Victoria Osteen

Bringing Forth the Promise

Have you had a desire for something for so long that you're tempted to just give up? Is it a promise found in God's Word? I want to tell you today that God's delay is not His denial. The scripture says that it's patience, along with your faith, that brings forth the promise.

I think about Abraham and Sarah in the Bible. It took them years and years to bring forth the promise of the child that God had spoken to their hearts–and they made some mistakes along the way. But just because you make some mistakes, just because things haven't gone the way you planned, doesn't mean that it's God's denial. God will give you what you need in due season at the proper time. But, it's up to us to press through with patience because we need patience to bring forth the promise.

The Bible talks about patience being a virtue. It is a fruit, or manifestation, of the Holy Spirit's work in us. That tells me that patience is power! Patience is something God obviously thinks we need; and so today, why don't you ask Him to work patience in your heart. Don't let go of your dreams simply because you lack patience. The only thing that is between you and your dream is time; and patience is what you need to bring forth His promises!

We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised (Hebrews 6:12, NIV).

Walk Uprightly

I love the scripture in Psalm 84:11 that says, "God is our sun and our shield, He bestows glory and honor, and no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly."

Walking uprightly means doing what is right in the eyes of God. It's living honorably according to His Word. But there's another definition of the word "uprightly" that I like. It also means to stand tall with good posture. If you think about it, when you walk uprightly before God, you can hold your head up high. You can stand tall and have confidence because you know who you are. You're a child of the King. You are blessed and highly favored! When you walk uprightly before God, He won't withhold any good thing from you. Remember, He wants to bless you. He wants to give you good things. Jesus didn't die so we could live a poor, defeated life. He didn't go to the cross so we could be downcast and full of doubt and fear. No, He gave His life so we could stand tall in Him and live the abundant life!

Today, get rid of anything that is hindering you from walking uprightly. Don't let the weight of old habits, wrong thinking, and negative mindsets cause you to slouch over. Instead, rise up, put your shoulders back, and hold your head up high because no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly!

Grammy News:

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Through Faith and Patience

What are you praying and hoping for today? I want to encourage you to stand strong because God is faithful to His promises!

The scripture tells us that the moment we pray, the tide of the battle begins to turn. Have you been praying for a long time? I believe the currents of God are moving your way. The currents of God are going to rescue you. The currents of God are going to turn things around! They are going to shift things in your favor! We may not see those results instantaneously, but that's when we have to walk in faith and patience so we can see His promises come to pass.

The scripture tells us in Hebrews six that it's through faith and patience that we inherit His promises. I heard someone who was being funny say, "Lord, give me patience…and hurry up!" I think sometimes we pray like that, "Lord, I'm being patient about this thing, so please hurry up!" But we have to remember; when we are in faith we are content to wait as long as it takes. It doesn't have to be done our way or in our timing. Our faith, our confidence in God is what causes that patience to rise out of our hearts. We trust that God is working even when we don't see it.

Today, whatever it is you are believing for, rest in Him. Allow faith and patience to quiet your heart. Put your confidence and hope in Him because He who promised is faithful! The tide of the battle is turning! As you stand in agreement with His Word, You are activating His power in your life, and I believe you will see those dreams and desires come to pass in Jesus' Name!

Fight for Your Family

Every month at Lakewood Church, we have a special time to pray for families and dedicate them to the Lord. Prayer makes a difference, and God has given it to us as a privilege and a tool to stand strong in the midst of the battle for our families.

See, the enemy wants to target families. He wants to tear up marriages and drive a wedge between parents and children because he knows that there is power in unity. God designed family to be a source of strength for us. Family is the foundation of everything we are. I’m so glad that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world! We have the power and authority given by God to stand and fight the good fight of faith for our families!

If your family isn’t around, God wants to give you a spiritual family to be that encouragement, strength, and support. I love what it says in Psalm 68 that God places the solitary in families. He doesn’t want you to be alone because there truly is safety in numbers. There is blessing in unity and strength in families!

Today, stand strong on behalf of your family. Fight the good fight of faith through prayer. You may have some strained relationships, but I believe God can turn those situations around. He can restore marriages; He can bring children home; He can bring peace and unity where there’s been strife and division. God is a big God. Even when you can’t see it, He’s working behind the scenes on your behalf. You may have been waiting a long time, but don’t give up! Keep pressing through until you see that promise come to pass. God is faithful, and you are going to make it! I declare by faith that you will see every one of His promises fulfilled in your family in Jesus’ name!

Check Your Filter

Living in Houston, we have some super hot days during the summer. It’s not uncommon to hear about an air conditioner burning out because it’s been overworked. But, the interesting thing is that many problems could be avoided by simply changing the air filter regularly. If the filter gets clogged or is too dirty, it restricts air flow which can cause serious malfunction.

In the same way, we have to keep the filters of our heart clean if we want God’s love and power to flow freely through our lives. And there are plenty of negative influences in the world trying to clog us up, but the Word of God is the most powerful filter you can find! It can monitor what comes into your heart and what goes out.

The Bible tells us that faith works by love. If love isn’t flowing in your life, then your faith can’t work. Many people live with dirty, clogged up heart filters and then wonder why things aren’t working for them. Don’t let that be you! Take the time to check your filter. Consider the Word of God. Are their negative influences affecting your heart filter? Do your words and the conversations you have flow freely through the filter of God’s Word, or are you all clogged up headed for a malfunction?

The good news is that cleaning your heart filter is as easy as calling on the name of Jesus! Today, if you know there are things in your life that are blocking the flow of God’s love and power, make the necessary adjustments to keep that filter clean. Don’t ever let anything stand in the way of His blessing and peace in your life.

Create in me a pure heart, O God… (Psalm 51:10, NIV).

Cast All Your Cares

We all have times when we feel overwhelmed with life. Maybe you feel as though you are carrying the weight of your whole family on your shoulders. Or, maybe you feel the pressures of financial matters weighing heavily on you. Maybe the burdens at work seem like more than you can bear, or perhaps, you’ve been caring for a sick loved one.

If any of this sounds familiar, I have good news for you! You don’t have to carry that heavy load alone. In fact, your heavenly Father wants to take that burden off your shoulders. He knows you cannot function if you are weighed down with a heavy load of cares and concerns. He wants to lift that weight and cut away the ropes of bondage that would try to hold you back.

The Bible says to cast your cares on the Lord, releasing the weight of them. When we go around carrying burdens, it steals our joy and causes us to feel down and discouraged. It makes it difficult to have the strength to see a way out of our situation. Everyone of us has a choice in how we handle our problems. You may not feel as if you have a choice, and some problems can seem overwhelming. But your outlook and your faith in God can see you through even the worst of times.

I’m not saying that it’s easy, but God wants you to cast your cares on Him because He cares for you! In other words, God loves you and He’s an expert at dealing with your problems. But, He’s not going to take them from you; you have to be the one to release them to Him by faith today.

Why don’t you take a few moments to make a list of the things that are weighing you down? Then, say a simple prayer like this: “Father, I’ve been worrying and fretting, trying to deal with these things on my own. I need Your help, and I’m willing to hand over control of these matters to You. I know You will handle them in the best way possible and that You have my best interests at heart.”

When you’re finished, tear up that list and be determined not to take those cares back again! His yoke is easy and His burden is light. If He cares for the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, how much more will He care for you?

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you (I Peter 5:7, NLT).

The Power of Kindness

It’s amazing what can happen when you are kind and considerate to others. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a total stranger, simply being kind can open the door for God’s favor and kindness to be poured back onto you.

A while back, my brother, Don, was out looking for a new car and thought he had found the one he wanted. The salesman was going to get him some additional information, so Don gave the man his phone number to follow up with him. Several days passed, and Don changed his mind about that particular car. One evening, Don had just come home after a long day at work and sat down to a wonderful bowl of hot noodle soup—his favorite on a cold night. He was just starting to relax when his daughter came running over with the phone. “Daddy, Daddy! There’s someone on the phone for you.” Reluctantly, Don took the call only to discover it was the salesperson from the car dealership. As soon as he said hello, the salesperson started going on and on about the car Don had looked at more than a week ago. Don was trying to be as nice as possible and said, “Thank you, but I’ve decided that car is not big enough, and I have changed my mind.” The salesman went on and on about how great the car was, as if he didn’t even hear what Don had said. Don just sat there staring at that big bowl of noodles—getting cold—trying to be as nice as possible. “Sir, I’ve changed my mind about that car,” Don said, but the man just continued to try to talk Don into that car. “Would you like to speak with my sales manager?” he asked. Don took a deep breath and had several responses rolling around in his head when suddenly he heard himself say, “Yes.” Immediately, he thought, did I just say yes? During the brief moment of silence, he kept reminding himself to be nice and courteous even though he really wanted to hang up so he could enjoy his dinner!

The manager got on the phone and introduced himself and said, “I just want to ask you a question—” “Thank you,” Don replied, “but really, I’ve changed my mind about that car.” The manager interrupted, “Are you Victoria Osteen’s brother?” he asked. “Yes,” Don responded. The manager continued, “I go to Lakewood Church, and even if you don’t want that particular car, I want to help you find the car you want and get you the very best price possible.”

Don hardly knew what to say, but he was grateful he chose to be kind and courteous! Because of his response, God was able to bring him a divine connection. Several weeks later, the sales manager found Don the car he really wanted and gave him a price he could hardly believe.

God is no respecter of persons. He’ll show you the same favor if you’ll choose to be kind and respectful to people. Regardless of whether you are dealing with your spouse, children, grocery clerk, or a salesman on the phone; remember, you are God’s representative. Be courteous, gentle, and kind to others and keep the door open for God to pour out His blessings on your behalf.

Be kind to one another… (Ephesians 4:32, NAS).

The Currency of Faith

I love what it says in Ephesians 2:8, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (NIV). Salvation is a free gift from God by His grace, but notice that it’s our faith that activates that grace. And even our faith is not from ourselves, it’s from God, too!

It’s like when my children want to go buy something at the store. They are young and don’t have the means to work and earn their own money, so they come and ask me for it. I give them the money as a gift because they are my children, and I love them (depending on what it’s for, of course!). I want to bless my children—how much more does our Father in heaven want to bless us!

Now, suppose I gave my daughter, Alexandra, some money to buy a shirt that she really wanted. But what if she never went to the store and bought the shirt? Instead, what if she moped around the house because she didn’t have the shirt she wanted so badly? It wouldn’t make any sense because I’ve already given her the means to buy that shirt, she just has to step out and use her currency to take hold of it!

We have to remember that God has given us the currency of heaven as a free gift. In fact, the Bible says that God has freely given us all things, but it’s up to you and me to activate our faith. How do we activate our faith? By receiving it into our hearts and then declaring it by the words of our mouth.

Today, what do you have need of? Activate your faith by declaring His Word over your life. Declare that every need you have is met in Jesus’ Name! Declare that He is ordering your steps. Declare that favor surrounds you like a shield. As you step out in faith, God will show His grace. He’ll fulfill every promise and pour out His victory and blessing in every area of your life.

Yet we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, I have believed, and therefore have I spoken. We too believe, and therefore we speak (II Corinthians 4:13, AMP).

No Need to Hide Anymore

The other day, my friend was telling me a funny story about her young son getting into some of his father’s tools in the garage. He’d been told before that he wasn’t supposed to play with the tools, but he was so intrigued by all the shiny metal that he just couldn’t help himself. He’d made a big mess, and when his father came around the corner and saw him, the young boy ran into the house and hid behind a chair in the living room.

As I listened to the story, it reminded me of another son who hid from his father many years ago. In Genesis 3, God called to Adam in the garden, “Adam? Where are you?” Adam answered, “I heard You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” See, Adam had disobeyed God, and because of his shame, he felt like he needed to hide from God.

How often do we do this today? We sin or disobey God and feel ashamed, guilty, and condemned so we try to hide. But in reality, how can you hide from Almighty God? The truth is He doesn’t want you to hide from Him. He’s not mad at you; He’s madly in love with you! He’s not looking to punish you because Jesus already took your punishment. Now, you can go boldly to the Father and receive mercy instead of judgment. You can go to the Father and receive love and grace instead of punishment.

Remember, the Bible says that perfect love casts out all fear. God loves you perfectly, and you don’t ever have to hide or be afraid to come to Him. If there’s anything in your life that’s keeping you away from Him today, let it go. Just imagine Him standing before you with His arms outstretched ready to receive you with all the love, grace, and forgiveness you’ll ever need.

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most (Hebrews 4:16, NLT).

Recovering Lost Opportunities

When I look back over my life, I can see where I've missed out on some God-given opportunities. Maybe you are saying the same thing. If so, I want to encourage you: Don’t live in regret. Don’t let lost opportunities make you feel disappointed and discouraged. God is bigger than your lost opportunities. He can still get you where you need to go in life!

Have you ever used one of those GPS directional systems in your car? You set the location where you want to go, and the GPS calculates the best route. You can be driving along and get distracted and completely miss the street where the GPS instructed you to turn, but that doesn’t mean you’ll never reach your destination. That GPS system will instantly re-calculate the route based on your present location.

God works in a similar way. He is constantly giving us direction, speaking to our hearts, leading us by peace in our spirit; but even when we miss His instructions—and we all do from time to time—He will re-calculate our route and get us back where we need to be!

I love what the apostle Paul said in Philippians, “This one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind I press forward to what is ahead…”What he was saying is that we must turn our thoughts away from where we’ve been, away from our mistakes, away from our “missed turns” and turn our thoughts in the direction we are headed. We have to keep looking for the new opportunities in our paths.

I encourage you today to get ready because God wants to fulfill the dreams and desires He’s placed within your heart! He loves to restore opportunities that once seemed lost forever. And sometimes, He brings those opportunities back in ways you never considered or weren’t looking for. It may not always be the way you thought; but if you’ll stay open, God will bless you beyond your wildest dreams.

Pull Back the Curtain of Fear

Do you want to be closer to God today? Do you want to know Him better? There's a scripture I love that says, "God knows those who trust in Him!"

One definition of the word know is to recognize the nature of something. See, when we put our trust in God, He recognizes our nature. He knows exactly who we are, exactly where we are, and exactly what we need. He can identify with trust, hope, and faith.

I find this verse so interesting because the opposite of trust is doubt, fear, and unbelief. Those are qualities that are contrary to God's character. And do you know that fear isn't reality? It's only a thought in your mind. Did you ever see the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz? When Dorothy arrived at the Emerald City, the great Wizard of Oz appeared to be all-powerful and mysterious, and he made everyone tremble. He seemed larger than life. But when Dorothy and her friends pulled back the curtain, the "wizard" was just an ordinary man, blowing smoke, and pushing a lot of buttons.

One of the most important things you can do in your life is learn to pull back the curtain of fear so you can see it for what it really is— the enemy blowing a lot of smoke and pushing your buttons!

As you search your heart today, if there's a curtain of doubt or fear in any area of your life, make the decision to remove it and choose to trust God. Don't let anything come between you and your relationship with Him. Remember, He loves you with an everlasting love. He says He will bless those who are looking for Him and longing for His goodness. He is faithful, and you can trust Him with every detail of your life!

Update from Africa –Touring the Abandoned Baby Center

Yesterday we had the opportunity to tour the Francis Jones Abandoned Baby Center here in Nairobi, Kenya. This is Feed the Children's first abandoned baby center, established over 8 years ago. It gave us an idea of what the new Victoria Osteen Abandoned Baby Center will be all about.

The facility is first class. Very clean. The staff is very knowledgeable, and most importantly, the kids here are receiving some of the best care around. Feed the Children is a world-class operation that really knows how to put their resources to work to help others. It's clear that founders, Larry and Francis Jones, are very proud of the work being done here in Kenya. Larry loves to show people around and let the staff tell the stories of the work that goes on each and every day.

What touched our hearts the most was being able to love and bless the children directly ourselves. We saw babies who were just a few months old to children who were preschool-aged. In one area, we handed out little bracelets to the children. Their precious faces would light up when we would put bracelets around their wrists. One of the workers warned us, "Watch out, they'll steal your hearts!" And they sure did!

So today, remember that because of His punishment you can live in peace. You can have joy! You can walk in liberty! Keep doing your part to take hold of all He has for you by faith and watch how His restoration leads you in the path of freedom and victory in every area of your life!

After we left the Francis Jones Abandoned Baby Center, we headed to a school where Feed the Children was living up to their name—they were feeding the children! Dozens of kids lined up with their tin plates in hand to receive a meal. We were so honored to be able to join the volunteers and actually serve the children, dipping long spoons into large pots of food and placing it on their plates. Even our own children, Jonathan and Alexandra, were able to participate in this outreach and feed the children. We were truly blessed to be able to reach out and be a blessing to these precious little ones!

Next, we traveled to the future site of the Victoria Osteen Abandoned Baby Center for the ground-breaking ceremony. Right now, it is an empty plot of land with two dilapidated buildings on it. We cut the ribbon, officially beginning the process of turning that patch of land into a center that will help many children for years to come. While we were there, we also planted three trees and laid the first stone, the cornerstone, for one of the new buildings that will be on the property.

Our whole team has been overwhelmed by how much of a difference is being made through the ministry of Feed the Children. We are so grateful to be partners with them! That's the amazing thing about God's kingdom—when you are a partner with us, you are a partner with them. In God's eyes, you are impacting millions of lives all over the world. And, you never know whose life you are impacting through one of these Abandoned Baby Centers. You just might be caring for a future teacher, doctor, or leader of a nation. Only God knows, but what we know is that each child is so precious in the eyes of Almighty God, and He is so honored when we reach out to help them!

Thank you again for your love, prayers, and support! Check back with us soon for more updates on how you are making a difference all over the world.

His Punishment Brought Us Peace

But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by his wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:5, NIV).

So many times, people go around living guilty and condemned over past mistakes. They literally punish themselves over and over thinking that eventually they will have paid for their mistakes and somehow feel better. But the scripture tells us that we don't have to punish ourselves. We don't have to carry the burden of guilt because Jesus already paid the price for our sins. He took our punishment so that we could receive His peace. Now, we can live a life of restoration because of what Jesus has already done for us!

Whatever your situation might be today, remember that Jesus has already paid for your peace. Whether you're having trouble in your marriage, your job, or your finances, don't let distress or offense take hold of your life. When people are coming against you saying things about you or mistreating you, you've got to rise up and say, "Jesus, You bore far more than I will ever have to bear for my peace. So I call on that peace right now." Resist the temptation to be offended because when offense creeps in, it will take you down a spiral of untruths. If you allow offense to stay in your heart, and you don't get rid of it every single day, it will tell you lies that you'll perceive as real. You'll act differently and miss the victory God intended for your life.

So today, remember that because of His punishment you can live in peace. You can have joy! You can walk in liberty! Keep doing your part to take hold of all He has for you by faith and watch how His restoration leads you in the path of freedom and victory in every area of your life!

In His Hands

When was the last time you thought about your hands? I don't know about you, but I sure am grateful for my hands and all that they enable me to do. From brushing my teeth in the morning, to hugging my children at night, my hands do a lot for me all day long and I know yours do too!

But have you thought about the fact that our hands aren't the only hands helping us throughout the day? God's hands also enable us to do so much more in this life than we could ever do on own. His hands offer provision. His hands give us strength. His hands hold us up when we feel weak and tired. The Bible says that His mighty hand delivers us in the time of trouble. His hands guide us and protect us. We can always find safety in the hands of Almighty God!

So how do you get into the hands of Almighty God? By seeking His face. By being up close to Him. When you draw near to Him with an open and humble heart, the Bible says He will draw near to you. Remember, He loves you with an everlasting love. His hands are always stretched out towards you and He's always ready to receive you into His loving arms. When you take that step of faith towards Him, He will pull you close to Himself and you'll feel that love, strength, and protection found only in His hands.

"…the hand of the Lord is mighty…"(Joshua 4:24).

Working the Word

If there's one thing on this planet that I'm sure of, it's that the Word of God works! His principals are true and He is faithful to His promises! But in order for the Word of God to work in your life, you have to keep working the Word of God.

When you are working something, it simply means you are putting it to use or in operation. See, the Bible shouldn't just be a decorative book on your shelf or coffee table. It's not just an accessory to bring to church on Sunday. The Bible is God's divinely inspired word. That's why it's the number one bestseller of all time! His Word never goes out of style, it's never obsolete, it will never fade away. Think about that for a minute. Think about how technology has changed over the years. You can buy a computer and in a matter of months, it's outdated. It's old. But God's Word never gets old! It's been around for thousands of years and it's still relevant today! That's why it's so important that we put it to use in our lives.

Hebrews tells us that the Word of God is living and active. It's a powerful seed and when we plant that seed in the soil of our hearts and then water it with the words of our mouth, we will begin to see it come to pass in our lives. We will begin to see life flow through our beings–our mind, will, and emotions as His Word cleanses our thoughts and attitudes; changing us to be more like Him.

If you need a change in any area of your life, working the Word will make a difference. Make the decision to meditate on His Word every day. Ask Him to direct you and reveal Himself to you. And no matter what else demands your attention, remember: keep working the Word and it will work in your life!

He Said, She Said

Relationships are all about learning. In marriage we are learning to become one; in families we are learning to get along; in business we are learning to work together; in friendship we are learning to make allowances for one another. Life is a learning process, and the quicker you embrace that fact, the more you'll enjoy the people around you.

Over the years, I've learned that Joel doesn't like hearing every single detail of a story, even though I do. I want to know exactly what was said, who said it, and how they said it. That's why, when I tell a story, it takes me fifteen minutes, and Joel can tell that same story in about two minutes! Knowing this, I try not to tell him every detail, although it's not always that easy.

One time, I was enthusiastically telling Joel something that I thought was important, and just as I was getting to the good part, I noticed his eyes beginning to glaze over. I began talking faster and faster, but it didn’t do any good. Finally I said, "You don't want to hear this; I can tell because you are not even paying attention to me."

It wasn't anything he said; it was how he looked. I could tell by his body language that I had lost him after the first three minutes. I could have either allowed myself to get upset and frustrated, or I could just make a few adjustments in the way I communicate with him.

Now I try to tell him only the most important details of the story. When I see his eyes glazing over, I don't get upset. It's just my cue that he is going into "detail overload," so I adapt to his communication style.

As you think about the people in your life, remember to respect and appreciate your differences. Don't hold offense just because someone has a different approach than you do. Be willing to make adjustments and focus on the common ground of peace. As you work towards unity, you are positioning yourself to receive the wonderful blessings God has in store for you.

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!… for there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore (Psalm 133:1-3, NIV).

Not "If", but "When"

I love it when people have confidence in me. I love when my family has confidence in me. It gives me strength and empowers me. We may not always have confidence in ourselves, but somehow, when there are people around who believe in us, we can draw from their confidence. That's why it's so important that we surround ourselves with the right people. When you position yourself in quality places with quality people, it's going to bring out the best in you.

Most people are familiar with world-famous boxer, Muhammad Ali and his renowned trainer, Angelo Dundee. But many people don't know that just before every boxing match, Dundee would write a number on a small slip of paper and place it inside Ali's glove. That may sound like a strange thing to give a boxer right before a fight, but Dundee had a reason for what he did. The number that Dundee would write on that slip of paper was the number of the round in which he predicted that Ali would knock out his opponent. Dundee was so confident in Ali's ability that he didn't consider "if," he only considered "when"—and Ali knew it!

I love that story because it shows the confidence Ali's trainer had in him, and it shows the positive effect it had on Muhammad Ali. I believe that confidence played a tremendous part in "the champ's" amazing success as one of the greatest boxers that ever lived.

In the same way, do you know who is certain of your ability to succeed? God is. After all, He knows what's inside you because He placed it there. Even when you're not certain of the outcome, God has confidence in you. Let that sink down into your heart today—the God who holds the universe in the palm of His hand has faith in you! He's not wondering if you're going to overcome, He has confidence in you because He knows it's just a matter of time before those things that would try to hold you back are broken off so that you can embrace the victory He has in store for you!

The Gift of Listening

A few years ago, I was at the church and deeply engaged in conversation with a woman while my little girl, Alexandra was standing beside me and really wanting my attention. This woman was pouring her heart out to me, and I didn't want to cut her off mid-sentence, but Alexandra was tugging on my pant leg, desperate for my attention.

I started to get frustrated with my little girl, but instead of acting on that feeling, I decided to make a positive deposit into her heart. I interrupted the woman very respectfully and said, "Just one minute. I need to speak with my daughter, but I really want to hear the rest of your story." Then I knelt down beside Alexandra and looked attentively into her big blue eyes and whispered, "I know you want to talk to me right now, but I am already speaking with this woman, and I can't listen to both of you at the same time. Honey, what you have to say is so important to me, I don't want to miss one single word of it, so give me two minutes to finish up, and I'll give you my full attention."

Alexandra smiled at me and nodded in agreement. In fact, her whole body language changed because she felt important. She stood a little taller and prouder knowing that I truly wanted to listen to her. That deposit in her life let her know how much she mattered to me. She knew that she would have her mother's undivided attention in a few minutes, and she was content to wait for me.

It's easy to get busy in life, and if you're like me, you can listen and work at the same time. We call it "multi-tasking," but sometimes multi-tasking isn't the best use of our time. Sometimes we have to stop, look people in the eyes, and give them the gift of listening. We need to take time to deposit value in their hearts. We need to support one another, and listening is an amazing way of doing just that.

As you go about your day, remember to give people the gift of listening. It seems like such a little thing, but those little deposits will eventually make a big difference. When you make deposits in people, you are making deposits in eternity, and that is what pleases the heart of God.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry (James 1:19, NLT).

Thank Him for What Didn't Happen

I love the scripture in Malachi three that tells us when we tithe and give to the Lord that He will open the windows of heaven, pour out blessings upon us, and rebuke the devourer for our sake!

Joel mentioned to me the other day, "Victoria, you don't know what God has saved us from." And that's so true. None of us really know what He spared us from yesterday. We don't know how He has rebuked the devourer for us and protected us. We need to thank Him for what didn't happen to us as much as we thank Him for all the blessings He’s poured out upon us.

You may have heard the stories of some of the people whose lives were spared on the morning of 9/11. One person was running late because they were stuck in unexpected traffic, one person missed the bus, another spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change, and someone else couldn't get to work because their car wouldn't start. I'm sure at the time, none of those people thought that those little incidents would have such a big impact on their lives.

How often do we allow daily annoyances to throw us off and get us upset, when instead, we should thank God that He is ordering our steps? We need to be thankful that our plans don't work out every single time because we never know what could have happened if they had. We may not know this side of heaven all the times He's rescued and protected us. So today, choose to be thankful, knowing that as His child, He is pouring out His blessing and rebuking the devourer on your behalf!

Put Him in Remembrance

The other day, my daughter, Alexandra came to me and said, "Mom, can I go over to my cousin's house?" Well, I was a little preoccupied at that moment and preferred that she just stay at the house with me. So without giving it a lot of thought I said, "No, why don't you just stay here and play outside?" But then she said something that really got my attention—"But mom, you told me this morning that if I cleaned my room and fed the rabbit that I could go to my cousin's house this afternoon." She was holding on to my promise, and when she reminded me of my word, I was faithful to it and let her go to her cousin's house.

The Bible says that we should have faith like a child. Even when it looked like Alexandra wasn't going to be able to go, she didn't back down. When I first said no, she didn't walk away sad and frustrated; instead, she pressed in and spoke my very words back to me.

In the same way, when we bring the Word of God to Him, He is faithful to it. The scripture says in Isaiah 43:26, "Put Me in remembrance…" It's not that God forgets His Word. He already knows what He has said, but He wants to make sure that you remember what He said. When we go to God with His Word, it builds our faith. It shows that we are standing on His promises. It shows that we are obedient because we love Him and believe He has our very best interest at heart, and that is what pleases Him.

Today, what are you believing for? Don't get upset and frustrated when it looks like it's not going to come to pass. Instead, go to God with His Word. Declare His promises. Speak what God speaks because God is faithful to His Word, and He will fulfill everything He's ever promised to you!

He Knows

It's amazing to stop and think that God knows everything about us…and He loves us so much anyway! Sometimes when people hear that, they take it in a negative context--"Oh no! He knows everything? He knows what I said? He knows what I did?" Immediately, they begin thinking that God is constantly judging their performance. And, we do have to be accountable for our actions; our actions prove our faith. But we have to remember, other people may judge us only by our actions, but God goes deeper. He judges us by our hearts. He knows that you may not have done everything perfectly yesterday, but He knows that you are doing a whole lot better than you were a month ago! He knows you have a heart to follow Him and do what is right, and that's what pleases Him.

I think about King David in the Bible. God said this about him: "He's a man after My own heart." If you look at the life of David, he didn't do everything perfectly. In fact, he made a lot of mistakes. But there was something in his heart that God was looking at, and that was his intent to please Him.

So today, don't fall into the trap of focusing on all your faults and failures because that is not what God is focused on. He is focused on the work He's doing in your life. He's focused on your future. He's focused on who you are becoming through the power of Jesus Christ.

If there are some things you know you need to change, make the decision to change them. That's what "repent" means—to turn and go the opposite direction. If you've fallen, get back up! Receive His forgiveness and keep moving forward. He knows you, He is with you, He loves you, and He is ready to lead you into victory in every area of your life!

For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again…(Proverbs 24:16, NIV)

Where the Grass is Greener

There's an old saying: "The grass is always greener on the other side." At some point in life, everyone looks at their circumstances and thinks, "If only… If only I had a better job. If only my spouse were like so-and-so. If only I had gone to college. If only I had the opportunities so-and-so had." We look around and think everyone else has it better than we do. But I believe comparison is just a trick of the enemy to get us off course and keep us from God's best. Comparison is the thief of joy, and if the enemy can steal our joy, he has stolen our source of strength.

See, I don't believe the grass is greener on the other side; I believe the grass is greener where you water it. In other words, we have to tend to the things that are important to us if we want to see those areas of our lives blossom and grow. If you want better relationships, you have to invest in the people around you. If you want a better job, you have to invest in your skill set to qualify for that job and then go after it.

We all have the capacity to come up higher. God has given us all tremendous opportunities, but if we are focused on what everyone else has, we'll miss out on what God has especially for us!

Today, instead of comparing, decide to cultivate the dry, fallow areas of your life. Begin to water and invest in the areas in which you want to see change. Get a vision and dedicate it to the Lord. As you take responsibility and tend to what the Lord has given you, I believe He'll pour out His blessing and favor, and you'll see your life flourish beyond anything you could have ever hoped or dreamed.

He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit…(Proverbs 27:18, NIV)

Brighter Days Ahead

People ask me all the time, "How can you be so optimistic during such tough economic times?" The answer to that is simple—it's not over yet! The scripture says that the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn shining brighter and brighter. We may be facing difficulty, but there are brighter days ahead. I choose to focus on where we are going, and that gives me hope and encouragement because I know that the tough times won't last.

All throughout history, God's people have faced challenging times. There were plenty of times they didn't see a way out, but God did. He always makes a way when there seems to be no way. His hands are never tied. He's not limited by what's happening in this natural realm, and when we look with our eyes of faith, we will see our future the way God sees it—bright and full of victory!

I love what it says in Psalm 23:4 that even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, the Lord is with us. Notice it says "walk through." It doesn't say we are going to pitch a tent and hang out in those hard, dark places. No, it says we are going through; we're moving forward. Be encouraged because you are going to make it through that difficult time. You are going to come out stronger, wiser, and full of faith and victory.

I encourage you today to get your mind and thoughts focused on moving forward. If you have to, make a sign and put it where you can see it every day. I have a plaque hanging on my backdoor that reminds me of this very thing. In big, black letters it says "Move forward, I will be with you." Our whole family sees it every time we are coming or going. Those words live with me, and whenever I'm tempted to be discouraged by circumstances, I am reminded to take a step of faith.

Today, I want to remind you that no matter what's happening around you, keep moving forward. God is with you, and He promises to deliver you. Stand strong in faith and focus on what lies ahead because there are brighter days right out in front of you!

R–E–S–P–E–C–T

Life can get so busy at times. It's easy to get wrapped up in everything we have to do, plowing through the day and checking off our "to do" lists. But if we are going to have the strong and healthy relationships God desires for us, it's important that we take time and think of ways to keep the connections strong with our friends and family.

One thing I've learned after being married to Joel for over 22 years is that showing respect to one another is one way to keep our connection strong. Now, we don't always agree on everything, but because we value and respect one another, sometimes we just agree to disagree. We give each other space to be individuals, and we respect our differences as much as we value our similarities. We respect the fact that we each have our own views. We don't allow differences of opinion to drive a wedge between us.

The moment you lose respect, you begin to say things you don't mean. You just say things to prove a point or try to push buttons, and that only brings strife into your relationships. Once there's a wedge of strife, the Bible says that the door is open to every evil work. In other words, strife opens the door to the enemy to wreak havoc on our relationships.

Close the door on the enemy by choosing to respect the people in your life. We all come from different backgrounds. We were raised differently. People just see things differently, so why should we get mad at each other over disagreements? In most cases, there's a whole lot more that you do agree on than what you disagree on. Focus on the ways people add value to you. Choose respect and don't let the little things rob you of the peace and joy God desires to give you through the relationships in your life!

Back to School

This week, so many of our kids, teens, and even adults are headed back to school. It's a time of stretching, growing, and transition. It's a time of adjustment. Teachers and students have to adjust to one another; parents have to adjust to new schedules; and even if you don't have any children and aren't headed back to school, you probably have to adjust your morning routine because of all the school traffic!

Changing, learning, and making adjustments are all part of growing. Too often, people get stagnate in life and just settle where they are. Sometimes fear can stop us and cause us to accept the status quo. But if we are going to be all that God has called us to be, we have to be willing to constantly make adjustments and embrace change. We have to look for opportunities to learn and grow.

God loves us the way we are, but He doesn't want us to stay the same. He wants us to rise higher. He wants to increase us. He wants to stretch our capacity to receive all the wonderful blessings He has in store. Proverbs 1:5 says, "A wise man will hear and increase in learning…" (NASB). This tells me that we should always maintain a "back to school" attitude. We should always be open to grow, learn, stretch, and adjust.

Are there areas in your life where you know you can come up higher? Is there something you can do to sharpen your work skills? Is there room for growth in your relationships? Do you desire to learn more about God's Word? Have you been avoiding a necessary change in your life? Maybe it's time to go back to school. Maybe it's time to reread some books, talk to a friend, or listen to some teaching tapes. I encourage you today, make the necessary adjustments in your schedule to keep learning and growing. As the scripture says, you will be wise and position yourself to receive the wonderful blessings God has in store for you.

The God of Increase

God wants to increase us in every area of our lives. He wants to give us more wisdom, stronger relationships, more peace and joy, promotion, and health. Sometimes we don't see it as quickly as we would like. It can be easy to get discouraged when we don't experience the breaks we hoped for or when it seems that everyone else is rising higher while we are standing still. During these times, it's especially important to stay focused on God's Word knowing that He is for us, that He wants to increase us; and when we follow His principles, we get His results.

One of the most important things we can do to keep ourselves moving in the right direction is to carefully guard what we say. Remember, your words are seeds that produce the harvest of your future. If you go around speaking negative words of doubt and defeat, you are uprooting your harvest of blessing. You are literally speaking against what God wants for your life! But if you'll stay in agreement with the God of increase, if you'll declare His Word over your future, then you are setting yourself up to receive the victory and blessing He has in store for you.

Here are some of God's promises to you to help keep your thoughts and words in agreement with Him:

For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep His commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in His ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy (Deuteronomy 30:16, NLT).

There will be joy and songs of thanksgiving, and I will multiply my people, not diminish them; I will honor them, not despise them (Jeremiah 30:19, NLT).

I will certainly bless you, and I will multiply your descendants beyond number (Hebrews 6:14, NLT).

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence (Jeremiah 17:7, NLT).

You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said (Luke 1:45, NLT).

Be encouraged today because the God of increase is on your side! As you stay in agreement with Him, you'll see His blessing, honor, and increase in every area of your life!

The Place of Power

We all have times when people or circumstances come against us. Times when we feel cheated, mistreated, wronged, or taken advantage of. Maybe you're facing a difficulty today and you're not exactly sure how to handle it. If we look to the Word, we see that Jesus set a powerful example for us to follow. Here He was the King of kings and the Lord of lords in human form. He carried all the power in Heaven and earth inside of Him. Yet, when He was about to go to the cross, when the people were mocking Him, ridiculing Him, persecuting Him, and lying about Him, He didn't try to defend Himself. He didn't try to set the record straight. Do you know what He did? He just rested in the place of peace. He rested in who He was. He stood strong knowing that God, His Father, would deliver Him and He would have victory in the end.

When things aren't going right or you feel like you're being treated unfairly, you can do what Jesus did and stand strong in the place of peace. You can find security knowing that you are a child of the Most High God and He promises to deliver you. Remember this: Jesus said, "Peace be with you." He said, "My peace I leave with you." Hold on to that peace because nothing can take it from you unless you give it away. Don't let offense creep in. Offense is a liar. It will steal from you and drag you down. It will erode your self esteem and rob you of everything that Jesus has already done for you. Instead, find confidence in knowing who you are in Jesus Christ. Because He died, you can live in power. Because of what He bore, you get all the rewards–you get the peace, the power, the strength, and the anointing to overcome every obstacle you will ever face.

So, how do you put on love? It's interesting that with the principles of God, we always have to do something. Wouldn't it be nice if God would just come and put love on us? You know, in the middle of a heated discussion or when someone cuts us off in traffic, if He would just come and drop love right on us, then we would always do and say the right thing. But that's not how it works. We have to choose love. We have to choose to be patient, kind, humble, and giving. We have to choose His Word. We have to decide between what our mind is screaming and what our heart is whispering.

I encourage you today, read what First Corinthians 13 says about love. When you choose to read and meditate on God’s Word, you are "putting on love" and empowering yourself to make the right choices. And, even if you've made some mistakes in the past, today is a new day. Receive God's love and forgiveness. Put on His royal robe of righteousness today and don't forget to put on love!

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let you heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (John 14:27, NASB).

Put on Love

If you're like me, when you wake up in the morning, you start thinking about your day–where you'll be going, who you'll be seeing, and what the weather will be like. Then you go to your closet and choose something to wear that will work for all those different scenarios. But there’s one thing that the Bible tells us we need to "put on" if we are going to be fully equipped for everything we will face each day–and that is love.

Love is a one-size-fits-all solution to every situation you will ever encounter with your family, friends, coworkers, and even the grocery clerk. When you're wearing love, you are setting yourself up for success because the Bible tells us that love never fails. And love never goes out of style either. It never gives up, wears out, or becomes old. It's the perfect thing for every occasion!

So, how do you put on love? It's interesting that with the principles of God, we always have to do something. Wouldn't it be nice if God would just come and put love on us? You know, in the middle of a heated discussion or when someone cuts us off in traffic, if He would just come and drop love right on us, then we would always do and say the right thing. But that's not how it works. We have to choose love. We have to choose to be patient, kind, humble, and giving. We have to choose His Word. We have to decide between what our mind is screaming and what our heart is whispering.

I encourage you today, read what First Corinthians 13 says about love. When you choose to read and meditate on God’s Word, you are "putting on love" and empowering yourself to make the right choices. And, even if you've made some mistakes in the past, today is a new day. Receive God's love and forgiveness. Put on His royal robe of righteousness today and don't forget to put on love!

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which ties everything together in unity (Colossians 3:14, ISV).

Living with Winners

A while back, I was having a conversation with a woman and her husband. She was jokingly telling me, "In my house, I am always right."

Her husband chimed in, "She lives to be right! She challenges everything we say," referring to himself and their children.

"He just hates that I'm always right." She said with a big smile on her face.

Now, this could have been funny…except that she wasn't kidding. She didn't recognize that her desire to be right all the time was driving home the point that everyone around her was wrong. She was creating a losing environment for her husband and children and depleting their sense of worth and value. Sadly, she didn't even realize it.

Sometimes you have to know when to let things go, even though you may think you are right. If you always have to win, then that makes you the only champion in your house. If you never let your spouse or your children win a debate or even a simple game of Monopoly, you're creating a spirit of defeat on the inside of them. Eventually, your family will just quit trying and lose that passion to win.

I want to live with winners. I have learned that I don't have to win every discussion with Joel because ultimately, if he wins, I win. We're a team. That's how you have to see the situation when your mind is screaming, "I want to be right!" You have to realize that you have the power to build champions around you. I encourage you to let others in your life win because then you'll be surrounded by winners–and that's a win/win situation any way you look at it!

…Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out (Ephesians 6:13 MSG).

God's Most Amazing Work of Art

Do you know how valuable you are to God? Do you know that you are accepted by God? That you are loved so much by Him? Sometimes people don't feel worthy, they don't feel "good enough" to receive His love, but you have to understand that His love for you isn't based on your performance; it's based on who He is. He never changes and His love never changes.

See, we are His creation. The Bible says we are His work of art. Think about an artist who creates a beautiful painting. You have to imagine that he thinks about the image he is going to produce long before he ever sees it on the canvas. He carefully places every brush stroke with the entire painting in mind. Maybe there are times when other people see his "work in progress" and they can't quite tell what it's going to be, but the artist always knows exactly what he is doing. And then, when his masterpiece is complete, he is so proud of his work! He loves his beautiful creation! He's poured himself into every stroke. The painting doesn't have to actually do anything to earn the love of the artist. The artist doesn't love it because it receives a special award or earns him money in an auction. No, the artist loves the painting because he created it with his own hands exactly the way he wanted to.

I want you to remember today that the greatest artist of all time created you. He dreamed about you long before you were born, before a single brush stroke of your life took place. You may have days when you can't quite tell what He’s creating on the canvas of your destiny, but He knows. He is pouring Himself into you, lovingly shaping every part of your life into an amazing masterpiece!

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago (Ephesians 2:10, NLT).

Praying for Your Family

It's so important to take time to pray, especially for your family–your immediate family, your extended family, and even your church family. Every person in your family has been given to you by God. They may not always act right; they may not always treat you right; they may not say the right things all the time, but we still have the responsibility to lift them up in prayer. Even if the relationship is not where it needs to be, God can use your prayers to turn things around.

I know sometimes family relationships can be the most difficult. There can be pain, hurt, and offense; but when you pray, you are opening the door for God's healing in your life and in your family relationships. God doesn't want you to go through life carrying a load of heartache and offense. He doesn't want us to be prisoners of pain. I talk to so many people who have been hurt by family members–someone walked out on them, a child's not living the right way, but I want you to know that if you want to be free, you have to begin to pray past the pain. Even if you don't feel like it, take a step of faith because God sees your obedience to Him. He'll honor you because you've honored His Word.

Remember, God loves you so much today. He wants to restore you. He wants to restore your family. He has a great future for you and your family. There's nothing too difficult for Him. Stand in faith, keep believing, and keep praying. Don't give up even if it takes years because God is a faithful God.

I want to encourage you today, when you feel that unction in your heart to pray for a family member, don't ignore it. Maybe they just came to mind out of the blue. That's the Holy Spirit prompting you to pray. You never know what may be going on in their life, and your prayer may be the prayer that changes everything both in their life and in yours.

Mercy Always Wins

The Bible tells us that mercy triumphs over judgment. That means when we choose to show mercy instead of judging and condemning others, we are choosing victory. We are on the winning side!

Jesus showed mercy everywhere He went. In fact, right before He was going to be arrested and taken to the cross, He had a conversation with one of his disciples. He said, "Peter, you are going to deny me 3 times tonight before it's all said and done." But Peter refused to believe it, "No way! I would never deny You. I'll stand by You 'til the end!" The Bible talks about three accounts where Peter denied any association with Jesus because he feared for his own life. Do you know how Jesus responded? After He died and rose again, He appeared to Mary who was at His tomb, and He said to her, "I want you to go and tell everyone that I've risen." Then He said, "And, go find Peter." Why did Jesus single out Peter? Jesus wanted Peter to know that he was still loved, valued, and forgiven. Jesus didn't hold a grudge. Instead, He extended mercy to Peter and restored him. He extends that same mercy to us every single day!

Maybe you've been denied by someone. Maybe you've been hurt by someone. Maybe you are working through some pain right now. But remember, Jesus gave us an example of mercy. He shows us mercy so that we can show mercy to others. It's easy to take offense. It's easy to hold on to the hurt and pain of the past. But the best way to move forward is to give all that pain to God and show mercy and forgiveness. Start today by praying for those who have hurt you. If possible, do something nice for them in return. Ask God to help you learn to forgive and extend mercy to others. It's not always easy, but it starts with a choice. You make the choice, and God makes the change in your heart. Remember, when you choose mercy, you are choosing the winning side!

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! (James 2:12-13, NIV).

Turn Your Struggle into Strength

In the Gospel of Luke, there was a woman that the Bible says was bent over and crippled for eighteen years. It doesn't say a whole lot about her, but I can only imagine that she must have struggled a lot. I can imagine it was very difficult for her to do the things that most people take for granted every day. But here she was in this hunched over position, and she happened to be in the synagogue on the same day that Jesus was. Now, first of all, I really commend her for this because it probably wasn't easy for her to get to the synagogue. Most people in her situation would've just stayed home.

The Bible says that when Jesus saw her, He called to her to come over where He was. It doesn't say what he said or how far away she was, but I find it interesting that He didn't just walk over to her. After all, clearly it would have been easier for Him and, I'm sure, much quicker. But think about it. I bet it got everyone's attention all around them as they watched the woman struggle to get closer to Jesus. See, when she took that first step, her actions were making a declaration of her faith. She was willing to be obedient. The Bible says as she moved toward Him, He spoke healing over her, and when she was close enough, He laid hands on her and that healing manifested!

As I was reading this passage, I thought about how we all go through struggles in life. The enemy wants to cripple our potential. He wants to push us down under a heavy load of cares, worry, or offense. Maybe you've been hurt, maybe you've been wronged by others, maybe you have anger issues, or you just feel like you're in over your head. Maybe you have a physical ailment. Whatever it is that you're struggling with I want you to know that Jesus is calling you today. He's saying, "Come to me." He's speaking strength and healing to you. Take that step of faith toward Him today. Be obedient to whatever He tells you do. You may not have seen your restoration yet, but just keep moving toward Him. His arms are outstretched toward you today filled with restoration, peace, healing, and strength. As you move toward Him, He'll turn your struggle into strength and empower you because He loves you and has good things in store for your future.

Make the Choice to Rejoice

Did you know the word "rejoice" is mentioned 192 times in the Bible? Think about that for a minute. Do you know why it's mentioned so many times? In my own life, when I say something to my children over and over again, it's because whatever it is that I am saying is important. I want to make sure that they really understand because it's for their good. It may be something for their protection or to help them grow and develop character. And God is the same way with His children. He wants to make sure we really understand the importance of what He's saying when He tells us something over and over again.

God knows that rejoicing is for our good. It's for our protection. It gives us strength. It empowers us. See, God understands that we have a real enemy. But that enemy has been defeated. He only has power in our lives if we open a door to our hearts and give him access. The Bible says in Revelation 12 that we overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. God has given us His power through His Son, Jesus, and we activate it by our words. Rejoicing is one way to activate God's power in our lives. And I know we all have days when we feel overwhelmed or overburdened, but we aren't supposed to put our hope in how we feel, we are supposed to put our hope in God! When you choose to rejoice, you are redirecting your focus from your circumstances to Almighty God. You are drawing on that supernatural strength He's placed on the inside of you. By your words and actions, you are declaring that your faith and hope are in Him. So no matter what is happening today, make the choice to rejoice so you can rise above your circumstances and experience His supernatural power overflowing in you!

The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him (Psalm 28:7, NKJ).

Priming the Pump

There's an old story about a traveler who hiked for many miles across the desert and mountains. His water supply was gone, and he knew that if he didn't find water soon, he would surely die. In the distance, he noticed an abandoned cabin and hoped to find some water there. Once he made it to the cabin, he discovered an old well. Then he noticed a tin can tied to the pump with a note inside. The note said:

Dear Stranger:

This water pump is in working condition, but the pump needs to be primed in order for the water to come out. Under the white rock, I buried a jar of water out of the sun. There's enough water in the jar to prime the pump, but not if you drink any first. When you are finished, please fill the jar and put it back as you found it for the next stranger who comes this way.

Just like this hiker, sometimes you have to be willing to pour in everything you have before you can see God's increase flowing in your life. You have to be willing to trust that you can tap into His deep, abundant supply of resources.

I encourage you today, give God what you have in your hands, and as you stay faithful to do your part, God will do His part. It takes faith and courage to "prime your pump," but remember, God has already given you what you need to take the first step. When you put action behind your faith and trust God, He will pour wisdom, strength, and creativity into you and help you accomplish the dreams and desires He has placed in your heart.

Press Past Your Limitations

I want to share a story with you about a woman in the Bible in Mark chapter five. This woman was determined. She had perseverance. She had tenacity. But this woman was also very sick. In fact, the Bible says that she had been sick for over twelve years with hemorrhaging in her body. She went from place to place seeking help. She went to every physician she could find, traveling from town to town, but still she received no help. This woman wanted to be healed so badly that she spent every penny she had, but the Bible says she didn't get any better; she got worse. Then one day, she heard there was another Healer–Jesus was in town! And that day, she mixed her determination, perseverance, and tenacity with supernatural faith. That was the combination that changed her life forever.

The Bible says that when the woman heard that Jesus was in town, she said to herself, "If I can only touch the hem of His garment." One translation says, "She kept on telling herself, 'if I could only touch the hem of His garment, if I could only touch the hem of His garment.'" You know, I bet that wasn't the first time she had to keep telling herself something. After fighting this sickness for twelve years, I bet she was constantly encouraging herself and focusing on healing, victory, and prosperity. I'm sure she was tempted to quit. I'm sure she had days when it was hard. I'm sure there were times when she was tired, but that day, she was as determined as ever. The Bible says that she went out and touched the hem of His garment, and she was instantly made whole.

What I find so interesting is that this woman was definitely limited in the natural. These limitations weren't made up in her mind–she was definitely sick for twelve years; she was probably emotionally and physically a wreck; she definitely had no money; and she was a woman. And in those days, that was a limitation in itself. But none of those things stopped her; she was still determined. She still had faith. I'm sure she fought fear, but she pressed past those limitations and pressed right in to Jesus!

What are the limitations that you see in your life? Are they financial? Do you have sickness in your body? Do you see limits in your relationships? I think God is saying to us today, "Yes, you may have some limitations; they may real, but I put this woman in the Bible to let you know that you can go beyond your limitations." See, you don't have to stay where you've been. You don't have to be defined by your past. There's still hope for you today!

I want to encourage you to find the determination, the perseverance, the tenacity, and mix it with supernatural faith. Keep telling yourself, "I know I'm going to make it! I know I'm going to be healed! I know things are going to change! I know I'm going to get my breakthrough!" Keep pressing past your limitations today because God has victory and wholeness in store for you in every area of your life.

Speak Life to the Dying Places

There's a friend of mine, a woman on our staff, who lives in an urban part of Houston. She has a town home with one town home on each side. About a year ago, all three neighbors had identical trees planted in front of their town homes. They were young trees, maybe 10 or 12 feet tall. When hurricane Ike came through in September 2008, those three new trees were toppled over, blown by the strong winds. They looked as if they were dying.

After the storm, all three neighbors went out to replant their trees. They tied their trees to stakes in the ground and did whatever they could to help those little trees take root. But my friend did something different from her neighbors. Every day she'd pass by her tree on her way to work, and she would speak to that little tree, "Be blessed! Grow straight and strong." Day after day, she would speak life over her little tree. It wasn't long before she noticed that her tree was growing stronger and straighter than her neighbors. In fact, her neighbor's trees are still leaning over, not looking too healthy or growing very much, but her tree is now straight, strong, and flourishing! All three trees received the same amount of sun, the same water, the same soil. What made the difference? The power of words.

As you think about your life, what are the things that have been blown over by the storms and circumstances of life? What looks like it's dying in your world? Are your dreams toppled over? Does your marriage appear to be uprooted? I encourage you today, just like my friend, begin to speak life and blessing to the dying places. Water those areas by speaking the Word of God. When you sow seeds of life and blessing, no matter what your circumstances my look like, before long—just like my friend—you'll see life and health flourish by the power of your words!

The tongue has the power of life and death…(Proverbs 18:21, NIV).

Trust in the Lord

I love the declaration in Psalm 20:7 that says, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God!" Now, maybe you're not literally trusting in chariots and horses today, but in Bible times, chariots and horses were considered valuable resources. You were strong and powerful if you had lots of chariots and horses. Today, people still look to power, wealth, and resources as their source of strength.

Are you trusting in natural resources today? Natural resources can be your job, a medical report, or anything in this world that you might depend on or draw strength from. Do you depend on the morning news to set the tone of your day? Remember, these things are all temporary. And yes, they do affect our daily lives, but we have to keep them in proper perspective. When you put your hope and trust in temporary things, your security and confidence is going to be temporary. Instead, put your trust in the name of the Lord! Declare, "No matter what is happening around me, God is bigger than my circumstances. He's more powerful than anything in the world. He is the source of my joy and strength; and I will put my trust in Him!" When you trust in the Lord, you'll be empowered by His strength. Your confidence level will soar because you have a foundation that cannot be moved and will never fade away. You have hope and trust that is secure for all eternity!

This Wednesday, we are so honored to have Marcus and Joni Lamb, founders of the DayStar Television Network visiting with us! Joni will be our special guest speaker in our Wednesday Women's Workshop at 6:25 p.m. in the Chapel. Marcus will be preaching during the service at 7:30 p.m. which will also be broadcast live on the Daystar Television network! We hope you'll be able to join us!

Accessing the Strength Within

The Bible talks about joy and calls it "unspeakable and full of glory." You know what that says to me? It says that joy is more than just a feeling. It's more than just being happy. Joy is a supernatural force on the inside of you. Joy is a deep abiding strength. It's constantly there. It is a fruit, or offspring, of the Holy Spirit. It doesn't come from your circumstances. The world can't give it to you, and the world can't take it away!

So how do you "get" joy today? The good news is that when you make Jesus your Lord and Savior, the Bible says that the Spirit of God makes His home inside of you. And if the Holy Spirit is on the inside of you, than so is joy! As believers, we already have joy! But we have to stir up what God has placed within us. We have to choose to access that joy by putting our trust in Almighty God.

It's like receiving a present. Someone can give you the most wonderful gift wrapped in the most beautiful paper with a gorgeous bow. And you can have that present sitting on your table, admiring how nice it looks. You can be so thankful for that gift and appreciate that person so much. Yes, that present is in your possession; it's yours, but until you open it and take it out of the box, you won't be able to experience that gift and all of its true benefits! In the same way, you have to take that step of faith to access what God has given you by His Spirit.

Today, open your heart and receive the joy God has for you. Focus on the fact that He's got you in the palm of His hand. Trust that He is working all things out for your good. Dwell on the truth that if God is on your side, there's no enemy that can stand against you! As you begin to meditate on His promises found in the Word of God, faith will come. Hope will come. It will be easier for you to cast your cares on Him because you trust Him. Before you know it, you'll feel that supernatural joy welling up in your heart and giving you strength! You'll have an attitude that says, "I don't know why I'm in this difficult situation. I don't know what's going to happen. I just have faith! I don't why, but I just believe God's going to get me out this!" Other people will wonder why you have a smile on your face and a spring in your step, but you'll know it's because His joy is giving you the strength you need to push past the challenges of life so you can grab hold of the victory that God has in store for you!

What Are You Embracing?

One day, I was in the kitchen at Lakewood Church making some hot tea. Several others were also taking a break, and the place was buzzing with activity. I had my tea in one hand and a spoon in the other, and I was just about to stir when suddenly, I looked up to see my little five-year-old nephew, Christopher, pushing through the crowd and running straight for me. Now although Christopher is less than half my size, he's as strong as a lion and solid as steel. On top of that, he doesn't recognize his own strength, so I knew I had to brace myself for what was about to happen. A split second later, Christopher plowed right into me, grabbing me around the legs and squeezing me as tightly as he could! With all the energy he could muster, Christopher was showing me his love, and with all the balance I could muster, I was trying not to spill my hot tea!

As much as I wanted to embrace Christopher at that very moment, my hands were full, so I couldn't. I had to let go of what was in my hands first. As soon as I placed my cup and spoon on the counter, I was able to wrap my arms around little Christopher and return his embrace. Not only was I able to enjoy Christopher's love, but I was able to give love back to him. There was an exchange that took place when I let go of what was in my hands.

How often do we go through life holding on to things we think are important when they really are not? Sometimes, we can get so busy and have so much in our hands that we completely miss out on the new things that are right in front of us. Sometimes we have to be willing to put something down in order to embrace something better.

Is there something you are holding on to today, something that you know you need to let go of to make room for what God is trying to do in your life?

Is your schedule overloaded? Are you clinging to a relationship that you know is unhealthy? Are your thoughts consumed with a situation from your past? You might even be holding on to something good, but good things can also keep our hands too full to embrace God's very best.

I encourage you, as you evaluate what you have in your hands, to be willing to release everything to God. Allow Him to order and direct your steps so you can embrace the very best that He has in store for your life!

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter…a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing
(Ecclesiastes 3:1, 5b AMP).

Choose Life

What's your outlook on life today? Do you wake up every morning ready to embrace the day, or do you allow your circumstances to dictate your attitude? Whether you realize it or not, attitude is a choice. We all face difficulties. We all have obstacles that can seem impossible to overcome. However, the difference between those who are able to rise above their adversities and those who get stuck in them is their attitude.

You don't have to be around our ministry very long to hear a message on having a thankful attitude. A thankful attitude is a form of praise that shows that your faith and hope is in God. I believe it is one of the main keys to living the abundant life God has in store because when you choose a thankful attitude, you are choosing life. You are connecting yourself to your Creator God who is the source of all life. You are opening the door for Him to move on your behalf.

Today, you may have some negative things happening. You may have some challenges or unexpected situations in your path, but remember, a thankful attitude and a heart of praise will keep you connected to your Life Source. Choose life today by choosing to worship Him in all that you do.

What Are You Magnifying?

If you think about a magnifying glass, its purpose is to make objects or text on a page appear larger than they are in reality. When you magnify something, you don't actually change the size of the object, you change your perspective of it.

Our minds can work like a magnifying glass. The more you think about something, the larger you perceive it to be. That's why we have to keep things in the right perspective. If we focus on our problems, they can seem so large that we can be consumed by them! But when you focus on God and magnify Him in your life, all the things of this world just seem so small and insignificant in comparison.

Think about it this way: if you were to hold up a quarter with your arm outstretched in front of you and one eye closed, the quarter seems small compared to everything else around you. But when you pull the quarter in closer to your eye, it appears much larger. In fact, if you hold it close enough, you aren't able to see anything else! So often in life, our difficulties and challenges seem so much larger than they actually are simply because we are holding them closer to us than necessary. We are dwelling on them more than we need to. But when we have the right perspective, those same difficulties become much more manageable.

To keep the right perspective, magnify the right things in your life. When I come up against challenges, I remind myself of all the great things God has done for me. I begin to thank Him for allowing me to know Him; I thank Him for my family, my children, and my husband. I recall how God brought me through past trials and difficult times. I am always amazed at how my perspective changes when I have a grateful heart and choose to count my blessings!

Today, I encourage you to take inventory of your thoughts. Maybe even make a list of all things that are magnified in your life right now. Hold that list out in front of you and think about how big your God is! Ask Him to reveal Himself to you in greater ways. Sing a simple song of praise to Him as you release that list of cares into His loving arms. Remember, His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Just watch the weight of the world disappear as you magnify Him in every area of your life.

O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together Psalm 34:3, AMP.

He Sees You as a Saint

Everywhere I go, I encounter so many people who have a misconception that God is always mad at them. When things don't go well, the first thing they say is, "Well, God, You did it to me again!" It's as if they think God is just waiting for them to do something wrong so He can punish them and make their lives difficult. Let me assure you right now: that is the farthest thing from the truth! God is not mad at you; He is madly in love with you!

It doesn't matter how many times you've made a mistake; it doesn't matter how many times you've blown it. God is always ready to receive you with open, loving arms. In fact, He's already forgiven you for anything you've done in the past and anything you will do in the future. All you must do is accept it. Imagine God in front of you right now with His arms outstretched, ready to welcome you. Don't run away from Him; run toward Him. Simply take a step of faith and renounce your old ways so you can embrace His love and forgiveness.

Once you have received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Bible says God takes your sin and casts it as far as the East is from the West! He doesn't see you as a sinner anymore; He sees you as His saint, His representative. He sees you cleansed by the blood of Jesus. But it's up to you to take hold of this by faith and allow the truth to change your thinking. The enemy doesn't want you to see yourself as righteous; he wants you to see yourself as a sinner. He wants you to be down and defeated. He wants you to get up every day and think this is a hard life. Don't believe those lies because Jesus said, "I have come to give you life and life more abundantly."

God is not in the business of condemning people; He's in the business of improving and loving people. We have to be willing to see ourselves the way God sees us and dwell on His righteousness in order to be all that God has called us to be.

…to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints…grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 1:2-3, NKJ).

Need Direction?

One of my favorite scriptures is found in Proverbs 3:5; you may already be familiar with it. It says to trust in the Lord with all of your heart; don't depend on your own understanding; but seek God in all that you do, and He will direct your path.

See, the key to receiving God's direction for your life is to trust Him with all of your heart. It doesn't say, "Trust Him when everything makes sense to your head." In fact, most times what God says is the complete opposite of what makes sense in our natural minds. For example, if you are in financial need, it doesn't make sense to your mind to give away what you do have. But God's Word says to give and it shall be given back to you in abundance–pressed down, shaken together, and running over. When someone hurts you, your natural mind thinks, "How can I get them back? How can I make them feel what I'm feeling?" But God says, "Don't return evil for evil, but overcome evil with good." God says, "If you'll forgive. I'll forgive you."

In God's kingdom, whatever you sow is what you will reap. I don't want to reap evil. I want to reap good. I want to reap blessings. I want God to direct my path, and I'm sure you do, too! That is why we have to follow God's instructions even when it doesn't make sense to our natural minds. Remember, God's system is set up to prosper us. It's set up to give us a future and a hope! When you follow God's system, you are showing that you trust Him with all of your heart. And when you trust Him, He'll direct you. He'll lead you. He'll guide you down the path of victory that He has in store for you!

Overcoming Past Failures

George Herman "Babe" Ruth, Jr. is known as perhaps the greatest baseball player of all time. He hit 714 home runs, and for almost four decades, he held the major league lifetime home run record. Legend has it that during the 1932 World Series, he actually pointed to a spot on the outfield wall and then hit a home run directly over that spot. He was known as "The Babe," "The Bambino," and "The Sultan of Swat." In fact, Yankee Stadium is still known today as "The House That Ruth Built." He was a legend even during his own lifetime.

One thing that many people don't know about Babe Ruth is that before he ever held the record for the most home runs, he held the record for being struck out! That's right–the Great Bambino knew well the walk back to the dugout, which means you can add "Strikeout King" to his list of nicknames. In fact, Ruth struck out 1,330 times–more than any other player in his era.

You would think that at some point in his career, while he was the "Strikeout King," that he would have been a bit embarrassed or discouraged. I doubt if anyone would have blamed him if he had decided to just skip the next game. But he didn't. And, you might think that since he was constantly striking out that he would have started doing things a bit differently. Perhaps he would have changed his batting stance or decided not to swing so hard, but he didn't.

You see, even before Babe Ruth became the lifetime home run leader, he saw himself as successful. He didn't allow his past mistakes and failures to affect his confidence. Instead, he saw himself on a mission–to hit more home runs than anyone else. He was not going to allow the fear of failure to get in the way of his destiny. He knew those home runs were inside of him, just waiting to burst forth.

So I ask you today: what do you do when you –strike out– in life? Do you just give up and throw in the towel, or do you stand strong, knowing you're one swing closer to that home run?

Fear of failure robs so many people of their confidence and causes them to sit in the dugout of life. But just like "The Babe," you have to realize that there are seeds of greatness inside of you just waiting to burst forth. Don't let your past mistakes or failures steal your God–given destiny. Realize that you are also on a mission, and that no matter where you've tossed your bat, you can pick it up, get back in the game, and keep on swinging because sooner or later you will knock that ball right out of the park!

…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith… Hebrews 12:1–2, NIV

What's Growing in Your Home?

Did you know that you can set the atmosphere and tone in your home? It doesn't matter if you live by yourself or have a house full; you have the power to choose what you want to grow in your home. You can allow strife and confusion to grow, or you can choose to create an atmosphere for grace, favor, and love. It all begins when you recognize that you are a person of influence and power. The Bible says that as believers, the same Spirit that raise Christ from the dead dwells in us. That is tremendous power! We activate that power by the faith in our hearts and the words of our mouths.

Understand that the kingdom of God, or God's system on the earth, is like planting a garden. Our words are seeds. When you speak something, you are planting a seed. The more you talk about that thing, whether positive or negative, the more you empower that seed to grow. That's why it's so important to speak God's Word in your home every single day. Speak words of life over the people around you.

Another way to set the tone in your home is by your actions and attitude. In our family, I tend to be the one who's always laughing about something and trying to find the humor in everyday life. One time, I was making a joke about something, and well, admittedly, it was a little corny. My teenage son, Jonathan just rolled his eyes and shook his head but managed a big smile. (I could tell he wanted to laugh, though.) We all knew the joke was a bust, but Joel immediately piped up, "You know, Jonathan, if it weren't for your mother, it would be pretty boring around this house." I took that as a huge compliment because no one wants to live in a boring house.

I encourage you today; recognize that you have the ability in you to influence the atmosphere in your home. Create an atmosphere for love, joy and peace to grow. Use your words and gifts to empower others and watch how those good seeds will bring back a tremendous harvest of blessing in your own life in return.

But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ II Peter 2:18, AMP

Finding New Freedoms Everyday

Do you feel free today? Maybe that's not the first thing you thought of when your feet hit the floor this morning, but Scripture tells us that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. In other words, God wants you to be free today simply because He wants you to enjoy your freedom!

This journey of life can be exciting because we can find new freedoms every single day. Freedom comes, first of all, when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. He sets us free from the law of sin and death so we can have eternal life with Him. We don't have to live defeated, depressed, anxious, sick, upset, bitter or in the past any longer. We are free from that bondage! The more we separate ourselves from negative, self–defeating attitudes and behaviors, the more we will experience God's freedom. Every time you release an area of your life to Him, when you choose God's Word over the temptations of the world, you are finding new freedom.

Below are some biblically based "freedom" confessions for you to meditate on and declare over your life. I encourage you to look up the Scripture references and ask God to give you a deeper revelation of His freedom. I believe that as you read and study God's Word, you will feel empowered, energized, and strengthened…you will feel free because God's Word is truth, and His Truth makes us free!

I am free today because Christ has set me free! I will not allow myself to be burdened down with wrong thinking, negative attitudes, or anything that displeases God. Galatians 5:1

As a believer in Jesus, the Spirit of the Lord dwells in me and makes me free because where the Spirit of the Lord, there is freedom! II Corinthians 3:17

I have full freedom and confidence to boldly approach the Father in prayer and worship. The Lord hears, and answers my prayers and sets me free! Hebrews 10:19, Psalm 118:5

I am unquestionably free–free from the past, free from fear, free from worry, anxiety, depression, poverty, sickness, and lack—because Jesus has set me free indeed! John 8:36; Galatians 3:13

Faith That God Loves

We serve a God of faith! And the Bible tells us that each person is given a measure of faith. You may look at the people around you or see ministers on TV and think, "Man, they have a lot of faith! I don't have that much faith." But do you know that the faith God loves is the faith that you have right now? It doesn't matter how much faith you have, it matters that you use the faith you do have.

Not long ago, a friend was telling me about a young lady who stopped coming to church because she didn't have the money to pay her tithe. So I said emphatically, "Tell her to keep coming anyway so she can get her faith built up!" Even though she didn't have the faith to believe for tithe money, if she would just have the faith to keep coming to church, God would give her the faith to believe for her finances.

See, God wants us to realize that faith is now. Faith is not for tomorrow when everything is straightened out; faith is for today, right now. Whatever you believe in your heart right now, God is responding to. As a believer in Jesus, you have everything you need inside of you to get your prayers answered. Maybe you don't have the faith to see your sickness healed this very moment, but you probably have enough faith to say, "God, I know you are working in me. Continue Your work in me and help me to receive every promise You have for me." That's taking a step of faith. That's sowing a seed of faith. And the Bible tells us that if we have the faith the size of mustard seed, we can say to the mountains in our lives, "Be moved!" The thing is, we have to sow that seed every single day and water it with the Word of God in order to watch it grow.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17, NKJ.

Ackowledge Him with Your Love

The other day I was thinking about the scripture in Proverbs 3:6 about acknowledging God; and as I was meditating on that scripture, I thought about the many ways we can acknowledge the people in our lives. For example, my children acknowledge me as their mother, their provider, their caretaker, and of course, their chauffer. But do you know what moves my heart the most? Yes, I love that they trust me to take care of them. But I don't want to be known as just their provider; I want to be known as the one they love; the one they are drawn to. The one they simply want to spend time with just because they love me. When my children acknowledge me with their love, everything else just falls into place. They don't need to ask me for things all the time; I already know what they need because we spend time together.

So the question I ask you today is how do you acknowledge God? Yes, He is your Provider, He is your Protector, He is your Strength, He is your Deliverer, but are you in the habit of simply acknowledging Him as the One you love? It's as simple as saying, "Father in heaven, I love you so much. You mean everything to me. I give you my whole heart, mind, and strength."

I can't help but think how it moves the heart of God when we acknowledge Him with our affection. Maybe you aren't used to being this personal with God, but God wants to be personal with you. He loves you so much. He wants to be involved in every part of your life. It's easy to get a picture in your mind of God way up in heaven, the awesome Creator of the universe; but remember, He wants relationship with you, and your love and affection for Him moves His heart the most. Acknowledge Him in all your ways, acknowledge Him with your love, and watch how the other areas of your life simply fall into place.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6, NIV.

Put Action Behind Your Dreams

When I was a young girl in elementary school, I had a shy personality, yet I always felt like there was something big on the inside of me. I was a dreamer with a vivid imagination. When it came time for the fifth–grade school play, I really wanted the lead role; however, I didn't step up to make my teacher aware of it. The day came for the teacher to announce who would play the lead, and of course, she didn't pick me, the shy girl; instead, she picked one of my classmates. Naturally, I was disappointed, but even back then I was filled with hope and imagined that somehow that little girl wouldn't be able to fulfill her role. Perhaps she would have to go out of town with her family, and there I would be, standing in the wings when my "big moment" came! The teacher would have to pick me after all. Yes, in my mind, I dreamed of getting the big part. Although it never happened, I rehearsed that scenario over and over in my mind, wishing I could play the lead.

Years later I realized that although I had been dreaming about playing the lead, I didn't take action. I didn't rehearse the lines or memorize the scenes. I didn't stay after school for the voluntary practices. Sure, I desired to play the role, but I certainly wasn't preparing for it. Had the teacher called on me, I wouldn't have been ready to walk through that door of opportunity because I hadn't put action behind my dreams. Being filled with hope and expectation is a great place to start, but it's also a poor place to stop.

How often do we "sit in the wings" of life, wishing we were doing more, believing that we have more in us, waiting for our big moment? Yet, if opportunity were to knock on our door, we might not even be ready. If you are really believing and expecting for big things to happen, you have to put action behind your faith and live your life ready to make the most of every opportunity. I've heard it said that success happens when preparation meets opportunity. That's why it is important to use and develop your gifts and talents so when opportunity presents itself, you will have the confidence to walk through that open door.

Remember, life is lived one day at a time, and the way to prepare for tomorrow is to live at your very best today. Whether you want to further your career or change some bad habits, if you'll do what you know to do today, God will help you get to where you need to be tomorrow. Every day lived well is one day closer to accomplishing your dreams. Start using what you have and doing what you know to do, and God will open the door to new opportunity.

Don't Fall For the Trap

Have you ever heard about how hunters used to trap monkeys? The hunters would fill a large barrel with bananas and then cut a small hole in the side of it that was just barely big enough for the monkey to slip his hand and arm through. The monkey, completely unaware of the trap, would reach his arm into the barrel and grab one of those bananas. But when he would try to pull his arm out, he would be unable to get his clenched fist and the banana back through the hole. The monkey would be so fixed on that banana that he just wouldn't release it. Consequently, the hunters would easily capture the monkey.

It's interesting that at any point prior to the capture, the monkey could have easily released the banana and pulled his hand out of the barrel, but he was so focused on what was in his hand that he didn't even realize he was in a trap!

Many people live like that today–with both hands clenched, so focused on trying to hold on to what they have that they don't even realize it's robbing them of the freedom and victory God has in store. Don't let that be you! Choose to release anything that's keeping you from God's best in your life. Don't get trapped because you aren't willing to change or reposition yourself or your thinking. Instead, be open–handed and open–minded to what God is doing in your life today.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us (Hebrews 12:1, NLT).

What Are You Keeping Record Of?

At every Lakewood Church service, we have a dedicated time when members and visitors can pray one–on–one with one of our 500 volunteers who serve as prayer partners. Both Joel and I are prayer partners, and we'll pray for two or three people during the prayer time in each service.

I remember on one particular Saturday night, a woman who was about fifty years old came up to me and asked that I pray for her marriage. She told me that her husband had always been hard to live with, and even more so lately. She recited two or three of her grievances, then to my surprise, she handed me three sheets of notebook paper.

She said, "Read this. It is a list of the things he has done, just in the last two weeks."

I opened the pages to see one offense after the other scribbled in various colors of ink and pencil. "He's done all this in just two weeks?" I asked.

"Yes," she said. "I didn't think anyone would believe me so I have been writing them down."

"Why so many colors of ink?" I asked.

"Well," she said, "I write them down as quickly as I can so I won't forget them, and I grab the first pen or pencil I can find. If I wait too long, I'll forget." After I prayed for her, I thought wouldn't her life be so much better if she did forget?

Anytime someone disappoints you or does not meet your expectations, you have the choice to either dwell on those disappointments or overlook them. However, if you really want to succeed in your relationship, there is a third choice: you can choose to look past the other person's shortcomings and immediately find something in them that exceeds your expectations! Most of the time, you will find dozens of good qualities in a person and only a few things that irritate you. Then, when those irritations come up, remind yourself of all the good things that person brings to your life and focus on the benefits of being in a healthy relationship.

Just after this particular church service, I ran into Richard, another prayer partner in our ministry. He asked, "Did I see you pray for a woman today with a list of things her husband has done wrong?"

"Yes," I said. "Do you know her?"

"I prayed for her Wednesday night," he responded. "She showed me the same list. It inspired me to keep a list concerning Lisa."

I was surprised to hear Richard say this because I always thought he and his wife, Lisa had good relationship. For a moment, I wasn't sure how to respond. "Oh?" I said, searching for the right thing to say. "Surely, Lisa doesn't do that much wrong."

"No, she really doesn't," he said. "But when she does, I am going to begin keeping a list. But my list is going to have all of the things I love about her and all the ways she blesses my life…and, I am going to write them down as soon as I think of them, and I'm going to use the first pen I can find."

"So you won't forget them?" I asked.

"So I won't forget them," he answered.

I loved Richard's approach–especially that he drew such a good lesson from such a sad situation. How much better can our relationships be by keeping record of the benefits rather than the shortcomings?

Love keeps no record of wrongs(I Corinthians 13:5, para).

Let His Love Empower You

Not long ago, there was a survey done for a national magazine that revealed 59% of CEO's are firstborn children. I don't find this surprising when you consider how most firstborn children are treated by their parents–everything that child does is so amazing! That first smile, that first word, that first step is seen as the most magnificent event of the year. Even most grandparents marvel at and encourage every move of that firstborn child. That constant recognition of every small achievement builds confidence and security.

Did you know God sees you the same way? Regardless of whether you were the firstborn in your family or not, you are the apple of God's eye. He will always treat you like His most valuable child. He applauds you every time you take a step of faith. He's always speaking encouraging words to your heart saying, "You can rise higher. You can do all things. You can fulfill your destiny."

Let those words sink down into your heart and allow them to build confidence in you. When you understand and receive God's love and encouragement, it will empower you to do more than you ever thought possible. Because of God's love and constant support, you can wake up every day with an attitude of faith and expectancy. You don't have to live guilty or condemned, feeling like you don't measure up. You may have made some mistakes, but just like a parent helps a child when they are learning to walk, God will help you get right back up anytime you fall. Do your part, and instead of dwelling on all you did wrong the day before, just imagine God is smiling down on you. It's very freeing to say, "God is pleased with me. God approves me." Embrace these words and let them create a foundation of His unconditional love in your life. Remember, you are His most prized possession; the apple of His eye!

Embrace His Love and Forgiveness

In this day and age, the word "love" can be used in just about any context. We "love" our family or soul mate, and we also "love" a good movie or pizza? It's no wonder people get so confused about the subject of love. One thing is certain: every person on this earth was created with a deep longing to give and receive love. We develop our personal definition of love by the way we were raised and what we saw modeled in our homes growing up. Whether they realize it or not, most people have a picture of God in their minds based on what their relationship was like with their natural father. If their earthly father was kind and supportive, it's easy to see God the same way. On the other hand, if their earthly father was unavailable or distant, it can be difficult to see the unconditional love that God so freely gives.

I encounter so many people who have a misconception that God is always mad at them. When things don't go well, the first thing they say is "Well God, you did it to me again!" It's as if they think God is just waiting for them to do something wrong so that He can punish them and make their life miserable! Let me assure you right now, that is the farthest thing from the truth! God is not mad at you, He is madly in love with you! In order to truly love your life and live the way God intends, you must understand and embrace this fundamental truth.

It doesn't matter how many times you've made a mistake, it doesn't matter how many times you've blown it; God is always ready to receive you with open, loving arms. In fact, He's already forgiven you for anything you've done in the past, and anything you will do in the future. All you have to do is ask for His forgiveness and accept it. Just imagine God in front of you right now with His arms outstretched, ready to welcome you. Don't run away from Him; run toward Him. Simply take a step of faith to embrace His love and forgiveness today!

Allow Forgiveness to Fill Your Heart

So often, people hold on to bitterness or resentment, thinking that they are stockpiling ammunition against the person who hurt or offended them as if one day, they'll have the chance to get even. However, the truth is, if you don't choose to forgive, the only person being punished is you.

Unforgiveness is like a barrier that actually blocks the door to your heart. In order to move forward, you must remove the barrier, open the door of your heart, and extend forgiveness to others. When the door of your heart is open, you can then release all the hurt and pain and make room for God's healing.

I heard a story about a woman in her mid–thirties who had been mistreated, abused, abandoned, and neglected throughout her life. She was a believer, yet she was still consumed with feelings of betrayal, anger, and hurt. At times, she sat up nights imagining confrontations with the people who had hurt her. In her mind, she rehearsed over and over all of the offenses and wrongs that had been committed against her. She wanted so badly to get even.

One night while praying, she realized that all those negative feelings were blocking her from moving forward. She knew she had to let go of the past offenses. She wasn't sure how to do it, but she began imagining a large assortment of helium–filled balloons in her hand. Each balloon represented an offense, a concern, or a hurt in her life. She then pictured herself releasing those balloons one at a time and watching them float away. As she did this, she could almost feel each of those offenses, cares, and concerns that had been consuming her thoughts begin to lift off of her. Each time she practiced this exercise, she released her cares and concerns to God and received a fresh portion of His strength to face each day. Eventually, she found her place of peace as she released those balloons and learned to forgive.

Why don't you release your balloons today? Let go of all offenses and give them to God. You can accomplish so much more when you allow forgiveness to fill your heart.

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you…(Mark 11:25, AMP).

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Today more than ever, we have to be proactive and do whatever we can to stand and fight for our relationships and our families. And do you know that one of the most powerful ways you can fight for your relationships is to be a peacemaker? Think about a campfire. It can only continue burning and raging as long as someone is throwing logs on it. But as soon as you stop fueling the fire, eventually it will go out. Maybe you feel like you have a fire in your home today or in your relationships; a fire of strife and confusion. I believe that if you ask God to help you be a peacemaker, if you choose to stop throwing logs on the fire, He will supernaturally extinguish that fire.

One definition of the word "peace" is "to set at one again." When you are a peacemaker, you are bringing unity into your relationships. And this is so important because we have an enemy who is after this generation. He wants to target our families and relationships and bring division. Notice that when you look at the word "division", you see "di" which means two and "vision." Two visions. When two people disagree, it's because they have two different visions over something. And I know that you aren't going to agree with everyone all the time, but if you stay focused on your differences, eventually there is going to be division. However, if you change your focus and look for the common ground of peace, you can bring harmony into your relationships again.

Remember, the Bible tells us that blessed are the peacemakers. When we dwell together in unity, we honor God and open the door for His hand of blessing in every area of our lives!

Put Your Oxygen Mask on First

If you have ever flown in an airplane, you've heard the flight attendant's pre–flight instructions informing passengers about airplane exits, emergency lighting, seat cushions that serve as flotation devices, and oxygen masks that fall from compartments above your head. Then the flight attendant says something like this: "Place the oxygen mask over your nose and mouth before assisting children or those around you."

Why is that? Because you can't take care of anyone else unless you take care of yourself first. I heard someone say you have to show up for yourself before you can show up for others. And that is true–so why do we feel so badly about doing nice things for ourselves? We are God's creation, and we have a responsibility to take care of ourselves as well as others.

I'm the type of person who likes to make lists. I start with the main things in my life and then add on from there. What are the things that matter most in your life? Could that be family, job, friends, church, yourself….Oh yeah, did you forget to put yourself on the list? Do you need to move yourself up higher in priority? Most of us try to take care of everyone else but ourselves, but I've found I can't give my best if I don't have my best to give.

I have a friend who has a great husband and three beautiful children. She is a good wife and mother, but she was telling me that she feels so guilty when she goes and gets her nails done. She feels like she has to rush when she is taking time to get her hair done. She said "I sit in the chair at my salon tapping my feet nervously just counting the minutes; I can't seem to relax. I feel like I don't have time to take care of myself."

It's funny because I am sure the only time she doesn't feel guilty is when she is doing things for her family. But the truth is her family probably wants her to take time for herself so she can be her best for them. Don't fall into the trap of putting yourself last on the list or not even putting yourself on the list.

I encourage you today as you are busy handling all the responsibilities you have in life, find some way to invest in yourself. It can be as simple as taking a relaxing walk or picking up that book you've wanted to read. Do things to encourage your personal growth; take a class, listen to some teaching tapes, or join a gym. Sure, sometimes it costs some money, but you are worth it and the return will far outweigh the investment! You might be surprised at how just a few deposits in yourself can pay off in a big way and increase your effectiveness in every other area of your life!

Be a Person of Influence

Isabelle works as a receptionist for a small oilfield supply company in Houston. She is perfect for her job. She's bright, personable, and among the most upbeat people you will ever know. Everyone at her office loves her. One day, Isabelle's mother became ill so she took a one week leave of absence to help take care of her. During that week, various people in the office took turns covering her job duties. It was a bit of an inconvenience because her coworkers had to leave their own duties for several hours at a time to take phone calls and greet visitors.

Unfortunately, Isabelle's mother took a turn for the worse and Isabelle was forced to take more time off. She used vacation time and sick time, but before long, she ran out of paid days and had to arrange to take unpaid leave.

After about a month, the company's owner felt that the burden on the others in the office had become too great so he instructed the human resources department to find a replacement for Isabelle. But when word got out to the other employees, instead of being relieved by the owner's decision, something unexpected happened. Her co–workers gathered together and told the owner that they didn't want to see her replaced, and they were willing to continue covering for her as long as it took. One by one, they told him that they would stay late to finish their own duties or do whatever was necessary to convince him to change his mind.

The owner was skeptical, but highly impressed that so many of Isabelle's co–workers were willing to sacrifice their personal time for her. After discussing the matter further, the owner realized just how much Isabelle meant to everyone there and decided to keep her.

It took Isabelle's mother another few weeks to recover and everyone in the office did their part. In fact, the owner was so impressed by the dedication of his employees to Isabelle that he even pitched in–to everyone's surprise–and covered the phones once himself!

This owner understood the value that a positive person can bring to a work environment. He realized Isabelle had a tremendous, positive influence on the others. When Isabelle finally returned, the owner asked her into his office and informed her that he was even going to pay her for the time she had been away. He remarked to one of his managers that Isabelle was "just like a company benefit."

Like Isabelle, you can make a difference in the quality of life for those around you. People need your love, support, and encouragement. Take your position seriously and use your influence well.

He Gives Victory Over Sin

In first Corinthians 15:57 it says, "Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through Christ." Notice, it doesn't say, "Thanks be to God who gave us the victory one time." It says, "Who gives us the victory." It's in the present tense, meaning that every single day God stretches out His hand of victory to us. The question is what are we going to do with that victory? Are we going to just leave it on the table, or are we going to lay hold of the promise?

Remember, because of Jesus, you have the victory over sin. You don't have to be a slave to bad habits, wrong mindsets, or wrong attitudes any longer. You have been given a robe of righteousness by your heavenly Father. It's a sign of His great love for you. Some people put on that robe of righteousness as if they are trying to cover up their sin. But God doesn't cover up your sin; He washes it away every single day. If you've failed, if you've stumbled, if you've faltered, if you've found yourself in the middle of sin, God still loves you so much! He loves you enough to say, "You can rise up. You can overcome. You can have victory." Don't run from God, run toward Him. Simply say, "Jesus I have sinned. I've done some things or said some things I wish I wouldn't have. So I'm asking You right now to cleanse my heart and mind." Do you know what that does? It opens the door for God to immediately cleanse you. It breaks the power of condemnation and ignites His overcoming power on the inside of you.

I encourage you today to make the decision to lay hold of the victory that Christ gave you. Don't allow anything to hold you back from the wonderful promises God has in store for you!

Safety in the Secret Place

One of my favorite promises from God is found in Psalm 91. It's His promise of safety and protection when we live in His presence and make Him a priority in our lives. Some translations call it the Secret Place. Have you ever thought about why it's called the Secret Place? If you are in a secret place, that means you are hidden. The enemy can't touch you because he can't find you! You are covered–you are protected–you are safe; hidden in the palm of Almighty God!

I encourage you today, no matter what may be happening around you, no matter what you may hear, or what you may see on the news, determine to dwell in the secret place of His presence. You can come into His presence anytime, from anywhere. Just simply open your heart and give Him thanks and praise; magnify Him as Lord over life.

Psalm 91 (The Message)

You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow, say this: "GOD, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!"

That's right–He rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you're perfectly safe; His arms fend off all harm.

Fear nothing–not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses.

Yes, because GOD's your refuge, the High God your very own home, evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door. He ordered His angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they'll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

"If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says GOD, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust Me. Call Me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party. I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!"

Say "Yes" to Jesus

There was a man in the Bible named Nicodemus who asked Jesus, "What is this new birth I keep hearing about? What does it mean to be born again? How can a person enter their mother's womb a second time?" Jesus answered him by explaining that it's your spirit that is reborn. Romans 10:9–10 tells us that we are born again when we say "yes" to Jesus.

When you say "yes" to Jesus, immediately you become new. You are cleansed of all sin, all unrighteousness, and God's Spirit makes His home inside of you. It's as if God takes the DNA of sin out of your spirit and puts the DNA of a saint in its place. You're not programmed to be a sinner anymore; in fact, it becomes hard to live the same old way because now you are programmed to say "yes" to Christ.

Remember, saying "yes" to Jesus isn't a one–time thing. We have to wake up every morning and choose to say "yes" in our minds, in our attitudes, and in our actions. We have to say "yes" to His Word and come into agreement with His promises. Just like you exercise and feed your body so you'll grow and be strong, you have to exercise and feed your spirit man if you want it to grow and produce the great things that God has deposited on the inside of you.

I encourage you today, if there's any area of your life that's been closed to God, open your heart and say "yes" to Him today. He loves you with an everlasting love, and He has a wonderful plan for your future. Say "yes" to Him in every area of your life so that you can live the abundant life He has prepared for you!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (II Corinthians 5:17, NKJ)

A Life of Excellence

When you think about your life on the job, at home, or in your community; do you see yourself as the one who sets the standards or do you look to what others are doing and allow them to set the bar for your actions? Are you late to the office because everyone else is late, or do you arrive early every day and set the example?

So many people look around to what others are doing in order to take their cue on how to live. They model their life after what they see on TV or read on the internet. But as believers, as children of the Most High God, we are called to be leaders; we are called to live a life of excellence and set the standard wherever we go. That means we have to rise up and not engage in conversation when others start to gossip. It means giving back the extra change you received by mistake from the checkout clerk. It means always living in integrity and doing the right thing even when no one is looking.

Do you know what happens when you live a life of excellence? The Bible says that Daniel had an excellent spirit and he became distinguished among his peers. He was promoted because he was willing to set the standard. We know that promotion comes from the Lord. I believe that as you live a life of excellence, God's favor and anointing will increase on you, and you'll see promotion in your life in ways you never dreamed!

He Will Fight Your Battles

I love the verse found in Proverbs 16 that says: "when a man's ways please the Lord, He'll make even his enemies be at peace with him." Think about that for just a moment. God wants you to live in peace. He doesn't want to see you worry and frustrated, striving to fight your battles in your own strength. He wants to fight your battles for you. He wants to be the hero of your story!

What enemies are you facing today? Are you facing an enemy of debt? An enemy of fear? An enemy of lack? God wants to silence those things that come against you. Instead of focusing on all those things coming against you, focus on the One who is for you! No matter what's going on in your life, all you have to do is please God Almighty and He will take care of the rest. How do you know when you are pleasing Him? The Bible says that faith pleases God. When you declare His promises over your life and trust that He will fight your battles, you are pleasing Him. When you come humbly before Him and obey His commands, you are pleasing Him. Make Him the number one priority in your life and let Him fight your battles. Let Him fill you with His peace and joy so that you can move forward in the abundant life He has for you!

Find the Victory in Every Day

In Proverbs 2:7, God said he holds victory in store for upright. You may say, "I haven't seen a lot of victory, Victoria. I haven't had a lot of opportunity." You may have had a lot of problems, but you've got to be convinced of this; there is victory for you today because there is victory in store for the upright!

Victory and success are in your future, but they aren't just for your future, they are for today. You have a choice to either settle where you are or rise up and embrace the victory God has for you. It can begin by simply rising up and declaring God's Word over your situation instead of complaining about it. Victory can begin by putting a smile on your face when you don't feel like it. When you rise up and take a step of faith, you are rising up in victory. I'm not saying that every day is going to be perfect. We are all a "work in progress." We all have days when we may have said something we wished we hadn't. Maybe you cheated on your diet or something just didn't go the way you planned. But there is still victory in every single day, and it's up to you and me to find it. In fact, just realizing you made a mistake and being determined to do better next time–that's victory! The scripture says that a good man may fall seven times, but he gets back up again. Don't waste valuable energy concentrating on the fall any longer. Instead, concentrate on getting back up! Concentrate on the victory so you can be in position to receive all the blessings the Lord has in store for you!

Don't Give Up

Not long ago, a woman came to me in our Wednesday evening church service for prayer because she was desperate for a place to live. She told me that she tried to get an apartment but was turned down because of her income. As I listened to her story, I thought about Elisha in the Bible. Elisha prayed and prayed for rain in the midst of a drought, but his servant told him there were no clouds in site. Elisha, empowered by faith, said to his servant, "Go look again!" And sure enough, there was a rain cloud on the horizon. Thinking of Elisha's determination, I looked at the woman and said, "Go ask again! Just go back and ask one more time." The following Sunday, she came to me and said, "Can you believe, I went and asked one more time and they gave me a rental contract for nine months!" We both rejoiced in the faithfulness of God!

I encourage you today; if you are believing to see the promises of God come to fruition in your life, don't give up! He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. You may be tired, things may seem dark, but remember it's always darkest just before the dawn appears. When you are weak, that's when His strength will rise up in you! Keep standing, keep believing, keep declaring His Word over your life. Don't give up because God wants to pour out His abundant blessing in every area of your life!

Building Lasting Relationships

This weekend, Joel and I celebrated 22 wonderful years of marriage. When I think about it, I can hardly believe it's been that long! So many people ask us all the time, "How do you do it? What's your secret? Do you ever fight?" Well, Joel and I are as human as any other couple, but early on in our relationship we made some decisions about how we would treat each other and how we would respond to one another.

First of all, Joel and I choose to respect one another. We value each other's thoughts and opinions, and we make sure to listen and consider what the other has to say. We don't always agree on everything, but we do agree that we want peace in our home. Sometimes that means we have to simply agree to disagree. In other words, we can still respect and love each other even when we don't see eye to eye.

Another decision we made early in our relationship is to support one another. We recognize that we are a team and whatever we decide to do, we do it together. Anytime we had a financial goal, we both did our part to save money. If we were remodeling a house, I was right there with him laying sod in the yard. When we were building our home, I was there every day to meet the subcontractors and help keep us on schedule. When Joel became pastor of the church, I did my part in the service as well.

As our lives have evolved over the years, we've both been willing to do whatever it takes to keep our connection strong with one another. For example, several years ago when we assumed leadership at the ministry, our lives became fuller and more complicated. Oftentimes, we'd find ourselves moving in different directions. We had to make an extra effort to connect with each other throughout the day. If we weren't careful, we could easily find ourselves breezing right by each other, our minds preoccupied with the tasks at hand. Instead, each time we passed, we chose to acknowledge each other–to make a connection. Sometimes we high five, sometimes it's a quick "I love you," and occasionally, he'll plant a kiss right on my lips. It's not important how we connect, but it is important that we do connect. We are both busy people. We both have a lot going on, but whenever we see each other, everything else is placed on hold for a moment while we connect.

I encourage you today to treasure the people in your life. Be willing to make adjustments to improve your relationships. Respect one another and don't hold on to offenses. Keep the connections strong. You may be going through a difficult time right now, but remember, there are better days ahead in your future. The difficulty may be for a season, but your relationship is for a lifetime. Keep the right perspective. Remember, people are God's priority, and when we make the people in our life our priority, we are taking steps towards building lasting relationships.

A friend loves at all times… (Proverbs 17:7).

Put Your Trust in God

The other day I was listening to a news interview on television of someone who lost a substantial amount in a recent financial scheme. She was justifiably upset as she told the reporter, "I put my trust in the system–I put my trust in the financial system, the political system, and the justice system, and they failed me."

I don't know about all the details of her situation or what exactly she went through, but as I thought about her statement, it reminded me just how fortunate we are that we can put our trust in our God who will never fail us. He will never leave us nor forsake us, and He will never let us down! The stock market might fail us, our employer might let us down, people can lead us the wrong way, but God will never lead us the wrong way. You can have confidence in His Word because His Word stands true forever. Even when it seems like everything else has failed you, God is still there. He will pick you up and make a way for you because you put your trust and hope in Him.

If you are going through a difficult time, if people and systems have let you down, put your trust in God. Remember, He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Declare it by faith today–just say out loud, "Father God, I know You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I put my trust in You. I know my best days are right out ahead of me. Thank You for leading and guiding me in the good plan You have for me!"

Some trust in and boast of chariots and some in horses, but we will trust in and boast in the name of the Lord our God (Psalm 20:7, AMP).

Recognize Your Influence

Do you know that God wants to do something extraordinary through you? You may feel ordinary today, but remember, as a believer God has a divine destiny for you. Your life has value and influence not only in the world around you, but you are influencing generations to come.

Everything you do produces a seed and leaves something for future generations. That is why it is so important to live as a positive example before our children and families. We paint a picture, so to speak, with our lifestyles, and our children put their own frame around it. In other words, they build their lives according to how they see you live. Paint a picture with your life that your children will be proud to frame. It's never too late to create vision and purpose in your home and paint a picture that can be passed down in your family for generations to come. Recognize that through your example you are investing not only in your own children but in your children's children. When we recognize our influence, we are laying steppingstones, not stumbling blocks, for future generations and leaving a legacy of faith.

Maybe you don't have any children of your own. Perhaps there are other children in your life. Tell your nieces, nephews, and your friends' children how important they are. Your words of faith will be a positive deposit in their futures. Invest in those around you because you never know what can happen when you touch just one life. And I believe that your life and my life are going to minister for generations to come through our family lines because of God's faithfulness.

Speak to Your Mountains

Are you facing a mountain in your life today? Something that seems to be standing in the way of your future, your success, or your destiny? In Mark 11, Jesus tells us that we are to speak to our mountains. That means we are to look at that mountain through our eyes of faith and say, "Mountain, you have to go. You can't stay in my life! Obstacle, you're subject to change! God is for me so who dare be against me!"

But, do you know what happens a lot of times? People end up talking about their mountains instead of talking to their mountains. They go around saying, "Oh, that mountain's so big; I just don't see a way around it. I don't know what I'm going to do." Don't let that be you! Let faith arise in your heart and declare God's Word over your life no matter what you are facing. When you begin to speak to your mountain, when you speak to your situations, something supernatural happens–that mountain has to move out of your way! Remember, God is a faithful God, but we have to follow His instructions and do things His way. When you do things God's way, He always leads you in the way of victory!

Be Strong in Your Mind

The other day, I was meditating on how our thoughts and our words stir up emotions on the inside of us. It's amazing that one little thought, one little reminder of something good or bad can change our whole countenance. Our emotions are so powerful. They can either rejuvenate us or drain us, and they influence whether or not we are going to approach life with an attitude of victory or an attitude of defeat. But it all starts with the thoughts in our minds. When we dwell on the wrong things–negative, self–defeating thoughts–it makes us weak and uncertain in our minds. Negative emotions get stirred up, and we waste precious time and energy. But, when we dwell on the right things, when we believe God and meditate on His promises, we become strong in our minds. We uplift and encourage ourselves as the Bible commands. Our emotions stay balanced, and we are able to approach life with an attitude of faith and victory.

I encourage you today to take inventory of your thought life. Let the Word of God make your mind strong so you can stand against all the attacks of the enemy. Don't focus on how big your problems are; instead, focus on how big your God is. Get your thoughts and words going in the right direction so you can stand strong in your mind and move forward in the path of victory God has prepared for you.

…take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (II Corinthians 10:5, NIV)

Keep His Word in Your Mind and in Your Mouth

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by something you were facing? Maybe it was something you prepared for in the natural. You prayed and believed God, but at the same time, you felt very afraid? The Bible tells us about a man named Joshua. Joshua had taken over as the leader of God's people after Moses died. He was the one called to bring them into the Promised Land. Joshua had served under Moses for many years and saw all the amazing miracles God performed through Moses. Joshua had great faith in God and was also very skilled in the natural. He knew how to lead, and he knew how to fight the enemy. But at the same time, as Joshua faced the Promised Land, he was fearful. He had everything in the world going for him, and yet, he was very afraid. And do you know what God said to him? In Joshua 1:8 He basically says, "Joshua, be bold and be strong, I am with you. If you want to succeed, there's one thing you have to do–you can't let the Book of the Law depart from your mouth. You have to meditate on it day and night and be careful to observe every instruction I give you. Then you will be prosperous and have good success."

I believe God is still saying to us what He said to Joshua. We can be bold and strong in the Lord no matter what we are facing. If you follow His instructions and meditate on and speak His Word, then just like Joshua, God will pour out His blessing upon you, and you'll be prosperous and successful and enter your Promised Land.

This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success (Joshua 1:8, AMP)

Take Your Liberty

God wants you and me to live in freedom. In the Bible, He says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. That means you don't have to live worried, depressed, or burdened down by the pressures of life. You don't have to live in condemnation or frustration because God has made a way for you to live light, happy, and free. Now is the time to embrace the joy, the peace, the grace, the wisdom, the provision–everything God has for us!

There's a scripture in the Bible that says, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is there's liberty." Liberty simply means freedom. It's living without limitations. As a believer in Jesus, God's Spirit lives on the inside of you which means that His liberty is on the inside of you. No matter what limitations you may see in the natural, with God you are not limited; you are not hindered because with Him all things are possible! Take hold of that liberty by faith today and declare, "I am free! Sickness and disease have no hold on me…poverty and lack have no hold on me…worry and anxiety have no hold on me because whom the Son sets free is free indeed!"

If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed (John 8:36, NKJ)

You Are a Masterpiece

I read a story about a man who lived in a tiny apartment his whole life and died in extreme poverty. At one point, he had even been homeless, living on the streets. This man never had any successes to speak of nor any noted victories. Sadly, he lived and died as just another face in the crowd. After the funeral, some family members went to his little run–down apartment to clear out his belongings. They found a painting hanging on the wall and sold it in a garage sale. The woman who bought the painting took it to a local art gallery for an appraisal and was shocked to discover that the painting was extremely valuable. The piece of art that had been hanging for so many years in a little run–down apartment had been painted by a famous artist who lived in the early 1800's. The woman decided to auction off that painting and ended up selling it for several million dollars! Just think of how that man's life might have changed if he had known the value of what he possessed. He was a multi–millionaire and didn't even know it!

So many people today are living with priceless treasure inside, and they don't even know it. You don't have to settle for living a mediocre existence. Now is the time to rise up and discover the gifts and talents that are inside you. Remember, you are a masterpiece created by the most famous artist of all, but if you don't understand your value, you'll go on thinking, "I'm just average; I'm not that talented; I've made so many mistakes." Don't allow those negative thoughts to play in your mind. Instead, every morning when you get out of bed, remind yourself, "I am important. I am handpicked by God, I am a person of extreme value and significance, and I will fulfill the destiny God has for me."

Keep Your Eyes on His Promises

Every week, I talk to so many people who are concerned about their future because of the challenging economic times we are in. I know it's easy to allow ourselves to be discouraged by what we read in the news or see on television, or by the setbacks we've experienced. But we have to remember, God's Word is still true. Even though there are many things in life that try to drag us down, we can't allow the enemy to have a foothold of fear in our lives. We can't allow him to distract us from the promises of God. Understand that the enemy's goal is to destroy your faith and drive a wedge in your relationship with God. But he doesn't have any power in your life unless you give it to him. So, how do we stand strong against the schemes of the enemy? By feeding our faith through the Word of God; by meditating on God's promises; by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. What you feed grows; what you starve dies. I encourage you to take some time to meditate on God's Word every single day. Feed your faith, starve fear, keep your eyes on God's promises, and close the door on the enemy in your life!

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19, KJV)

God's Economic Stimulus Plan

I'm so grateful that everything we need in life is found in the Word of God. His principles remain true no matter what is happening in this world's economy. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that He's always had a plan for our good. He's always had a plan to prosper us and give us hope for the future. His ability to operate in our lives isn't dependant on the stock market, it's dependant on our own faith and obedience to His Word. The scriptures tell us in Deuteronomy that when we are willing and obedient, we will eat the good of the land. There's no recession in heaven. There's no lack in God's economy. There is plenty of work, plenty of jobs in the kingdom of God.

You might say, "Well, I don't have a lot of faith, I don't know how to live in God's economy." Well, the good news is that everyone has some faith. Everyone's been given a measure of faith. Even if it's as small as a grain of mustard, your faith has the potential to move mountains. All you have to do is exercise your faith to see it grow. You have to invest that faith into God's economy by obeying His Word. See, in God's economy, when you give to others, others will give back into your life in greater measure (Luke 6:38). In God's economy, when you are generous with what you have, you will increase more; but if you are stingy, you'll end up in lack (Proverbs 11:24). In God's economy, when you give your tithe and offerings, God Himself will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings that you can't even contain! (Malachi 3:10).

Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness (II Corinthians 9:10, NIV)

Promotion is on the Way

I love how God can take the most difficult, trying circumstances in our lives and turn them around for our good. He can use those challenging times to strengthen and sharpen us; to advance us farther in life than we would have gotten on our own. We may not always understand or see how God is going to turn things around, but that's when we have to stand in faith and keep believing that God is working behind the scenes on our behalf.

In Genesis 39, I'm sure Joseph didn't consider that being thrown into prison for something he didn't do would actually turn out to be the catalyst for the most significant promotion of his life. After all, it hadn't been that long ago that he was sold into slavery by his own brothers to begin with. It looked like things had gone from bad to worse for Joseph, but do you know what he did? He stayed faithful. He kept honoring the Lord and doing the right thing even when the wrong thing was happening. He kept his heart pure even when he was falsely accused, forgotten, and mistreated. And his promotion didn't happen immediately. In fact, it took several years; but when the time was right, Joseph went from being a slave in jail to being the second highest–ranking official in the land.

You may be going through a difficult time today. You may have lost your job, you may have been wrongly accused of things or been taken advantage of; but remember, promotion comes from the Lord. He knows where you are, and He knows how to get you where you need to be. Your faith and trust in Him will keep you moving forward in the spiritual realm no matter what it looks like in the natural realm. Keep believing, keep hoping, keep trusting because your promotion is on the way!

Don't Let the World Strip You of Your Robe

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the story of Jacob's son, Joseph. Joseph was a young boy who was dearly loved by His father. His father distinguished Him with a beautiful, colorful coat. That coat represented so many things. It represented the favor and affection of His father. It set him apart. It represented a mantle and anointing on Joseph's life. But Joseph's brothers weren't too happy about that. They didn't like him very much and they were jealous. So they plotted to kill him. But when they found their opportunity, they striped him of his coat and threw him in a well before they sold him into slavery. Notice that they stripped his coat first. Do you know why they did that? I believe they were really tring to strip him of his identity. They were trying to strip him of his favor. They were trying to strip him of His anointing.

Soon after, Joseph was taken to Egypt by some slave traders and sold to one of Pharoah's high-ranking officials name Potipher. Joseph continued to use his gifts and talents and he found great favor. Even though he was stripped of his coat of many colors from his earthly father, he wan't going to let anyone strip him of his robe of righteousness from his Heavenly Father! The Bible says he excelled in Potipher's house and even Potipher's wife took notice. She tried to trick him and seduce him. But Joseph stood strong. When she appoached him, he turned around and took off running! And you know what she did? This Bible says she grabbed his cloak as he ran out the door!

Now, that's not the end of the story. Even though Joseph was knocked down, He rose up in great victory. God blessed him beyond his wildest dreams. But what I want you to notice today is that the enemy will try all throughout life to strip us of our identity, our favor, and our righteousness that we wear as believers in Jesus. No matter how you feel or what things look like, you can stand in faith knowing that you are set apart by God almighty You may get knocked down, but you will rise again. Keep doing what you know to do. Keep doing what is right in the sight of God, and He will bless you and keep you – and just like Joseph, He'll pour out His favor on you in ways you never imagined!

Say So

The scripture says in Psalm 107:2 "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so." We should declare that God in His great mercy has redeemed us, but beyond saying it with our words, we have to know it in our hearts. And we have to act like it's true! Most everyone has heard it said, actions speak louder than words. Do your actions say, "I am redeemed?" Do your actions say, "I am filled with love, joy, and peace by the Holy Spirit?" If we don't "say so", somebody else will try to tell us something different. There are so many messages that are being communicated all around us, and we have to decide what is true for us based on the Word of God. We have to determine what applies to us. The scripture says that is a sign of a mature believer – that we distinguish between what is good and what is evil (Hebrews 5:14).

Today, rise up and say, "God has redeemed me!" Let you actions say, "I am redeemed!" Let your actions say, "Sickness and disease have no hold on me! I am above only and not beneath! I walk in strength and victory! I am here for God's purposes, and I will fulfill the destiny He has for me!" Friend, when you rise up like that, all the forces of darkness tremble. There's nothing, there is no one who can keep you from your destiny when you keep your eyes fixed on the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When you keep this right attitude, knowing all along that way that God's never going to leave you, He'll never forsake you no matter what your flesh is feeling. Stand up and say so because God's promises are true! He has been faithful to all generations, and He will be faithful to you!

He is Mindful of You

All throughout history, people have said things about God. They've declared His greatness and faithfulness in all the earth. But do you know what God says about Himself? Understand that God wants you to know who He is, and He wants to tell you Himself through His Word. He wants you to know what He says about Himself in the book of Exodus; that He is a gracious God. He wants you to know that He is compassionate and slow to anger, forgiving men of their sin and rebelliousness and blessing their families. He wants you to know that He is a jealous God. In other words, He wants your heart, and He doesn't want to share it with anyone or anything else. God wants you to know Him as gracious and loving, slow to anger and rich in love. He loves you with an everlasting love, and He doesn't want anything to stand in between you and Him.

In the Psalms, it says that God is mindful of you. Do you ever wonder what God thinks about you? He thinks you are His masterpiece. He's not looking at what's wrong with you today; He's looking at what's right with you. He's looking at you through His loving and gracious eyes. Anytime you don't know what to do, lift you head to the One who created you. He is compassionate toward you. He is there, calling you to rise up to new levels of victory and new levels of anointing. He'll never leave you nor forsake you, and you can trust God's Word because He is faithful and true.

God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (I Corinthians 1:9, AMP).

The God of the Impossible

Are you facing something that seems impossible in your life? Something in your relationships, finances, or maybe something in your personal life? When we don't know what to do, or how to do it, remember this: God does. When it looks like there is nothing in your bank account, remember God has unlimited supply. He has everything that you need today. When you can't make a door open in your life, when you are looking for an opportunity to open up to you and you're ready to give up, remember God knows how to get you to the right place at the right time. Your part is to open yourself up to Him and meditate on His wonderful promises. Meditate on the fact that with God, nothing is impossible!

In Genesis, God promised Abraham and Sarah that they would give birth to a son and that all the generations of the earth would be blessed through him. In the natural, this looked impossible because Sarah was ninety and Abraham was older than that! But they began to meditate on God and consider what He could do beyond the limits of the possible. Their faith opened the door for God to bring to pass what He had promised in their lives. When they considered God, He strengthened their mortal bodies so that they could conceive a child way beyond child-bearing years.

Remember this today, when things look impossible in your life, our God is the God of the impossible. He takes impossiblity and turns it into possibliity! Release your faith to Him. Consider His promises, He's a faithful God and you can trust Him. Open your heart to Him today and watch what He will do in your life!

Give Him Your Best

The Bible tells us that we should always give God our first fruits. In other words, we should always give God the very best that we have. It's easy to get wrapped up with so many other things – our job, family, or special projects. And there's nothing wrong with those things, but we have to make sure that God doesn't get our leftover time, resources, thoughts, or energy.

When you make God your number one priority and take time every day to seek Him, it pleases His heart so much. And do you know what happens when you please God? The Bible says He'll make even your enemies be at peace with you. It says that when you put God first, He will give you direction. When you bring Him your very best, He'll open the windows of heaven and pour our blessings you can't contain.

When you put God first in your finances by being faithful in giving your tithes and offerings, He'll rebuke the devourer and silence the enemies that would come against your finances. How wonderful it is to know that the God of heaven and earth is watching over your checkbook! And, if you need direction in your life, when you give God your best, you can trust that He will get you where you need to be. No matter what you need in your life today, be encouraged because when you give God your best, He'll take care of the rest!

As you evaluate your priorities in this early part of the year, I encourage you to resolve in your heart and mind that you are going to give God your very best. Decide that you're not going to give Him your leftovers. You're not going to give Him your leftover time, energy, thoughts, or finances. Make the decision to put Him first place in all you do so that you can live the abundant life He has prepared for you!

The Bond of Peace

In April, Joel and I will be married twenty two years. When I think about all that has happened over the years, I am truly amazed. Joel and I have a wonderful relationship. He is such a great husband...and he tells me that I am a great wife! But over these twenty two years, we had to learn to adjust to one another. We had to learn to adapt to one another. We both had to be willing to change and learn to fit together. Let me tell you, that takes some sacrifice. But if you want to have good relationships, you have to be willing to do some sacrificing. You have to be willing to give when you don't feel like giving. You have to be flexible and look to preserve peace in your home.

Peace is the bond that holds our relationships together. The bible says that where there is peace, God has commanded blessing. Understand that every time you extend kindness, or hold your tongue when you'd rather be saying something, you are sowing a seed. You are sowing a seed of peace that's going to come back as an abundant harvest of fulfilling relationships in your future.

Make the decision today to preserve the bond of peace be it a home, at work, or in your social involvements. As believers, we are the light of the world. We should always be drawing people into our lives, not sending them running. Let's be the kind of people that others want to be around. Let's be flexible with one another and create an environment of peace and joy that refreshes the people around us.

Keeping the Connections

Several years ago when Joel and I assumed leadership at the ministry, our lives became fuller and more complicated. Oftentimes, we'd find ourselves moving in different directions, so we looked for ways to keep a strongconnection throughout each day. We wanted to make sure we didn't wind up breezing right by each other with our minds preoccupied with the tasks at hand. Instead, we chose to acknowledge each other–to make a connection–each time we passed. Sometimes we'd high five, sometimes it's a quick "I love you," or a quick kiss. It's not important how we connect, but what is important is that we do connect. We are both busy people. We both have a lot going on, but whenever we see each other, everything else is placed on hold for a moment. When we take time to keep our connections strong, it helps keep our hearts moving in the same direction.

Novelist Katherine Anne Porter once wrote, "Love must be learned, and learned again; there is no end to it." Love should not remain the same year after year; love is supposed to grow. Relationships evolve over time, people change over time, and our love should strengthen and grow over time too. The apostle Paul prayed that our love would abound and grow in knowledge and depth of insight. That tells me that I cannot put my love on autopilot. If we put our love on autopilot and assume that the people in our lives will simply "know" that we love them, our relationships will not grow or be as fruitful as they were intended to be.

