A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world”(John 16:21, NIV)








TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria



Years ago when we first found out that Victoria was pregnant, we were so excited. Even though she didn’t look any different on the outside, we began planning and preparing for our new baby. Then as time went on, we moved out of the fun, easy stage of conception and into that much more difficult stage of development. That’s when the mother becomes uncomfortable, swollen, can’t sleep at night, her back aches. Things seem to get the hardest right before the birthing begins.



In a sense, it’s the same way in our spiritual lives. When we conceive something in our hearts from God, it’s so exciting. It’s easy to stay encouraged and full of faith during that time. But the real test is when we go through the development process. Are we willing to keep a good attitude even when we’re uncomfortable and things aren’t going our way? Are we willing to stand and fight the good fight of faith until we give birth to our dreams?



If you’re standing for something today, keep standing. Keep believing even when you don’t see anything happening. Hold on to that promise even when it’s uncomfortable because soon you will give birth to every dream and desire the Lord has placed in your heart!







A PRAYER FOR TODAY



Father in heaven, thank You for the dreams and desires You’ve planted in my heart. Give me the strength to persevere even when times are hard. Give me Your peace and joy so that I can stand strong until I see those dreams and desires come to pass. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.



— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Gratitude paves the way to abundance: If you want more good things in life take some time to be grateful to God for blessings you have received, from the little things taken for granted, to the big things you are yet unaware of. What you focus on tends to grow - focus on your blessings and watch them expand.


Giving thanks always for al...l things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Eph 5:20

 It is such a sweet blessing to hold a child in your arms and be able to comfort them... I bet that's how our Heavenly Father feels towards us!

 When we have done all we can, we must still wait for God to accomplish His purposes. As we wait, we can fix our eyes on Jesus as a companion who empathizes with our suffering and a Saviour who is working behind the scenes. Difficult circumstances seem to increase our ability to experience intimacy with Christ

Stir Up Your Dreams


.by Joel Osteen Ministries on Monday, September 27, 2010 at 6:44am.





“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you...”(2 Timothy 1:6, NKJ)







TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria



Do you need some freshness in your life today? You may simply need to stir up what God has placed on the inside of you. Stir up those gifts, stir up those dreams, stir up those talents inside. Start stretching yourself. You were created to be a dreamer and to pursue the desires God has placed in your heart.



The Scripture tells us that without vision, people perish. If you don’t have a dream or vision for your life, you’re not really going to reach your fullest potential. Maybe at one time you had a dream, but you went through some disappointments or setbacks. Things didn’t turn out the way you planned. But here’s a key: when one dream dies, dream another dream. Just because it didn’t work out the way you had it planned doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have another plan. You cannot allow one disappointment or even a series of disappointments to convince you that your dream is over. It’s time to dig your heals in and hold on to the promises in your heart. Stir up those God-given dreams today and watch Him pour out His favor and blessing upon you and fulfill every desire in your heart!







A PRAYER FOR TODAY



Father in heaven, I come humbly to You. I give You my past, my disappointments, my brokenness. Fill me with Your hope and expectation and give me the dreams and desires that You have in store for my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.



— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Mountains sometimes are not supposed to be removed. Mountains make us who we are today. So if you pray mountain be thou removed and the mountain remains. Mabe its His will to go over and not threw. (Some Mountains Just Remain)

The Respect Dare Want to avoid an argument? When you think there's a disagreement starting, repeat back to your hub what you think he meant..."So if I understand you correctly, you feel angry when we start talking about money?" if "Yes," then find out how you can speak so he can hear you ..."Is there a way I could bring up the issues so we can work through that? I want to stop making you defensive - can you help me with that?"

T.D. Jakes Ministries/The Potter's House The answer is simple—faith. Faith to know that the sun will rise, the rain will stop, the pain will go away, and God, our God, has not left you or forsaken you. He is here for you and He will uplift you. Like those who have struggled before you, you will not only survive, but you will flourish!

Get your hopes up! God wants to do something amazing in your life...

 Even though God gives bountifully, all you need is a crumb from God. It doesn’t matter what you don’t have. It doesn’t matter what the enemy tries to do. Don’t ever think that your prayer is not making a difference. Don’t you ever think that your praise is not making a difference. Don’t ever think that your giving and your living is not making a difference.

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Heb 10:35-36

New Garments


.by Joel Osteen Ministries on Friday, September 24, 2010 at 6:27am.“Provide for those who grieve...a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor”(Isaiah 61:3, NIV)







TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria







Do you need a new garment today? I’m not talking about a physical garment. I’m talking about what’s covering your mind and emotions. Are you clothed with despair and disappointment? Are you wearing ”heaviness?” If you’ve gone through a hurtful situation, the Bible says there is a time to grieve, and it’s important to release that hurt to the Lord. But the Bible also tells us that God wants to give you a garment of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness and despair.







Are the garments of yesterday weighing you down and holding you back? It’s time for a new garment. The garment of praise is light and filled with peace and joy. Don’t carry those heavy burdens around anymore. Choose to forgive those who have hurt you and praise God for what He’s doing in your life today. If nothing else, start thanking Him for the beautiful sunrise. Thank him for restoring you, even if you don’t see it yet. Just like this verse says, you will be as strong and secure as a tall oak tree, displaying His splendor all the days of your life!











A PRAYER FOR TODAY







Heavenly Father, I come to You today and ask that You take off my old, heavy garments of despair and heaviness. Make me new today. Give me a garment of praise so that I can be a display of Your glory and splendor. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.







— Joel & Victoria Osteen

 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

“All that is gold does not glitter,not all those who wander are lost.


The old that is strong does not wither,deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,a light from the shadows shall spring.

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,the crownless again shall be KING.”

 Good leadership is not having an office, credentials and people to order around. Good leadership earns the respect of others. The more people respect you, the more influence you will have and the more God can use you.

"Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus." - Alexander Graham Bell

‎"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God, I will do."

Are your emotions making you sick? Take this quiz to find out how managing your reactions can reduced stress. http://spr.ly/60321wo

The Respect Dare Not sure why, but husbands aren't like our sisters, mothers or girlfriends, no matter how much we want him to be! Want something? ASK. "This is the part where you kiss me passionately..." :) "I don't have time tonight to fill the car up with gas and the kids need stuff for lunch - will you run to the store and gas up the van for me, please?" Simple. Direct...to the point. It's respectful.

psalm 139:13

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.

Hannah's Example




“As our brave Hannah entered her hardest hour--the hour appointed for her to leave her long-awaited and much-prayed-for son at the house of the Lord to be raised by another--we see that her focus was not on herself, not on her problems, and not on her sacrifice, but instead on her great God.” -Elizabeth George



Mom can't be there for every moment of a child's life. Like Hannah, the time will come when she must let go...



It happens when her son is five and he enters the kindergarten door for the first time.



It happens when her son is eight and she drops him off for football practice and doesn't stay to watch.



It happens when her daughter is twelve and she drops her off at a birthday party.



It happens when her daughter is sixteen and drives away with a brand new driver's license.



It happens when her son is eighteen and she drops him off at a dorm.



It happens in moments big and small. Moms must turn around and walk away. And like Hannah, we must trust God. But what exactly do we expect from God by trusting in Him? That He will never allow our children to get hurt? Always keep them safe? I don't think that's what Hannah expected as she dropped off young Samuel with the priest Eli. Her trust in God wasn't conditional. She knew that whatever God allowed to happen in Samuel's life (be it good or bad) was part of His sovereign plan.



We do all we can to prepare our children for what they will see, experience, and learn when they are away from momma's care. But ultimately, we trust God. Not for our children's safety, but for their sanctification.

"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose"(Romans 8:28, NIV)








TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria



Isn't it good to know that God is working behind the scenes in your life, today? No matter what you may be facing, no matter what trial you may be going through, God has a plan to turn things around in your favor. You are called according to His purpose; so right now, He is working out a plan for your good. Right now, He is orchestrating the right people to come across your path. He is orchestrating the right opportunities to open up to you. You may not see it in the natural, but look with your eyes of faith today. Show your love for the Father by your obedience to His Word. Come before Him with an open and humble heart trusting that He is guiding you. Keep standing. Keep believing. Keep hoping. Keep declaring His Word and meditate on His goodness, knowing that He rewards the people who seek after Him.







A PRAYER FOR TODAY



Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for working all things together for my good. Give me Your strength and peace today and fill me with Your faith which overcomes the world. In Jesus' Name. Amen.



- Joel & Victoria Osteen

Do him good and never evil


If his heart you'd woo to Me

Refrain from judging; love by faith

And then My glory he will see.

...she does her husband good, and not evil...

Everyday Answers


How to Follow Forgiveness Instead of Our Emotions



by Joyce Meyer

How do you respond when someone hurts your feelings? Do you let it rob you of joy? Or maybe your emotions run wild?



Luke 6:27,28 NIV tells us what we should do when people hurt us:





But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.



Can you believe that? We’re to pray something like, “Oh, Lord, I pray that You’d just make them so happy!”



I still don’t get that, but I’m willing to do it in obedience and say, “Lord, I don’t know that I really want them to be happy, but I’ll pray that in faith anyway, because You’re telling me to bless them with Your presence.”



Luke 6:35 NIV goes further. It says:



But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.



A Tip for Following Forgiveness

Now, let’s get practical about how to do this. If we have a coworker who gets the promotion that we’ve been believing God for, the minute we start to feel jealousy and envy, we need to go buy them a gift.



Yes, you heard me right: buy them a gift. It works. When we do it, it breaks the power of the devil because Romans 12:21 says that we overcome evil with good. It’s absolutely true too. I have learned this principle and it has been life-changing for me.



What I Did When Someone Hurt Me

For example, a few years ago someone told me about a person who was doing business with our ministry and making a good deal of money because of their relationship with us. My friend happened to be at the same restaurant, seated in the next booth and overheard their conversation, which just happened to be about me—and they weren’t saying good things either.



At first I got mad and just wanted to tell him that he was never getting our business again.



But in bed that night, the Holy Spirit said to me, “You’re not going to do any of those things.” He said, “No, you’re going to do what you teach. You’re going to go buy him a present, and you’re going to tell him how much you appreciate the services that he’s given you all these years.”



Needless to say, I resisted at first. But eventually I relented and bought him a gift.



What You Must Do When Someone Hurts You

What I remember most about the situation is that as soon as I started taking action to do something good for them, it just got so funny to me. I was laughing out loud in my house, all by myself.



Listen: When we can look at people who’ve hurt us with compassion and pray what Jesus prayed “…Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” there’s a party that goes on inside of us.



I think most of the time people don’t even realize what they are doing. That man in the restaurant who was talking about me had no idea what he was doing and the position that he was putting himself in.



Why You Must Follow Forgiveness

That’s why we need to pray for them and say, “God forgive them.” In fact, what does God say will happen to us when we obey His Word?



Luke 6:35 states “…and then your recompense (your reward) will be great (rich, strong, intense, and abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High….” God tells us that we’ll receive a reward. We will get double for our trouble if we will do things His way.



The Bible says that love covers a multitude of sins. Do you know what that means? It means that love will even have you making excuses for your enemies. Someone might come up to us and say, “Well, I heard what so-and-so did to you.”



When we really decide to forgive someone and pray the prayer that blesses our enemies, making the decision that we will not talk bad about them, but instead, cover their fault and their mess, we still might not feel any different.



Now, I believe choosing forgiveness is one of the most difficult things God asks us to do, especially if we believe that whoever hurt us is in the wrong and doesn’t deserve to be forgiven.



But God instructs us to practice forgiveness. And when we choose to follow the path of forgiveness, we will experience the peace and joy that come through obeying God’s Word.

Welcome!

Anabelle Lee Grubbs
September 19, 2010 @ 10:08 AM

6lbs 6 oz. 20 in

You are a beautiful little Princess
We Love you!

 God has provisions to see you through the challenge. God provides vehicles of grace to carry you through yet another day. That’s what you’re riding on now – God’s grace, God’s covering. The anointing of God will bring you through for it’s not by might nor by power but by My spirit, said the Lord.

Dear wife, your husband you must cherish


Else your hope for him will perish

So do not err, do not depart;

My words, through you, will melt his heart.

LOVE NEVER FAILS!

 I was regretting the past and fearing the future. Suddenly God was speaking: "My name is I am." I waited and God continued: "When you live in the past, with its mistakes and regrets, it is hard. I am not there. My name is not I was. When you live in the future, with its problems and fears, it is hard. I am not there. My name is not I will be. When you live in this moment, it is not hard. I am here. My name is I AM."

