Oh, Really...

“You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth” (1 Samuel 17:33, NIV)   Are you stuck in a rut today because of the negative words that have been spoken over you in the past? In today’s verse, we see that before David faced Goliath, he heard the accusing voices. But instead of listening to what others said, he chose to listen to what God said. He knew he was called, chosen and equipped to defeat that giant; and today, you are called, chosen and equipped for victory, too! Remember what we say every week at Lakewood, “I am who God says I am.” What we’re saying in effect is “I am not who my chemistry teacher says I am.” “I am not who my ex-husband or ex-wife says I am.” “I am not who my critics say I am,” and nowadays, “I am not who the bloggers say I am.” “I am who God says I am.” That means we are anointed. We are equipped. We are talented. We are redeemed. We are blessed. We have the favor of God! Today, if you’ve been held back by negative words spoken over you, ask yourself, “Who told me I’m not tall enough?” “Who told me I’m just average?” “Who told me that I’m not that talented?” Let go and forgive those people. Stop listening to the wrong voices and take the limits off of your life! And We Pray... Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word which so beautifully directs my steps. Today I step forward in confidence knowing that You are with me. I shake off negative words from the past and choose to forgive those who have hurt me. Thank You for leading me into victory! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Strong In Faith

“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6, NIV)   Are you believing that God will do something specific in your life today? Oftentimes, when we are standing in faith, the storms of life will blow. Things will come against us that try to knock our faith down. But, I to encourage you to stand strong in your faith and in your thinking so that you can be effective and see your dreams and desires come to pass. Scripture tells us that if we go back and forth on what we believe, we are unstable and ineffective. Instead, we have to be fully persuaded that the Word of God is true no matter what we see. The way you stand firm in your faith is by staying focused on God instead of your circumstances. Sing praises to Him throughout the day and guard the words that come out of your mouth. When you stand firm in your faith, you have peace. You have a supernatural rest because you know God is in complete control. You trust Him completely. Today, stand firm in your faith, watch your words, and know that He is leading you into victory in every area of your life! And In closing... Father God, today I praise You and honor You because You are God. I put my faith and trust in You knowing that You are working behind the scenes in my life. Thank You for making a way when there seems to be no way and opening doors of victory in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Stay Focused On Your Dreams

“What if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?” (Romans 3:3, KJV)   Oftentimes, people allow the opinions of others to hold them back and water down their dreams. But, we have to realize that there will always be critics and naysayers in life. One of the most important things you can learn is that other people don’t have to believe in you in order for your dreams to come to pass. Other people don’t set the limits for your life — you do! It’s not what others say about you that affects your life, but what you say and believe about yourself. When God puts a promise in your heart, it’s not up to other people to bring it to pass, it’s up to you! In today’s verse, the apostle Paul is saying, “It doesn’t matter if other people don’t believe. Their unbelief is not going to keep me from believing in my dreams.” In other words, you don’t need everyone else to validate you. You only have to follow the voice of God for yourself and allow Him to order your steps. Today, know that God sees the hidden treasures inside of you. He wants to bring those treasures out and make your dreams reality. Don’t water down your dreams. Have confidence today because He believes in you, and He is making a way for you! And So We Also Pray... Father God, thank You for believing in me. Thank You for placing the dreams and desires in my heart and for enabling them to come to pass. Help me to see the good plans You have for me so I can confidently fulfill my destiny. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Some Did Not Believe

Words For Today “What if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?” (Romans 3:3, KJV)   So often, people allow the opinions of others to hold them back and water down their dreams. We have to realize, there will always be critics and naysayers in life. One of the most important things you can learn is that other people don’t have to believe in you in order for your dreams to come to pass. Other people don’t set the limits for your life — you do. It’s not what others say about you that affects your life, but what you say and believe about yourself. In today’s verse, the apostle Paul is saying, “It doesn’t matter if other people don’t believe. Their unbelief is not going to keep me from believing in my dreams.” When God puts a promise in your heart, it’s not up to other people to bring it to pass, it’s up to you! You don’t need everyone to validate you. You have to follow the voice of God for yourself and allow Him to order your steps. Today, know that God sees the hidden treasures inside of you. He wants to bring those treasures out and make your dreams reality. As you get rid of the old, defeated thoughts and replace them with what God says about you, you will remove the limits so you can live the abundant life God has in store for you! And So We Pray... Heavenly Father, thank You for another day to see Your goodness in my life. Help me to see myself the way You see me. Help me to see the plans You have for me so that I can be empowered by You to fulfill my destiny. I love You and bless Your name today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen