By the Grace of God

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And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
(Romans 11:6,NIV)
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Joel Osteen shares this funny story:
A mother was cooking pancake for her two young sons.  Ryan is 5 and Kevin is 3. They began to argue who will get the first one. The mother saw an opportunity to teach them a lesson. She said, Boys! Boys! If Jesus is here he will say, “let my brother have the first one”. Ryan turned to his younger brother and said, “OK, Kevin! you’ll be Jesus.” Ha! ha! ha!!!

A true story
Like those kids, when I was a 5 years old kid, I also asked my mom for a cake and had to wait at least 2/sometime 3 days. My mom loves me so much but she doesn’t bake cake. So she had to buy from a town called Tangyan which is 12 miles far away from our village Nawngpha. She used to travel to Tangyan once a week to buy goods to sell on weekly bazaar day at Nawngpha. As for a small kid, waiting 2 days for cake is a big challenge but I had to patiently wait anyway. Back then, in 1964, there was no motor car, electricity, telephone or not even a radio in Nawngha; and people spoke only Tai language (Tai-mother tongue). But now, I am here in New York – the greatest city in the world, and can get the best cheese cake right away. My language skills improved to the extent that I can accurately translate English to Tai to share the good news with my fellows Tai folks. This may be just a small thing but it is a beautiful and joyful thing in my life. My whole life is a testimony to my maker who is the creator of heaven and earth. He has changed me and brought me out together with my family, as far as from the east to west about 10,000 miles away from my native land. I am absolutely sure that is a miracle of the amazing grace. I realize that everything just wonderfully happen in its timing.

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Father God, the creator of all things, thank you so much for Your mercy and grace onto us. All of my help comes from You. Today, I praise You and give thanks in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In All Circumstances (— Joel & Victoria Osteen )

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(1Tit]:SL,elL;nik]:'5;18'NIV)

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In All Circumstances

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Are you giving thanks in every circumstance? This might seem like a stretch at first, especially when you are going through a season of difficulty. But notice today’s verse doesn’t say to give thanks “for” everything, it says give thanks “in” everything. In other words, no matter what’s going on, find something to be thankful for. Don’t just focus on what’s wrong in your life; focus on what God will do in your life. When you are thankful, it opens the door for God to move on your behalf. That’s why it says “this is God’s will for you.” He wants you to be close to Him to receive His strength and power by giving thanks. That’s why we should always have the attitude that says, “God, in spite of what’s happened, I choose to be grateful. I may be sick, but Father, thank You for being my healer. Thank you for giving me great friends and family.” Or, “I may be struggling in my marriage, but God, thank You for being my restorer. Thank You for giving me another sunrise.” As you give thanks in everything, you will see God’s hand move mightily on your behalf, and you’ll come out of that difficulty better, stronger and wiser than before.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, today I choose to give You thanks in all things! I know that You are a good God, and You have good plans in store for my future. I bless You and thank You for another day to sing Your praise in Jesus’ name! Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Raise the Standard (— Joel & Victoria Osteen )

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Raise the Standard

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

What do you do to honor God? A lot of times people think, “Oh, I go to church to honor God. I read my Bible to honor God. I sing and clap in worship to honor God.” And yes, those are ways to honor God, but did you know that you also honor God when you get to work on time? You honor God when you are productive each day and respect the people who are 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. 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. Today, make the decision to honor Him in all that you do because you are His representative, His hands and feet in the earth.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, 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 of being Your representative. Help me to show Your love and excellence in everything I do in Jesus’ name. Amen.