Make the decision today to keep strong connections with the people you are close to. Look for simple ways to show your love. Take time to invest in others and you'll see a fruitful harvest of blessing in your relationships the way God intends.

Defining Moments

We all have defining moments in our lives, experiences that shape who we are and our perspective on the world. We can have defining moments in our relationships, in our careers, and with God.

All throughout our lives, God draws us to Himself in various ways. He chose us before we ever chose Him. Defining moments with God empower us to live the life of blessing He has in store for us.

I remember one evening, back when I was in college, I was studying with a friend at her kitchen table when I overheard a conversation between her mother and her aunt on the other side of the room. They were discussing the Bible, and as they talked about a particular passage of Scripture, God used their conversation to speak to me.

"Did you hear that?" I enthusiastically asked my friend. "Hear what?" she said, looking up from her notes. "What are you talking about, Victoria? I didn't hear a thing." "You didn't hear that Scripture, about how God wants us to really understand His love and to be passionate about it?" I asked, amazed that she hadn't noticed the conversation across the room.

She shook her head and looked back to her notes. Meanwhile, I sat there in awe. I felt that God was speaking directly to me through His Word in a very special way. Those words became alive in my heart in a way I hadn'texperienced before. It was a defining moment in my life when I knew God was drawing me to Him.

Right now, I believe God is drawing you to Himself in a special way, too. Look for those defining moments and allow Him to reveal His love and goodness to you.

You Are His Most Valuable Child

Studies show that children grow and flourish when they are approved, accepted, and valued. But when a child is raised in an environment that is harsh and disapproving, when they feel like they can't be "good enough", it limits their self-esteem.

I heard about a survey that revealed that 59 percent of CEO's are firstborn children. I don't find this surprising when you consider how most firstborn children are treated by their parents–everything those children do is so amazing! That first smile, that first word, that first step–each "first" is seen as the most magnificent event of the year! That constant recognition of every small achievement builds confidence and security.

Did you know God sees you the same way? Regardless of whether you were the firstborn in your family or not, you are the apple of His eye. He will always treat you like His most valuable child. He applauds you every time you take a step of faith. He's always speaking encouraging words into your heart saying, "You can rise higher. You can do all things. You can fulfill your destiny." Let those words sink down into your heart today and allow them to build confidence. When you understand and receive God's love and encouragement, it will empower you to do more than you ever thought possible!

This week, I'm so pleased to announce the release of my new children's books, "Unexpected Treasures" and "My Happy Heart Books"–a touch–and–feel boxed set of 3 stories. These books are designed to empower children to see themselves the way God sees them and deposit seeds of confidence and success inside of them.

I encourage you today and always to look for ways to be an example of God's love and make positive investments in the children in your life!

Happy New Year!

What an exciting time to be alive! I believe 2009 is your year! This is your year of blessing, increase, and promotion; a year of new opportunities and a year of new beginnings. I believe with all my heart that God wants to do something new and exciting in your life. See, I believe we serve a God who loves adventure. He wants to take you places that you've never been, show you things you've never seen, and open you to new experiences with Him. He wants to broaden your thinking so that you can increase your capacity to receive His wonderful blessings.

I always find it interesting how a new calendar year can make everything in our lives feel so new. It's almost as if we get a fresh start to pursue our dreams and goals. It's as if we get an automatic "do over", so it seems sometimes. And let me encourage you today, if you need a fresh start, if you need a new beginning, the scripture tells us that His mercies are new every morning. With God, we always get a new start whenever we need it. And the wonderful thing about God is that even when we think we are starting over from scratch, He is working behind the scenes to move us farther ahead than we could have gotten on our own. He is a God of restoration. He makes us better off than we were before. His favor, power, and anointing can speed up the processes in our lives. What would have taken you ten years on your own, God can make happen in ten minutes!

As you consider your life and the things you are hoping for in this new year, take time to consider God. Consider what He can do in your life. Dare to dream to big. Open your heart and mind to unlimited ability at work in your life. Don't ever let the enemy tell you that it's too late or that you're too old because with God, all things are possible! I believe this year is going to be the best year of your life in every respect, to the glory of God!

Lean Into Him

Have you ever been in a crowded, noisy room trying to have a conversation with someone? When you can't hear what they are saying, what do you do? Most likely, you lean in just a little bit closer so you can hear them better. You probably focus more intently on their facial expressions so you can understand what they are communicating. In the same way, when the noise of life seems loud or overwhelming, that's when we need to lean into God just a little bit closer. That's when we need to make the extra effort to focus more intently on Him in order to hear what He is speaking to our hearts.

As 2008 comes to a close, I encourage you to lean into Him just a little bit more. Set aside time for Him. Study and meditate on His Word and fellowship with Him through prayer and worship. Faith comes by hearing the Word God. As you stay connected to Him and commit yourself to a good, Bible-based church, you are feeding your faith which opens the door for Him to move on your behalf. Remember, His plans are for your good. He wants to bless you this coming year beyond your wildest dreams. It doesn't matter what happened last year, it doesn't matter what's going on in the world around you, it only matters what God says. There are a lot of voices in the world today, but His voice will guide you into a place of peace and rest. Lean into Him and listen as He fills your heart with the hope and promise of a bright and blessed future.

"Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him…" (Psalm 37:7, AMP).

Merry Christmas!

Joel and I pray that today and always you will be filled with the joy and peace that Jesus came to give. May you experience His warmth and love as you celebrate the precious gift of eternal life.

"God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him" (I John 4:9, NLT).

We love you and pray that every dream and desire in your heart will be fulfilled to His glory!

Back To Basics

I love the holiday season! I love spending time with friends and family, celebrating the gift of one another, and most importantly, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I know it's easy for people to get caught up in the commercialization of the season–news programs reporting on consumer spending; pressure to buy gifts for everyone you know. But, now more than ever, it's important that we get back to the basics of what's truly important in our lives. When we get to Heaven, God isn't going to ask us about how many people were on our Christmas list. He isn't going to ask us about our holiday decorations or how the table was set. And there's nothing wrong with buying gifts and making our home welcome for guests, we just have to make sure that we keep our priorities in order. People are the most important thing to the heart of God and the people in our lives should be the most important thing to us. The way we treat others, the Bible says is the way we treat God. If we are short with others, or take our frustrations out on them, it's as if we treating God the same way. But when we bless others, when we walk in love and honor and respect others, we are honoring and respecting God.

Remember, you are important to God. The way you live your life, the way you treat others, matters. When the pressures of the world seem overwhelming, we have to remind ourselves that we are not here by accident; we are created in the image of God, and our lives are full of purpose. Not only does our purpose involve our own accomplishments and destiny, but it also involves bringing good and adding value to the people around us. Honor the Lord this holiday season by honoring the people He has placed in your life.

"…I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me" (Matthew 25:40, NIV).

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Sometimes God presents opportunities that look small or insignificant, maybe even ordinary. Perhaps you don't see how something you are doing fits into the big picture of your life. However, if you know in your heart that God is presenting you with something, He has a purpose for it. He can use that opportunity to increase you and promote you.

Before Joel and I became Pastors of Lakewood Church, I spent many years helping his father get ready for the service and television program. It all came about when his hair stylist told him that she wasn't able to help him anymore. I happened to be standing there when she announced her resignation and Joel's father immediately turned to me and asked if I would take her place. Now, I wasn't a hairdresser. I didn't go to cosmetology school. My first thought was, If you're bold enough to trust me, I'm bold enough to do it. It's your hair!

Joel's father used to tell us he was going to be preaching into his nineties, and I had no reason to believe any differently. I remember one day I was calculating how old I would be and still doing his hair when he was ninety; and I can tell you, it would have been a long time! Nevertheless, I was committed. I told God, If this is what You have for me to do, I am going to be the most faithful person You can find. I am going to stick with this even when there are many other things, I would like to be doing.

It was difficult to see how this fit into the "big picture" of my life or where this could possibly take me. But when I didn't understand, one scriptural principle always came to my heart and mind: If you will be faithful in the little, God will trust you with much more.

God needs us to pass the faithfulness test so He can pour into us greater things. Are you being responsible for what's in your hands right now? If you want to grow and increase in any area of your life, you have to use what you have been given; then God will multiply it. You never know what door God will open for you as you begin to use what you have.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Colossians 3:23-24, NIV).

Remain in Him

Several years ago, we had a huge magnolia tree in our back yard. It looked so strong and beautiful. One day a huge storm came through and when I looked out in the yard, that tree was leaning way over, almost to the ground! I called the tree serviceman to come look at it and asked what had happened. He said the root system was weak and couldn't support the tree. It had to be removed.

The scripture tells us that when we stay connected to the Father, we are like a tree with a strong root system that goes deep into the ground. Not only will we look good on the outside, but we will be strong under the surface where no one else can see. When the storms of life come, we won't be shaken; we won't fall over. We will stand strong and bear good fruit.

That's such a wonderful promise! If we remain in Him, He will remain in us and we will see His goodness in our lives. Isn't it good to know that we can expect increase! We can expect to improve. We can expect to be better. All we have to do is remain in Him. How do we remain in Him? Think about what it means when someone says, "They are really ‘in’ to that." Maybe it's a particular sport. They talk about it, they watch it, they study it, they absorb their minds in it, they are faithful to it. They make it a priority. In the same way, we remain in Him by making Him a priority. We meditate on Him, we study His Word, we stay faithful to Him and stay connected to a good, bible-based church. As you make room in your life for the things of God, you will be strong and established and see His hand of blessing in every area of your life.

"If you remain in Me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you" (John 15:7, NIV).

Limitless Power

So often in life, we face situations and challenges that can make us feel powerless. We can't see a way out, or we can't see how things can change, so we just give up and sit back to see what will happen. But the truth is, as believers, we are never powerless. We never have to give up! In fact, we have a limitless reservoir of power stored on the inside of us. It's the same power that raised Jesus from the dead! Think about that for a moment. The same power that created the universe, that parted the red sea, that healed the sick and raised the dead is living within us. Do you know how we activate that power? By the words we speak. Proverbs 18 says that, "life and death are in the power of the tongue."

I have the cutest little dogs at home that I love so much, but they can't talk. They weren't given the power and authority that we were given. God created all kinds of wonderful creatures, but He gave mankind dominion, power, and authority. We should always be evaluating how we are using that power in our lives. You have the power to create or destroy with the words of your mouth. You can declare victory over your future, or you can declare defeat. The Bible tells us that our tongue is like a rudder on a great big ship that charters mighty waters. The rudder is very small, but it can turn that great big ship in a completely different direction. The same is true with our tongue. Our tongue is a very small part of our body, but what we say can change the course of our destiny.

When you wake up every morning, choose to set your life on a course of victory. Declare what God says about your future. Activate that limitless power on the inside by saying, "Today is a day of victory for me! I am strong in the Lord and the power of His might. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I walk in favor. I am full of purpose. All my needs are met. I have a divine destiny to fulfill, and I am moving forward into the abundant life God has prepared for me!"

Receive Him in Every Area

One day I was having a conversation with a friend who was encouraging me to do a particular thing, and before I even thought twice about it, I blurted out, "Oh, I can't do that." It wasn't because I didn't want to do it; I had just made excuses about it for so long that I convinced myself I couldn't do it. Later on as I thought about it, I said to myself, "Why can't I do that? I guess I can do that!" I realized that up until that point, I basically had hung a "do not enter" sign at the door of my mind regarding that area. I didn't even stop to consider how to make it happen; all I saw was "Do not enter"; "Don't even think about it." "Do not pass ‘Go’." "Do not collect two hundred dollars."

Sometimes, we think there are things in our lives that we can't overcome. There may be habits that we try to break, but it seems like we come right back to them. Or maybe you are in a relationship that's difficult, and you don't think it's ever going to change. One thing we have to remember is that change has to take place on the inside of us before we will ever see change on the outside of us.

God has given us the power to overcome every obstacle, every situation, and every stronghold through His Son, Jesus. The moment you accept Jesus, the powers of darkness are broken, you begin a new journey, and God begins to work inside of you. John 1:12 says, "but as many as received Him to them He gave power to become sons of God." The moment you receive Christ, you receive His power. It's the same power that raised Jesus from the dead that lives on the inside of us! We don't have to live defeated anymore; all we have to do is receive Him in every area of our lives.

If you recognize a "do not enter" sign, if you view any situation in your life as impossible, remember, with God, all things are possible. Open your heart and mind and receive Him in that area. Let Him be Lord over everything in your life. He can change any situation. Simply say, "Jesus, there is nothing in my life that Your power can't overcome" and watch what God will do in your life!

A Fresh, New Attitude

What's your outlook on life today? Do you wake up every morning ready to embrace the day? So many people allow their circumstances to dictate their daily attitudes; they don't realize that attitude is a choice. The scripture encourages us to constantly put on a fresh, new mental attitude. That means, as often as things try to drag us down, we have to choose to reset our focus on the promises of God. When we wake up in the morning, we should choose to focus on good things; we should choose to be grateful; we should choose to be excited about what God has in store for us every day.

One evening several years ago, I was sitting in my living room watching television when a commercial came on that grabbed my attention. It was a simple advertisement that showed a lovely young woman strolling down a sunny street wearing a flowing dress, swinging her purse by her side, and all the while singing, "I've got a new attitude!" She was clearly enjoying her life and appeared as if she didn't have a care in the world. It made me wonder where she found that fresh, new outlook. She wasn't being naive about life, but rather she looked as if she were reveling in a recent victory and she was consciously making the most out of every moment of the day. It looked as if she had that new attitude because she chose it.

Remember, we all face difficulties. We all have obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. But Jesus promised us victory. He has already overcome the world and depraved it of power to harm you. The difference between those who are able to rise above their adversities and those who are stuck in their adversities is attitude. Choose to have an attitude of faith and expectancy today so that you can receive all of the blessings God has in store for you.

"And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind, having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude…" (Ephesians 4:23 AMP).

His Purpose for Blessing

Did you know that God takes pleasure in seeing you live a blessed life? John 10:10 says that He wants you to have an abundant life. "Abundant" simply means "amply supplied." God wants you to be amply supplied with everything you need so that you can reach out and be a blessing to others. That's His purpose in blessing us–so that we can be an example of His goodness to the people around us.

The other day I was talking to a young lady who recently gave her heart to the Lord. She told me that her family wasn't sure about her new life of faith and she was a little nervous about her trip to go visit them for the holidays. She was intimidated and didn't want to get into debates or arguments and she just didn't know what to do or what to expect. I simply told her, "You don't have to be nervous to go see your family. You don't have to preach to them, just be the blessing God has called you to be." I began to explain to her the principle that I'm sharing with you right now, that God's purpose for blessing us is so that we can be a blessing to others.

People respond differently when they know you have their best interest at heart. You'll have greater opportunity to speak into their lives when you encourage and lift them up. Remember, it's God's kindness that draws people to Him. As believers, our job is to show His kindness, look for ways to be a blessing, and be an example of His amazing love.

This holiday season, remember what's closest to the heart of God—people. You are His hands and feet in the earth. Take time for the people in your life and look for ways to reach out and be a blessing wherever you go.

Look Beyond Your Limits

Not long ago, a woman came to me and asked for prayer. She had made some wrong decisions in her relationship with her grown daughter and they were in strife and not talking to each other. She was so distraught and it looked like there wasn't any hope. I didn't really know what to pray but as I started, I heard myself say something that I don't think I've ever said before. I said, "God, it looks like her hands are tied. There's nothing else she can do." Then something just rose up out of my spirit, and I said, "God, even though her hands are tied, I know your hands are not tied." As soon as I said that, something leaped inside of me and a light of hope shone on that woman's face. She immediately changed her focus and was filled with faith. She didn't have all the answers, but she was able to see past the impossible.

Today, I want to challenge you to look beyond your limits and consider what God can do in your life. Remember, even when circumstance looks impossible, or even when you've made poor choices, God is not limited. You may feel like your hands are tied, but God's hands are never tied. Nothing is too difficult for Him! You may not see a way, but God can make a way. With God on your side, you can overcome any obstacle. In an instant, He can open up the right doors and cause the right people to have favor on you. He can soften hard hearts and cause people to change their minds. Our job isn't to try to figure it all out; our job is to simply trust and believe. We are people of destiny chosen and equipped for His purposes. Keep an attitude of faith and expectancy today. Stand strong and look beyond your limits to the limitless God we serve.

With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

Trust Him with Your Whole Heart

Have you ever watched children playing that game where one stands behind the other and says, "Go ahead, fall backwards, I'll catch you!" It takes a great deal of trust in your friend to let yourself just fall helplessly into their arms. If you ever played that game, you remember how you may have hesitated; continuously looking over your shoulder, not quite convinced that your friend would catch you. Do you remember that before you finally let yourself go, you had to convince yourself that your friend was truly there and was able to catch you?

Whenever we aren't sure of the outcome, it's easy for us to be indecisive. When we make decisions purely in our head, we will waiver under the fear of the unknown asking ourselves, "Will I be caught or will I fall to the ground?" But when we fix our HEARTS on the Word of God, we won't waiver. We won't be unsure and holding back; but instead, we'll rely confidently on our God, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us. We can trust that He is there with outstretched arms and that He is able to catch us and embrace us. That's why He didn't say, "Trust me with all of your head." He said "Trust me with all of your heart." When you trust God with all of your heart, you don't have to try to reason everything out.

Anytime you find yourself going back and forth on a decision, take the time to go back to that place of trust in your heart. Decide that no matter what the circumstances may look like, you are going to fix your heart on God's Word. Find comfort today knowing that even when you walk through the difficult times that God is with you; His plans are for your good, and you can trust Him. Fall into His loving arms today.

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

Acknowledge Him With Your Love

The other day, I was thinking about the scripture in Proverbs 3:6 about acknowledging God, and as I was meditating on that scripture, I thought about the many ways we can acknowledge the people in our lives. For example, my children acknowledge me as their mother, their provider, their caretaker, and of course, their chauffer. But do you know what moves my heart the most? Yes, I love that they trust me to take care of them, but I don't want to be known as just their provider. I want to be known as the one they love; the one they are drawn to. The one they simply want to spend time with just because they love me. When my children acknowledge me with there love, everything else just falls into place. They don't need to ask me for things all the time; I already know what they need because we spend time together.

So the question I ask you today is; how do you acknowledge God? Yes, He is your provider, He is your protector, He is your strength, He is your deliverer, but are you in the habit of simply acknowledging Him with your love? It's as simple as saying, "Father in Heaven, I love you so much. You mean everything to me. I give you my whole heart, mind, and strength." I can't help but think how it moves the heart of God when we acknowledge Him with our affection. Maybe you aren't used to being this personal with God, but God wants to be personal with you. He loves you so much. He wants to be involved in every part of your life. It's easy to get a picture in your mind of God way up in Heaven, the awesome Creator of the universe; but remember, He wants relationship with you and your love and affection for Him moves His heart the most. Acknowledge Him in all your ways, acknowledge Him with your love and watch how the other areas of your life simply fall into place.

Keep Every Door Open

Are you believing God for something in your life today? Maybe there's a situation that you would like to see turned around or maybe you have a need for something specific, a job, house, car, or healing in your body. Remember, God has a good plan for you and He wants to surprise you with His blessings. You don't have to figure it all out on your own, God is at work in you. You can expect Him to do something great on your behalf when you yield yourself to Him.

As you pray and believe God, it's important that you also examine your own life–your thoughts, words, and actions to make sure you are giving God every opportunity to move on your behalf. Your obedience keeps you connected to Him and it keeps the door of blessing open in your life. The Bible says that when we pray, we must forgive others (Mark 11:25). When we choose forgiveness, we are choosing God's way and showing that we trust Him to be God in our lives. Forgiveness releases you from the past and opens the door for His healing and restoration.

Giving is another way to keep the door of God's blessing open in your life. The Bible says that when you give, it shall be given back to you in abundance (Luke 6:38). When you give, no matter what it is–your time, your resources, a smile, your finances–it's like sowing a seed that always produces a bountiful harvest. When you are faithful with your tithes and offerings, the Bible says in Malachi chapter three that God will open the windows of Heaven and pour out His blessings upon you!

It doesn't matter what's going on around you, God is faithful to His Word. You can trust Him because He is a good God and He wants the best for you. When you step out and obey Him, when you follow His commands, He will fulfill His promises and you will see His hand of blessing in every area of your life.

One man gives freely yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:24-25, NIV).

Certainty in Uncertain Times

So much has happened over the last few months in our country and around the world. When life changes so quickly, when unexpected things happen, our emotions can easily heighten and that's when the enemy tries to deliver a package of worry, fear, doubt, and confusion. But when the storms of life come, when times are uncertain, you don't have to be shaken; instead you can choose to stand strong by setting your focus on what is certain.

For starters, you can be certain that God Almighty is not anxious and fretting about what's going on in the world today. He's not worried or fearful about the events to come. He's not at all wondering about what to do next. In fact, He has a plan for you–a good plan. A plan to prosper you, not to harm you; to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). You can be certain that when you set your focus on His Word that He will strengthen you and give you direction for your life. You can be certain, that even when you feel like you are walking through the valley, God is with you and He will comfort you and guide you. He will restore your soul (Psalm 23).

Make seeking God a priority in your life. Don't allow anything to stand in the way of your relationship with Him. Keep an open and humble heart before Him and ask Him to show you where you might need to make adjustments in your thoughts, words, or actions. Follow those inner promptings of His Spirit because He is preparing you for your next steps in life. You can be certain, that when you do things God's way, you will get God's results–peace, joy, strength, confidence and certainty even in uncertain times.

"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" (Matthew 6:25 NLT).

Hearing His Voice

Have you ever been walking through the mall on a busy day when every store has different music playing and there are crowds of people talking and all of the sudden your phone rings? Somehow, amidst all the noise and chaos, you can hear it. Maybe no one else around you heard it ring but you did. That's because you are familiar with your ring. You are tuned in to the sound of it.

In the same way, God wants us to be tuned in to Him. He wants us to be familiar with His voice. No matter how "noisy" the world is around you, you can learn to hear the voice of God. As believers, the bible tells us that God's Spirit lives inside of us. There are many ways that God communicates with us but oftentimes, He communicates through an impression on the inside. Just this week, a friend told me that he was on his way to work early one morning and planned to stop at a convenience store. He said that "something" inside told him not to go that way or stop at the store, but he ignored those signals. Unfortunately, when he arrived at the convenience store, he was robbed as he got out of his car.

How much difficulty could we avoid in life by listening to that still, small inner voice?

God is constantly communicating with us but we have to choose to listen. If you look at the word "heart" you will see the word "ear" in the center. The ear that you hear God with is in the center of your heart. As you develop your relationship with the Lord through prayer and reading of His Word, you will be able to hear Him more clearly. Start today by praying this simple prayer: "Father in Heaven, teach me to hear Your voice. Help me understand how You speak to my heart. Show me Your ways that I may walk with You."

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27, NLT).

Share Your Story! Is there a time when you know that God was speaking to your heart? What happened when you listened? Go to the home page and click "Share Your Story."

Without Ceasing

Today is a very important day in our country. We are so blessed with so many freedoms, opportunities, and privileges. But no matter where you live or where you are from, the Bible is clear that we should all pray for our leaders and those who in are in authority over us. (I Timothy 1:2).

It honors the Lord when we pray for our leaders. It shows that we understand His system of authority by putting His commands first. What should we pray? We should pray that our leaders govern with righteousness and integrity because righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34). We should pray that they honor the Lord because the reverential fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). We should pray that our leaders honor God's principles because His ways are higher than our ways and His plans are always for our good (Jeremiah 29:11).

The scripture encourages us to "pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:17). Now that may seem like a tall order, but think about the things in your life that happen habitually, or without ceasing—eating, brushing your teeth, sleeping,…laundry. (At least at my house…) What this verse is telling us is that prayer should be a consistent part of our every day lives. Jesus said to His disciples, "Can you pray with me one hour?" I believe He is saying the same thing to us today. He's saying, "I know you're tired, but remember, your prayers are powerful. Will you join with Me in prayer and put My plans and purposes first?"

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (II Chronicles 7:14 NKJ).

Push Your Thoughts Around

Did you know you can talk yourself into having a bad day? But, you can also talk yourself into have a good day. I heard a story about a young girl who woke up one morning and she was kind of grouchy. She was complaining about everything and just had a bad attitude. Her mother wondered what was wrong, but the next day, before her mother could even say anything, the girl woke up, and it was like she was a completely different person. Her mother asked her, "What's going on with you?" The young girl replied, "Mom, yesterday I let my thoughts push me around, but today, I'm pushing my thoughts around."

We all have to do that. We all have to realize that looking at life with a negative perspective won't accomplish anything. We have to choose to look for the good things in life and develop a heart of gratefulness. When you have a grateful heart, it takes you to another level. And in these uncertain times, when it's so easy to let things pull you down, we have to work a little bit harder to take control of our thoughts and attitude. We have to actively look for things to be grateful for. Don't just sit around mindlessly watching TV, or listening to people talk about how bad things are. Yes, we need to be informed about what's going on in the world, but we shouldn't be so consumed by it that it steals our joy and peace. You can't allow yourself to be so wrapped up in everyday life that you forget to look at and enjoy the little things. I have two precious little dogs and they know how to celebrate the little things. They can hardly contain themselves when it's time for a treat. They get so excited any time one of us comes home. It doesn't matter if I was only gone for 15 minutes; they jump around as if they hadn't seen me in 15 days! They simply know how to celebrate life. And we certainly have a lot more responsibility than a couple of Shi-tzu's, but we still have to remind ourselves to be thankful and celebrate the little things in life.

My brother, Don, has a gratefulness list. He's written down the things he's grateful for in His life so he can keep his thoughts focused in the right direction. I admire him for that. He doesn't let his thoughts push him around. We should all have a "gratefulness list." Even if it isn't on paper, it should be on our hearts and minds. That's how we turn negative thoughts into positive thoughts—by choosing what we focus on. Remember, God is longing to be good to those who are looking for His goodness. Choose to focus on the good things in your life so that you can move forward in His strength and favor.

Take Your Medicine

When was the last time you had a good "belly" laugh? You know, that kind of laugh that comes from so deep within you that you feel like you are going to explode? You can't breathe. Your eyes are squinting and tearing up. You feel like your face is going to split because you're smiling so big. People are looking at you funny. You're laughing so hard that you can't even remember why you're laughing in the first place, but everything within you just feels alive. Then you just sit there and laugh because it's funny that you're laughing so hard!

I love those kinds of laughs, and I try to make sure to find humor in everyday life. You know, laughter is contagious. Joel and I have a good friend who laughs at just about everything, and sometimes he laughs so much that I start laughing just watching him. And I know that sometimes it can seem like there aren't a lot of things to be happy about. If you listen to the news too much, or you talk to some people who are negative at work, before long it will steal your joy and peace. Sometimes circumstances can feel so overwhelming that you feel down and discouraged. But you have to remember that joy is strength. It's what will carry you through the difficult times.

God says that a merry heart is like a medicine. It's good for your body and mind. It's good to have a happy heart because it stirs your passion for life. A cheerful heart gives you enthusiasm for the good things that God has in store. Did you know you can choose to have a cheerful heart and attitude? When you focus on the right things, it's like taking your medicine. When you choose right thoughts, when you choose to be grateful, you are choosing to tap into God's strength. A grateful heart is a happy heart. Find something to be thankful for. Thank Him for the air you breathe. Thank Him for the gift of a beautiful sunrise. Thank Him for the gift of laughter that brings you strength and healing…like a medicine!

Celebrate Your Growth

The other morning in my prayer time, I was reading in Corinthians about the gifts that God has deposited inside each one of us. And as I thought about those scriptures, I began to wonder what may be inside of me that God is still developing. At the same time, I thought about how easy it is for people to focus on what others have, and what others are doing that we completely overlook the potential in our own lives.

God has given us all special gifts. Each of us carries tremendous value. We shouldn't compare ourselves to others or think, "I'm not talented like that person, so I'm not as important." The truth is, we are all important and we have to learn to love who we are. We have to celebrate our growth. You probably aren't the same person you were five years ago, or even last year, and of course you will continue to grow and evolve as time goes on. But have you ever accomplished something that made you stop and think, "Wow, I can't believe I did that!" Maybe you overcame a challenge, or tackled a big project. Maybe you learned to let go of things that used to hold you back. Did you take time to celebrate that milestone? Does it serve as a reminder to you that you are still moving forward?

Remember, you are multifaceted. There are gifts inside of you that are still waiting to be developed. You are constantly growing and changing. Get excited about seeing your life unfold! Celebrate who you are today and who you are becoming in your future. Let your prayer be, "Father in Heaven, thank You for what You are doing in my life. Help me to see the gifts You've given me. Help me be all that You have created me to be."

The Gift of Listening

As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, the purpose of the site is to provide you with resources to help you love your life, to grow strong and confident the way God intends. I want to hear from you because you are so important and your thoughts add value to this ministry. I want to know what's important to you! Please write me a note by clicking on the "Love Your Life" tab on the homepage and select "Send Your Story." Take a few moments to tell me about how you love your life, or share a testimony with me. Tell me about what you're interested in and what resources will help you grow. I want to hear from you and make sure that every article, video, and resource we post on this site is dedicated to helping you love your life the way God intends!

You know, over the years I've discovered that one of the best ways to learn about the people in your life is to become a good listener. Everyone has a deep need to be valued and respected and I believe part of being respectful and considerate to others is listening attentively. We can hear a lot of things, but when we're really listening, we're fully engaged. When people talk to you, do you give them your undivided attention? Do you look them in the eyes, and show an interest in what they are saying? What could you learn about the people in your life if you stopped for a few minutes, and gave them the gift of listening?

Deal with the Little Things Quickly

I can hardly believe it's already Friday. Joel and I are in Virginia Beach today. We'll be at Sam's Club and Books A Million; and we are so honored to be joining the 700 Club this afternoon. We'll be in Pittsburg tomorrow and then back home to Houston after an amazing week!

As I was looking back over the last few days, I can't help but think about all the conversations surrounding the importance of character. What is character? Character is simply, who you are. Good character is about being consistent at home, on the job, and everywhere you go. It's about being trustworthy and honorable; doing what you say; being transparent and living with integrity. And not just when others are watching, but when you are alone, too. That's when true character is revealed.

Some people work their hardest when the boss is around, and then chat on the phone when the boss is at lunch. Or how about this: do you park your car where you know you shouldn't just because you'll "only be a minute"? Those may seem like little things but the scripture tells us that "little foxes spoil the vines." You can't hide the "little things" because those "little things" are seeds. They will grow and produce a harvest in your life.

I can remember one time early in our marriage, Joel and I were having a disagreement. There was no way that we were going to see eye to eye, either. My feelings were hurt, and I was highly frustrated. Joel, on the other hand, didn't see our disagreement as a big deal and he had grown tired of talking about it. So, to end the discussion so we could move on to other things, he half-heartedly said, "I'm sorry" and went about His business. But, as I walked into the other room, behind the closed door, I turned around and stuck my tongue out at him. It seemed innocent enough, but even through my frustration with him, I knew it was disrespectful. As harmless as it may have seemed at the time, it was planting seeds of resentment, and I didn't want to reap that kind of harvest in our relationship. I knew I had to deal with it quickly. So, I went back into the kitchen and told Joel that even though I thought he was wrong, I loved him and respected him. Joel simply smiled and said, "I knew you would come around."

I really believe that if you allow the little things to slip by and not deal with them, soon they will grow and manifest in ways that can damage your character and good relationships. Make sure you go the extra mile to do the right thing. Be who you say you are. Do what you say you are going to do. Keep your commitments. Don't allow little seeds of disrespect to take root in your heart. Instead, uproot those wrong attitudes by dealing with them quickly so you can make room for God's character to grow in your life.

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches" (Proverbs 22:1).

Find Common Ground

First of all, Joel and I thank you so much for your love, prayers, and support. I really appreciate all the kind words and blessings people have emailed and posted.

This week has been a whirlwind! I'm so thankful to Sean and Alan on Hannity & Colmes, the team at Fox and Friends, and Glenn Beck for allowing us to be guests on their programs. Today I was on CNN's American Morning, and then at noon, we were at Barnes and Noble in Clifton, NJ. So if you're in the area, check out the booksigning schedule because I'd love to meet you in person!

When Joel and I travel, everywhere we go we receive such an open and overwhelming reception. I'm so amazed that people from all over the world, from all walks of life, can be so different yet so much alike at the same time. You know, most people have very similar basic needs. We all want to give and receive love. We all want to be heard. We all want to feel accepted. I've learned that one of the best ways to communicate to someone that you value them is to find common ground. I talk about it in my book, but I also want to encourage you today to look for ways you can connect with people you encounter.

Finding common ground can involve just about anything—maybe you went to the same college, or you both enjoy the same hobby. Maybe you both like animals, or have a mutual friend, or shop at the same shoe store, or like the same foods. It might be something as simple as having the same color shoes on! The point is, when you are standing on common ground, it turns the interaction in a positive direction and will help you see eye to eye.

Sometimes, finding common ground means saying nothing at all and simply smiling so that you can stand on the common ground of peace. This is especially true when you're in a conversation with someone whose views you don't share. Sometimes you have to let go of your need to be heard for the sake of peace. Remember, when you disagree with someone, it isn't about who's right that matters in eternity, it's about what's right. Finding common ground and keeping peace is the right thing. May your day be filled with blessings from heaven and God-ordained connections!

"Blessed are the peacemakers ..." (Matthew 5:9).

Don't Look Down

Yesterday was a wonderful "kick off" to the "Love Your Life" book tour. The day started with Good Morning America's Robin Roberts, who is always so kind and gracious to Joel and me. If you didn't get to see the interview, I invite you to click the link on my homepage.

During our conversation, Robin asked specifically about what I would say to people in light of these uncertain economic times. My reply to her is what I want to encourage you with today. When things seem difficult and uncertain, we have to focus on what is certain in our lives—our relationships, our families, our own well-being, and most importantly, our God. Tough times don't last. They are for a season, but the people in our lives, our relationships, are what matter in eternity.

We have to remember to find balance in our day to day living, even when the world around us seems shaky. Think about a person walking a tightrope way up high. We've all had times when we felt like we were on a tightrope! But what's the one thing you always hear that you should do in order to keep your balance? Don't look down! And that's what I'm encouraging you to do today—keep your eyes ahead, keep your focus in the right direction because where you set your eyes determines the direction of your life.

And even when things are going well, we have to keep our focus right. You can have all the money in the world, but if you don't have a support system, if you're not connected with people in healthy ways, then you won't be fulfilled and you won't be able to live the way God intended. We need people in our lives. We need relationships to help us move forward. Life is a group experience. God said that's not good for us to be alone. We can't allow ourselves to be so consumed by things that we can't control that we loose connection with what matters most.

My new book, Love Your Life, is available today!

Today I am excited to announce the release of my first book, "Love Your Life." It's been over a year in the making and it has stretched me in so many ways! Here's an excerpt from the Introduction:

So what does it mean, to Love Your Life? When most people reach the end of their days, they will tell you it's not about having a bigger house, or a better job. It's not about the car you drive or the clothes you wear. Most people only carry a single regret: that they didn't invest more in themselves and their relationships with other people. Often, people will say, "If only I would have taken better care of myself…if only I would have spent more time with my family and the people I love."

But no matter how old you are right now, you don't have to carry that regret. Loving your life is being willing to make changes, to let go of old ways and unhealthy habits so that you can be the best you can be. It's being willing to look at what you have in your hand and opening your mind to seeing things with a new perspective. It's about evaluating yourself and making adjustments so that you can make the most out of your relationships.

Ultimately, loving your life is about discovering the greatness that's inside of you and the influence you have on the world around you. You never know the impact you will have when you tap into those treasures within.

Joel and I are in New York this week, where I will be a guest on Good Morning America, Hannity and Colmes, Alan Colmes Radio, The Glen Beck Show, Fox and Friends, CNN's American Morning, and Inside Edition, along with various book signings around New York and other cities. While I've accompanied Joel on many of his book tours, this time, I'm feeling stretched to a new level as I step in to this new season in my life.

Throughout life, we all have opportunities to either shrink back and settle where it's comfortable or to take a step of faith and embrace the new things God has in store. You were never created to be stagnant. You were created to grow and win. I encourage you today, don't settle for where you are. Don't allow fear to hold you back. Keep stretching, keep growing, keep learning. Tap in to everything God has placed on the inside of you.

Welcome to my new site and personal blog.

Welcome and thank you so much for visiting my new website!

Like many of you, this year has been full of transitions, growth, challenges, surprises, and blessings from above. Joel and I have been fully focused on ministry for nearly a decade now and everywhere I go, people ask, "How do you do it? How do you keep up with everything?" To that I reply, "I don't." I don't try to keep up with everything, only the things I know I'm supposed to be doing. I know that my effectiveness isn't tied to my busyness. I've learned that people are the most important thing in this world, and when you find balance in your own life, when you learn to live in God's unforced rhythms of grace, you can be effective in helping others find balance and discover the gifts God has placed inside them.

That's my heart for you and that's why this site was created — to help you understand how important you are and that out of your importance you add value to the world around you.

God doesn't want you running around, overloaded, stressed, and overwhelmed by the pressures of life. In fact, Jesus said, "My yoke is easy and My burden is light." We are meant to live light, and to enjoy every moment. No matter where you are in life today, you have the potential to have better relationships, to increase and grow, to be strengthened and move forward. Maybe some unfair things have happened in your past, but those things don't define you and they don't determine your future. It's not what happens to you that matters most, it's what happens in you. You don't have to let your experiences withdraw confidence from you, instead you can withdraw confidence from your experiences. Be encouraged today because there is so much more in you that is waiting to be discovered. There are new options for your future, and opportunities to be recovered. Now is the time to leave the past behind and make room to embrace all that lies ahead for you.