For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. (Titus 2:11)
We serve such a loving, gracious and generous God. He loves you so much that there isn’t anything He wouldn’t do in order to have a relationship with you. The Bible tells us that sin separates man from God. But God doesn’t want to be separated from us. That’s why He sent His Son into the world—to pay the penalty for sin so that you and I could live in eternity with Him.
So many people today think they have to earn their way to heaven. They think they have to be “good enough” or “do the right thing” in order to be accepted by God. They want to “clean up” before they come to Him. But the scripture says salvation is a gift from God. You can’t earn a gift. You don’t pay for it. You can only receive it by faith. If you’ve never made Jesus the Lord of your life, I encourage you to receive this free gift. Let Him fill you with His eternal peace and joy so that you can live the abundant life He has for you.
Your words have power! Make a conscious effort to speak positive words about yourself and see how life and your outlook on life changes before your eyes.
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, AMP)
Do the people around you see your light shining? Do they know you are a believer by your actions? Are you setting the bar in your office? Can people see your good works?
I know people who can quote half the Bible and pray two hours a day, but they have no influence or credibility because they’re sloppy in the workplace. They’re always late or wasting time. They’re not productive. They’re not efficient. No one will even listen to them.
I heard somebody say, “Your performance gives you a platform.” When you excel in what you do, that gets people’s attention. The way to gain respect, the way to gain influence is to develop your character and skills in such a way that people want what you have. They may not agree with what you believe, but when you are the best in your company, they can’t argue with that. You’ve earned their respect, not by your words, but by your spirit of excellence.
I encourage you today, don’t settle for mediocrity. You are a child of the Most High God. Make the decision today to let your light shine and bring Him glory in everything you do!
“If God is for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31)
As a believer in Jesus and a child of His, God is on your side today! If you haven’t thought about it yet today, remember, you are created for greatness. You have the seed of Almighty God inside of you. There is no obstacle that can stop you. There is no disadvantage that can hold you back. You’re in the palm of God’s hand, and He has equipped and empowered you for everything.
When God is on your side, He sets the right people in your path. In fact, He’s already released favor into your future. He’s planning for you to come in to new seasons of increase. Have you given up on a dream? God is on your side, and He wants to resurrect it. Have you given up on a family member? God is on your side, and He wants to restore that relationship. God is on your side, and He has a plan for victory in every area of your life. Let that sink down into your heart today. Begin to expect His favor. Expect Him to work in your life. Focus on the fact that God has equipped you. He has anointed you. Your best days are still out in front of you! If God is for you, no one can rise against you! As you meditate on this promise, it will become real to you. You will walk in the favor and victory God has in store for you!
When unexpected things happen—trials, difficulty or tragedy—the enemy sends a whirlwind of fear to try to shake our faith and steal our focus. His goal is to take our eyes off of God and cause us to feel overwhelmed by circumstances. But if we will choose to stay focused on the love of God, if we choose to meditate on His goodness, the truth will set us free from fear and ground our hearts in confidence.
Today, know that God loves you perfectly. He is a good God. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that His plans for us are for good. He has thoughts of peace, not for evil. He wants to give you a future and hope. Anytime thoughts of fear come, replace them with words of love. Just declare, “Thank You, God, for loving me. Thank You for leading me into peace. Thank You for hope for my future.” As you meditate on His love and goodness, you’ll feel faith rise up in your heart. You’ll feel hope, you’ll feel strength, and you’ll feel empowered to move forward in the good path He has prepared for you.
Praise and strength go hand in hand. When you give God praise, He gives you strength. When you thank God in advance for the answer, that’s what keeps you encouraged.
Remember, you’re not going to stay strong in faith by complaining. Complaining drains you of strength and energy. You’re not going to stay determined if you’re talking about how bad it is. No, switch over into praise. “Business may be slow, but Lord, I want to thank You that You prosper me even in a desert.” “The people coming against me may be powerful, but Lord, I want to thank You that You are all-powerful.” Praise will keep you moving forward!
So often we think, “I’ll give God praise after the problem turns around.” But if you don’t learn this principle to thank God in advance, you won’t have the strength you need to wait for the promise. Every morning when you wake up, start the day by saying, “Father, thank You that my dreams are coming to pass. Thank You that this problem is turning around. Thank You that You are bigger than this obstacle.” Keep praising Him and keep receiving His strength so you can boldly embrace the victory He has for you!