We don't always need to know where we are going as long as we know whom we are following. God is in control. Even when we wind up in strange places or unusual circumstances, the Father is not caught by surprise

 Often times God demonstrates His faithfulness in adversity by providing for us what we need to survive. He does not change our painful circumstances. He sustains us through them

The Respect Dare What we pay attention to grows. Dare you today to evaluate what you fill your mind with...what's on tv, what you're reading, who your friends are...when we spend time with "others" (experiencing lifestyles via entertainment and friends), whether we like it or not, these "others" can have influence on our own character and thought patterns. Do these "others" represent the holiness of God or that other guy?

Take Off The Limits


.by Joel Osteen Ministries on Friday, September 17, 2010 at 6:47am.





"I have seen that everything [human] has its limits and end [no matter how extensive, noble, and excellent]; but Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits [into eternity]" (Psalm 119:96, AMP)







TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria







Did you know you can limit your life by dwelling on the wrong things? So often, wrong thinking keeps people stuck right where they are. If you think you'll never accomplish your dreams, those thoughts will hold you back. If you think you don't have the talent, the connections or the funds, then you are limiting yourself. You are blocking what God can do in your life.



It's time to take the limits off and trust God. He isn't limited to this earthly realm; His ways are higher than our ways. We serve a supernatural God. Just because you don't see a way doesn't mean that God doesn't have a way. God can bring one opportunity across your path that will thrust you to a whole new level. He has explosive blessings in store that can blast you out of where you are and into a place of abundance. If you'll shift your focus from this earthly realm and start looking with your eyes of faith, you'll see His unlimited possibilities for your future. Take the limits off by setting your thoughts on what God Almighty can do in your life!







A PRAYER FOR TODAY



Father in heaven, today I lift my eyes to You. You alone are the source of my strength, peace and provision. I choose to delight myself in You knowing that You will give me the desires of my heart. In Jesus' Name. Amen.



- Joel & Victoria Osteen

Do not let your anger rule you


But be calm and slow to speak:

When yor flesh says, "Let him have it!"

Why not turn the other cheek?

Be angry and sin not.....

Some people have a way of touching the hearts of others as if they have the warmth of the morning sun in their spirits & more gentleness in their hearts than words can describe. If you are such a person, be not discouraged if you feel taken for granted or abused for your kindness. Don't let people or circumstances change what God has called you to be. You are a treasure, your reward is coming - walk in your destiny.

The Respect Dare Expectations. They are often the source of disappointment and discouragement. In business, this is called, "Management by mindreading." Today, we dare you to take inventory of your expectations, then ask God what He would have you do with them.

Don’t be afraid to believe God for BIG things in your life. Imagine something bigger

Remember that God swore that He would bless Abram and multiply His seed. Abram was tested many times and proved himself a sound vessel. He didn’t earn God’s blessing. Our God has the same covenant with all who are the spiritual seed of Abraham

You may not be able to change what you are going through but you must change how it affects your health and well-being. My prayer for you is that you would pause a moment to meditate on the things that give your mind ease and not angst

Adversity is not simply a tool. It is God's most effective tool for the advancement of our spiritual lives. The circumstances and events that we see as setbacks are oftentimes the very things that launch us into periods of intense spiritual growth. Once we begin to understand this, and accept it as a spiritual fact of life, adversity becomes easier to bear.

 If our minds are stayed upon God, His peace will rule the affairs entertained by our minds. If, on the other hand, we allow our minds to dwell on the cares of this world, God's peace will be far from our thoughts.

I will continue life with a sense of trust that, despite my brokenness, I can be happy again

Blessings R not responses 2 PAIN or NEED. They R responses 2 FAITH.




FAITH is...FOLLOWING w/o knowing "where?"

...

WAITING w/o knowing "when?"



BELIEVING w/o knowing "how?"



TRUSTING w/o knowing "why?"



~ Shared by Jennifer Carrillo Thomas

 We need to be our husband's #1 fan - even when he doesn't deserve it. He's an imperfect human, in desperate need of encouragement. Today, dare you to email, text, or call your hub and tell him just ONE of his strengths, and why you value it...unconditionally. Double dog dare you to do this daily!

 The greatest faith of all, and the most effective, is to live day by day TRUSTING in Him. It is TRUSTING Him so much that we look at every problem as an opportunity to see His work in our life. It is not worrying, but rather TRUSTING and abiding in the peace of God that will crush anything that Satan tries to do to us. "TRUST IN HIM"

Every day,


we have the opportunity

to rebuild relationships

and heal deep wounds

by extending and receiving

God's grace.





Offer THE GRACE CARD ...

and NEVER underestimate

the power of God's Love.

TRUST HIM when thy strength is small, TRUST HIM when to simply trust Him


seems the hardest thing of all. TRUST HIM, He is ever faithful, TRUST HIM, for his WILL is best, TRUST HIM, for the heart of Jesus Is the only place of rest.

There is no circumstance, no trouble, no testing, that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has gone past God's throne, right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose, which I may not understand at the moment. But I refuse to become panicky, as I lift up my eyes to Him and accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great plan and purpose for my life

When people get married because they think it's a long- time love affair, they'll be divorced very soon, because all love affairs end in disappointment. But marriage is a recognition of a spiritual identity. - Joseph Campbell

Keep praying, but be thankful that God's answers are wiser than your prayers !

The value of consistent prayer is not that He will hear us, but that we will hear Him.

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. - Mignon McLaughlin

He is a Rewarderby Joel Osteen Ministries on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 7:47am








"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)







Do you see God as a rewarder today? Notice this verse doesn't say that God rewards those who "deserve" it or 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. Spend some time reading the Psalms and begin to praise and thank Him for all He is doing. Imagine through your eyes of faith all 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 filling my heart and mind with faith. You are good, and You are a rewarder. I choose to put my trust in You knowing that You have blessings in store for my future. In Jesus' Name. Amen. 



- Joel & Victoria Osteen

If you think about his failures


And the things he dosn't do

You will magnify the problem

And MY WORD won't work for you

Whatever things are noble...just...pure: think on these things!

The Respect Dare Expectations. They are often the source of disappointment and discouragement. In business, this is called, "Management by mindreading." Today, we dare you to take inventory of your expectations, then ask God what He would have you do with them.

You're the light of the household


How bright do you shine?

Is your life an example?

Do you abide in MY vine?

T.D. Jakes Ministries/The Potter's House Sometimes in life you’re faced with tremendous pressure, a pressure so unbelievable, so overwhelming that before you can enjoy the highs, you’re faced with the lows. God has a purpose and plan for your life and you, like Jesus, can ride through the biggest challenge of your life and rise victorious!

Just Imagine


.by Joel Osteen Ministries on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 7:57am."No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit"(Ephesians 3:20, NIV)







TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria



When was the last time you imagined God doing something supernatural in your life? Is there a relationship that needs restoration? Is there a business you've wanted to start, but you are holding back? If there were no limitations on your life, if anything were possible, what would you be willing to imagine?



Friend, the only limits on your life are the limits you have in your mind, and God wants to do exceedingly more than you can even imagine today! He wants to overwhelm you with His goodness and amaze you with His faithfulness. But in order for Him to exceed what you've imagined, you have to at least be imagining something! Why don't you take a step of faith today and let your imagination come to life? Begin to see in your mind all the possibilities for your future. Meditate on the amazing things God has done throughout history. Let that seed of faith take root in your heart. Hold on to His promises because He is faithful. He is able to exceed your expectations and go beyond what you can imagine today!







A PRAYER FOR TODAY



Father God, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Today I submit my imagination to You. Help me to see what You see for my future. Help me to take the limits off my thinking so I can receive everything You have in store for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.



- Joel & Victoria Osteen

NEW Tye Tribbett and GA I Made It Through

Tye Tribbett & G.A. "EverythingTo Me"

Jochebed: Mom of Protection






“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.” Hebrews 11:23



Jochebed's story is a short one, but her legacy lasts through the generations. She inspires us all to be moms who protect our children. Just watching the nightly news reminds us that our world is a dangerous place. Protecting our children from every threat of danger may seem impossible. While we can’t protect them from everything, we can give them a firm foundation when they are young and raise the bar when they are teens. We can be mothers of protection. Elizabeth George writes, “Jochebed shows you how to hold up your frightening, seemingly impossible situations to your Father in heaven.”



Jochebed’s story is set in Egypt where the descendants of Abraham, the Hebrews, suffered as slaves. Although Joseph had wielded power and influence in Egypt, time had passed and the new pharaoh “did not know Joseph” (Exodus 1:8). In other words, he had no reason to protect or even respect the Hebrews. He did take notice of them because their numbers were growing–growing so fast that he decided to make their lives miserable. Hard manual labor, harsh conditions, and demanding taskmasters were part of everyday life for the Hebrews. But they continued to have children so Pharaoh took drastic measures.



The pharaoh ordered all male Hebrew babies be put to death. They were to be thrown in the river. One Hebrew couple, identified as descendants of Levi, disobeyed the pharaoh’s orders. When this wife, Jochebed, had a son they hid him from the pharaoh for three months. It took great courage and faith in God for Jochebed to protect the life of her baby. But as he grew I’m sure he became louder and more active and was harder to hide. So Jochebed built a small boat and sent her sweet baby floating down the river, with big sister Miriam following the currents.



Jochebed would agree with pastor and author David Platt who writes, “God creates, blesses, and saves each us of for a radically global purpose.” If she didn’t believe that God had a plan for her children, she would not have risked her life to protect Moses.



Even if you didn’t know Jochebed by name, the next part of the story is probably familiar to you. This baby was taken from the river by Pharaoh’s daughter. He was named “Moses” because he was drawn out of the water. Little Miriam offered to call a Hebrew nurse for the baby. She went, of course, to the baby’s own mother. Women at this time often nursed their children for three years. Though Jochebed didn’t have much time with her young son, she must have taken each precious minute and used it to its full advantage.



Jochebed not only protected baby Moses from death, she also protected her other children Miriam and Aaron. They were growing up as slaves in Egypt, and in order for them to stand firm as adults, they needed a solid foundation of faith that included protecting them from the pagan culture around them.



Scripture tells us that Jochebed protected her children because she was not afraid, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict,” (Hebrews 11:23). Their protection empowered Moses to be unafraid. “By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger for the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible,” (Hebrews 11:27).



Protecting our children does not mean we make them fearful toward the world. Protecting our children ensures that no matter what our children encounter, they will have the foundation they need to overcome obstacles and follow God’s plan for their lives.

Thinking God's Thoughts


.by Joel Osteen Ministries on Monday, September 13, 2010 at 11:48am."No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit"(1 Corinthians 2:11, NLT)







TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria



When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, God's Spirit becomes one with us and makes His home in us. Because He actually dwells in us, His thoughts and His power dwell in us. One of the ways God empowers us is through our thinking, our imagination. He wants to empower our minds because our thoughts set the direction for our lives. If we think God's thoughts, we will get God's results in our lives.



How do we know which thoughts are God's? Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of God will make it clear. When your thoughts line up with His promises, you can be sure that you are thinking His thoughts!



Today, choose to focus on God's thoughts. Let Him empower you through your union with Him. Meditate on the Word and confess His promises over your life. As you continue thinking God's thoughts, you will see God's results and live the life of victory and blessing He has prepared for you!







A PRAYER FOR TODAY



Father God, today I submit my mind, will and emotions to You. I choose to align myself with Your Word. Thank You for filling me with Your Holy Spirit and empowering me to live the life of victory You have in store for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.



- Joel & Victoria Osteen

There's no blessing without a battle and know the battles not ours!

When he speaks, do you hear what his spirit has said?



Do you look beyond words to the MAN that you've wed?


When he comes home at night, do you greet him with joy OR do harsh words come out that will cut and annoy?


He is MINE! (God's) I have formed him!


Would you question My work?


Would you win all the world-


an at home be a jerk?


The wise woman builds up her house....

What you say is what you get So if your needs aren't met Just put a bridle on your tongue And see your spiritual battles won!!! Life and death are in the power of MY tongue! (MY-being God)

The Different Kinds of Love Mentioned in the Bible

The Greek language in which the New Testament was written uses several words translated "love." The first two listed below are found in the New Testament. Understanding their meanings helps us better comprehend God's expectations of us.



Agapao (verb) is a special word representing the divine love of God toward His Son, human beings in general and believers. It is also used to depict the outwardly focused love God expects believers to have for one another. Agapao (including its noun form, agape) is "the characteristic word of Christianity, and since the Spirit of revelation has used it to express ideas previously unknown, inquiry into its use, whether in Greek literature or in the Septuagint, throws but little light upon its distinctive meaning in the N[ew] T[estament] . . ."



This special type of Christian love, "whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward men generally, is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered" (Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, "Love").



Reflecting the fact that human marriage is modeled after the divine relationship between Christ and the Church, husbands are told to love their wives with this kind of outgoing, selfless love (Ephesians 5:25, 31-32).



This kind of love is perhaps best expressed in Jesus Christ's statement in John 15:13, "Greater love [agape] has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." Jesus Himself perfectly exemplified this kind of love throughout His lifetime, continually giving of Himself and His time and energies to serve others and ultimately offering up His life as a sacrifice for all of humanity. This is the kind of love God wants each of us to exemplify in our lives and particularly in our marriages.



Phileo (verb) means "'to have ardent affection and feeling'—a type of impulsive love" (Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1995, "Love"). This is the natural, human type of love and affection that we have for a friend and is often defined as "brotherly love."



In John 21:15-16, Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him with the agapao type of love and Peter responded that he had the normal human phileo type of love for Him. Later, after receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter would be able to genuinely demonstrate agapao-type godly love, serving others throughout his lifetime and making the ultimate sacrifice in martyrdom.



Eros (noun) refers to sexual, erotic love or desire.



True love, as explained in the Bible, isn't focused on oneself and one's feelings or emotions, but is instead outwardly focused on others—wanting to best serve and care for them. True love is beautifully described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails" (NIV).

Don't let pressures beset you, nor throw you off course. For the crown of My kingdom must be taken by force! Don't look back, but press on! Run with patience that race; Set you love upon Me, and let My Word have first place.

Christi Armstrong is one of the greatest Christian poets of our generation. This is her latest stunning poem

Walking On Water
My tossed around soul
keeps churning and turning,
yearning in the waves of my life.
Move me, twist me, wind me upside down,
and rescue my coiled up soul.
Free this heart, so horribly bound
tangled in the joy that fear stole.
My prayers feel lost
and the storm rages on.
Will you breathe for me,
find my tears in the flood?
Hold my tomorrow and free it forever,
cleansing it with your blood.
I choose you again,
and I’ll cling to you,
If you cling to me.
Don’t lose my hand in the rain.
I’ll stand, if you’ll hold me,
I’ll walk, if you’ll lead.
Keep my eyes on your truth,
through the pain.
Hold my feet on this water,
guide their steps by your word,
keep the waves you now hold in your hand.
All you’ve given me is purpose,
all I need is your love,
as grace washes over,
and teaches me again,
how to stand.

Weekend challenge: Do one small act of kindness.



Why it Matters: When you perform an act of kindness or generosity, it has a domino effect. Your act of kindness speads from person to person to person, affecting the lives of dozens, maybe hundreds of people you don’t know and have never met. ...

Heart for Him ‎"I am guilty but pardoned; lost, but saved; wandering, but found; sinning, but cleansed. Keep me always clinging to thy cross, Flood me every moment with descending grace." -The Valley of Vision

T.D. Jakes Ministries/The Potter's House ‎[Repost] I pray that the power of God will saturate and rejuvenate you and give you direction in every secret place of your life. I pray that women who are broken, wounded and hurting will get answers to questions that have haunted them for years and years and that men, will be changed forever by the power of God in Jesus’ name, Amen!

Friday's challenge: Make a list of 3 things you plan to accomplish today.



Take five minutes to relax and make a list of at least three things you plan to accomplish today. Keep it realistic. If you’re working on a large task, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Check things off your list as you finish them. ...

Whenever you experience challenges or doubt your ability to accomplish what God has called you to do, say this: “I am who God says I am, I can do what He says I can do. I can have what He says I can have. I’m a child of the Most High God. If He said it, it will surely come to pass!”

The Lord will fulfill His Purpose for me;

Your love, O Lord, endures forever.
~ Psalm 138:8

Before The Morning ~ Josh Wilson

Often, when we are waiting on God to do something, we forget that there is purpose in the wait. We forget that He's working something in someone else...or lining up circumstances. Today we dare you to believe... to wait gracefully, firm in your trust of Him, no matter how hard the pain is...just remember it's the "dawn before the morning," and something better than what we could ever imagine in in the works - His plan is always better than ours.

Shania Twain - You're Still The One

On this day, God wants you to know



God wants you to know



... that God is crazy about you. God sends you fresh flowers every spring, a breathtaking sunrise every morning. If God had a wallet, your picture would be in it. If God has a refrigerator, your childhood scribbles would be on it.

Sometimes all we need is a clean slate and a fresh start.

 What people in your life motivate you to get healthy and make better decisions?

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART.  DON'T LEAN ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING, IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE WILL DIRECT YOUR PATH.

Peace is not the absence of trouble - peace is the presence of God!

Never think that God's delays are God's denials. Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patience is genius

The Respect Dare Is God teaching your husband something? :) Dare you to be wise in what you choose to say (especially now). Often, "I told you so," or "You need to...," or "Why don't you...," or, "If you would...," incites a rebellious response and gets in the way of what God is teaching. We need to: 1) let the Holy Spirit stir our husbands and, 2) not do anything that can interfere with our husband's hearing Him. :)

God wants to bless you to the point of overflow. He doesn’t want you living in lack, shame or despair. You don’t have to convince God to turn your life around. He wants to. As a matter of fact, when you prosper, it brings Him great joy (Psalm 35:27)! God has an abundance of blessings waiting for you right now. Claim them. Prepare to receive them and you will.

Dealing with Depression: Self-Help and Coping Tips

Dealing with Depression: Self-Help and Coping Tips

The only fear I have is to fear to get out of the will of God. Outside of the will of God, there's nothing I want, and in the will of God there's nothing I fear.

When God wants to bring more power into our lives, He brings more pressure. He is generating spiritual force by friction."

You Never Let Go - song by Matt Redman

Empty Me (worship video w/ lyrics)

Grace Like Rain (worship video w/ lyrics)

Seeking the Face of God

The only fear I have is to fear to get out of the will of God. Outside of the will of God, there's nothing I want, and in the will of God there's nothing I fear.

Darius Rucker- It won't be like this for long and lyrics for joshua & Sabrina

No one’s a firmer believer in the power of prayer than the devil; not that he practices it, but he suffers from it.”

Great advise for all of us

Quit playing, start praying. Quit feasting, start fasting.



Talk less with men, talk more with God. Listen less to men, listen to the words of God. Skip travel, start travail

Paula White

 A peaceful joyful countenance reflects a corresponding inner life. Joy is triggered by the expectation of something good or satisfying! God has GOOD things for you TODAY! Seek joy for yourself and others & give the gift of a silent blessing to all you encounter today so that they too can experience joy, success and delight in their lives! Remember.. you are a "world changer" :)

The Respect Dare

 Are we living life for an audience of 1, or are we pursuing our own personal happiness? God's purpose for us is holiness, not happiness. Nothing speaks as loudly to our husband as our own character - and we've seen it over and over again in Daughters and The Respect Dare experience, men become motivate to grow after they see what God is doing in our life...Dare you today to pursue holiness..."What would Jesus do?" is the question in each circumstance...

Sanctus Real - Forgiven (Official Music Video)

The Respect Dare

 Someone out there needs forgiveness on 3 levels today: 1) forgiveness from you toward your spouse, for the hurts inflicted by him over the years, 2) forgiveness for yourself, for the hurts you have caused, and 3) acceptance of God's forgiveness for these things, both for you and your husband... He forgives ALL of us when we come to Him, broken...He wipes our slates clean...

Why does God take such a strong stance against worry? Its because worry quietly eats away at your spiritual health until bitterness comes in and destroys your faith and optimism. Since we live by faith, worry chokes the very life out of us; leaving us asphyxiating on our problems and our pain. To God worry seems like a lack of confidence in Him. Trusting Him will always relieve such symptoms and bring peace.

By His Grace



.by Joel Osteen Ministries on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 8:33am."But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out His special favor on me--and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by His grace"(1 Corinthians 15:10, NLT)














TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria






In this day and age, many people are filled with worry about their future. They live stressed out, wondering "What's going to happen if I get laid off?" "How am I going to handle it if my loved one doesn't make it?" Or, "My parents are getting older. How can I take care of them and my own family as well?" Here is the answer: God's grace is going to be there at every stage of your life to help you do whatever you need to do. God's grace is what saves us, but that's not all. His grace is His enabling power. His grace will give you the strength, wisdom and favor to accomplish what you could not normally accomplish on your own. His grace is sufficient for whatever you need in your future.
If you're in a difficult marriage, if you're raising a child that's hard, if you're facing a sickness, one thing you can count on is that the grace of God will be there. Receive His grace today, by faith, and let Him empower you to walk through that difficulty into a place of supernatural victory in Jesus' name!


A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, thank You for Your grace and mercy upon my life. Thank You for empowering me to rise above every obstacle I may face. Thank You for restoring my future and equipping me to move forward into the victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.






- Joel & Victoria Osteen