Seek First (— Joel & Victoria Osteen)

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Seek First

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“All night long I search for you; in the morning I earnestly seek for God...”

(Isaiah 26:9, NLT)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Jesus said in Matthew 6, “Seek first the kingdom of God.” That word “seek” is a strong word. One definition is “to require as a vital necessity.” You have to see spending time with God as being vital to living a victorious life because some mornings we think, “I don’t want to get up early. I don’t feel like reading my Bible. I don’t feel like going to church today.” But once you get in a habit and see the benefits of how you feel refreshed and restored, you make better decisions, you’re more creative, you have God’s favor, and then you’ll think, “I can’t afford not to do it. When I don’t spend time with God, I don’t feel right. Something is missing.” “When I don’t go to church I don’t have the wisdom, the clarity, the direction. I don’t have the boost that I need for the week.” Scripture says, “Seek first.” That indicates that we should take time for God at the start of the day. Don’t give Him your leftover time. Make Him a part of your normal routine. Make Him your first priority. Seek Him first, seek Him earnestly, and watch what He will do on your behalf.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I choose to put You first. I acknowledge that without You, I can do nothing. I invite You to have Your way in my life as I seek You first in all that I do in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Honor Him in All That You Do (— Joel & Victoria Osteen)

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(Ta};tt].'3;1' AMP)

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Honor Him in All That You Do

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work.”

(Titus 3:1, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

In what ways do you honor God? A lot of times, people think, “I go to church to honor God. I read my Bible to honor God. I sing and clap to honor God.” And yes, those are ways to honor God, but did you know that you honor God just as much when you get to work on time? You honor God when you are productive each day and honor the people in authority over you. You honor God when you excel in your career. Actions speak louder than words. When you give your very best in the workplace, your whole life is giving praise to God — it’s one of the best witnesses you could ever have. Just showing up with a good attitude, friendly, organized, being your best — people will notice there’s something different about you. They’ll want what you have. As believers, we should set the standard in all areas of life. People should see the depth of your character and your spirit of excellence and know that you are a child of the Most High God. Make the decision to honor Him in all that you do because you are His representative in the earth today!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I choose to honor You in all that I do. I choose to set the standard and do my very best. Thank You for the privilege to be Your representative. I love You and bless You in Jesus’ name! Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Who God Rewards (— Joel & Victoria Osteen)

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Who God Rewards

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

(Hebrews 11:6, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Do you see God as a rewarder today? Notice this verse doesn’t say that God rewards those who “deserve” it, or those who have “earned” it. It doesn’t say that God rewards those who act perfectly and never make mistakes. No, God’s blessing isn’t based on our performance; it’s based on our faith — our belief in Him and His goodness. In fact, one verse says that He longs to be good to those who are looking for His goodness! I encourage you today to spend some time meditating on His goodness and dwelling on His faithfulness. Look for Him and expect Him to act. Spend some time reading the Psalms and begin to praise and thank Him for all He is doing. Open your eyes of faith and see all of the wonderful things He has prepared for you. Let His Word shape your thoughts, and remember, He is a rewarder! He wants to bless you today because you earnestly seek after Him!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, thank You for Your Word which fills my heart with faith. I believe that You are good and You are a rewarder of those who seek after You. I seek You today. I acknowledge You and thank You for revealing Yourself to me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Strength in Dependency (— Joel & Victoria Osteen)

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Strength in Dependency

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

(2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

We all have areas where we need to come up higher. Perhaps you’ve struggled with a certain area year after year. Instead of getting down on yourself or trying to find solutions on the internet, maybe it’s time to pray and say, “God, I need Your help. I’m asking for Your strength.” When you humble yourself and admit that you cannot do it on your own, that’s when God can enter the scene. That’s when He can turn it around. A lot of times we think of dependency in a negative light, but dependency on God is not a weakness; it’s a strength. It enables you to tap into His power. When we yield our weakness, that’s when God shows up the strongest. But when we don’t turn to God, really, that’s a sign of pride. We’re saying, “God, I don’t really need You to help me run my life. I’m doing okay. I’ve got it all figured out.” God will step back and let us do it on our own. Today, what is holding you back? Surrender it to God. Let Him do His perfect work. Find strength in your dependency on Him.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I surrender all to You. Search my heart and mind. Show me if there is any area where I am trying to lean on my own strength. I choose today to trust and rely on You knowing that Your strength is perfect in my weakness in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen