Jesus is the Anchor of my soul! I have a sure hope in You and the Father is faithful to keep His Word. Help me to stand on Your Word and keep my eyes on You, as You carry me through the storm. You are my joy and peace that I yield to right now. I will see victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35, NKJV.

Today, I pray you help someone and buy their groceries. I pray you help your child with their homework. I pray you give an ear to someone that needs you to listen. I pray you give financially to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray you yield to the Holy Spirit’s leading today. I pray you make your wife laugh today. I pray you celebrate someone else’s promotion. I pray you say no to fear of sharing Jesus.

I pray you buy that extra coffee for your co-worker. I pray you obey God when He says fast. I pray you encourage someone. I pray you give that homeless person some money out of your car window. I pray you love and do good to your enemies. I pray you show mercy to at least person that deserves it. I pray you call your friend, your boy, you haven’t heard from in a while. I pray you live mightily for God. I pray you visit that relative in jail just to encourage them.

I pray you sow good seed today. Not just the seed of money, which is a form of seed, but the seed of being good to those around you. This seed that displays the character and nature of God.

Prayer: Father God, I thank You for blessing me to be a blessing to someone today. I am available to be used by You in whatever way You desire to make someone’s day. Let my good works cause people to see Your light and glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Matthew 10:8; Ephesians 5:1-2; Romans 12:21

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way” Psalm 37:23, NKJV.

When I was young in knowing God, I use to think that life was going to be smooth and everything was going to fall into my lap. Success was going to be easy. Little did I know the trials and obstacles I would face. Little did I know the failures I would end up having. The opportunities I would find myself missing. I didn’t expect there to be adversity in life.

Yet through it all, I have found something amazing about what God does for a good man: He orders his steps. He always brings triumph from our trials. When we don’t see a blessing coming, it comes! When one door closes, another will open for you! You will always run into something good, as if God had been at work the entire time. It’s because He was.

You will come to realize that not some, but ALL of your steps are ordered by the Lord.

Regardless of what you experience or see, do not let go, do not sway, do not be discouraged from being a good man. No matter the state of your finances, remain a good man because God is ordering your steps. You will find yourself hearing from God and finding out how to get things back on track. A good man will find favor because God delights in His way! He’s carrying you without you even realizing it. He’s doing things for you don’t even realize He’s doing. A good man will ALWAYS find success because the Lord orders His steps there.

Prayer: I thank You Father for Your Word. I’m excited! Everything’s going to work out. Regardless of what I go through, my steps are being ordered! I will remain a good man. I will see victory and all that You have for me. Deeply plant Your ways in me and give me a hearing ear at all times. I know I will find my success because the steps of a good man are ordered by You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study: Psalm 119:133, Romans 8:28-31