Perfect Love (— Joel & Victoria Osteen )

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Perfect Love TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear...” (1 John 4:18, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria When unexpected things happen — trials, difficulty or tragedy — the enemy sends a whirlwind of fear to try to shake our faith and steal our focus. His goal is to take our eyes off of God and cause us to feel overwhelmed by circumstances. But if we will choose to stay focused on the love of God, if we choose to meditate on His goodness, the truth will set us free from fear and ground our hearts in confidence. Today, know that God loves you perfectly. He is a good God. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that His plans for us are for good. He has thoughts of peace, not for evil. He wants to give you a future and hope. Anytime thoughts of fear come, replace them with words of love. Just declare, “Thank You, God, for loving me. Thank You for leading me into peace. Thank You for hope for my future.” As you meditate on His love and goodness, you’ll feel faith rise up in your heart. You’ll feel hope, you’ll feel strength, and you’ll feel empowered to move forward in the good path He has prepared for you. A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, thank You for loving me. Thank You for Your hand of grace upon me. I trust that You are with me, that You will never leave me nor forsake me. Help me to always keep my eyes on You, the Author and Finisher of my faith in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

A Person of Understanding (— Joel & Victoria Osteen)

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A Person of Understanding TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.” (Proverbs 20:5, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Did you know that right now you are equipped with everything you need to fulfill your passion and purpose in this life? Everything you need is on the inside of you — like deep waters. God leads you and draws those things out of you when you stay open and humble before Him. You draw those things out when you are submitted to His Word. You draw them out by declaring His truth over your life. That’s what makes you a person of understanding — because you understand and apply God’s principles! Proverbs also tells us that a person of understanding delights in wisdom. A person of understanding is even-tempered. A person of understanding is not easily led astray and maintains peace and order. (Prov. 10:23; 15:21; 17:27; 28:2) Don’t just live on the surface of life today. Be a person of understanding and draw from the resources that God has placed on the inside of you. As you keep your heart open by obeying the Word of God, His purposes will become clearer, and you will live in the abundant life God has in store for you! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Heavenly Father, thank You for equipping me with everything I need to be a success in life. I choose to humbly submit my life to You and obey Your Word. Thank You for revealing Your plans and purposes for me today in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

Forget the Former Things

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Forget the Former Things

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”

(Isaiah 43:18, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Too often, people spend so much time and energy dwelling on the past, dwelling on mistakes, or dwelling on disappointments. They don’t even realize that their focus is keeping them from moving forward in life. But in order to fully experience God’s blessings, you have to let go of those past hurts; you have to forget the former things to make room for the new. God has a new beginning in store for you, and the way you prepare for it is by getting rid of the old. Don’t spend time focusing on where you’ve been; spend time focusing on where you’re going. When you “forget the former things,” it means you’re not worried about the past anymore. You don’t allow it to dictate your future. You may remember past events, but you don’t feel the pain like you used to. You’ve opened your heart to receive God’s healing. Begin today by declaring that your past is over! Forget the former things and receive the restoration and victory God has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for the life of blessing and victory You have prepared for me. I choose to forget the past. I choose to forgive. I choose to open my heart to You and receive everything You have in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Beauty for Ashes

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Beauty for Ashes

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“He will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness.”

(Isaiah 61:3, TLB)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Everyone has experienced hurt and disappointment. We’ve all been burnt by life. But God doesn’t want us to sit in the ashes of the past; He wants to trade our brokenness for healing. He wants to give us beauty for our ashes. The key is that we have to be willing to give up the ashes in order to receive the beauty. You can’t have both because the old has to go before the new can come. Today, are you willing to trust Him with your past hurts? Are you willing to let go of the pain, to forgive others and yourself so you can move forward in freedom? Don’t waste another day sitting in the ashes. The past is over, but your future remains. Let God give you joy instead of mourning, and let Him make something beautiful out of the ashes of your life today!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

God, thank You for promising to sweep away the ashes of my past and give me something beautiful in their place. I choose to give them up to You and receive Your healing and restoration in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen