Today’s Word with Joel & Victoria Osteen Ministries

Today’s Scripture
“A good mans leaves an inheritance [of moral stability and goodness] to his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner [finds its way eventually] into the hands of the righteous, for whom it was laid up.”
(Proverbs 13:22, AMPC)

He Brings Treasures to the Righteous
Did you know there are resources and blessings laid up for the righteous? There are funds that will eventually be transferred over into the hands of the people who will use them for God’s purposes. In the Scripture, God is called “the Lord of the Sabbath.” That means He is “the God who puts His armor on and goes to war against those who hold His treasure from His purposes.” Just imagine God getting His armor on and going into the forces of darkness and saying, “Okay, I’ll take those funds. I need them for My children. I’ll take these businesses, these ideas, these contracts. They have My children’s names on them.” Friends, God is fighting your battles for you. He has immeasurable favor that He is going to transfer into the hands of the righteous. The key is to make sure you’re in the righteous group. Make sure you are honoring God with your life and keeping your heart pure. Let go of any weights or any sins that are holding you back. As long as you stay in faith and live righteously before Him, God has promised abundance.

A Prayer for Today
“Father God, thank You for fighting my battles. Help me to keep my heart pure so that I honor you with my life in Jesus’ name. Amen!”

One Lost Lamb By Bobby Schuller

http://hourofpower.org/one-lost-lamb/

“Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

– Luke 15:3-7

What do you picture when you think of a Shepherd? In Jesus’ day, those called to tend the sheep were usually teenage boys around the age of 14 or 15. Being made responsible for the flocks was kind of like a rite of passage for young men, who would be given a bunch of sheep, not only belonging to their own families, but also to others in their village. It was a big responsibility for those who were called, and in a way, their pride was on the line. Shepherds were earning their place as men in society by fighting off lions and bears and protecting helpless little lambs. So well did an overseer know his flock that he typically had a name for each sheep. Thus, when one of the animals in his charge went missing, he would call it out by name. Even if he had to search all night long, once he found his lamb, he would go running into town and tell everyone that the flock was complete again. Upon hearing this news, the people of his village would be just as happy as he was — it was a big deal!

Friend, Jesus loves lost lambs. He looked his accusers, the Pharisees, straight in the eye and told them with assurance that one sinful man or woman coming to repentance was cause for a celebration far greater than for the 99 who saw no need to humble their hearts. I urge you, therefore, to assume the same humility that the Savior did when He embraced sinners with radical grace. Just as He emptied Himself of His right to be God in order to relate to humans, may you surrender your “right to be right” in order to win the hearts and souls of those whose who are lost, even if their debauched lifestyle frightens you. Stop hiding behind rules and regulations, and start seeking the ones who have wandered away from the flock. You may be the only one who can bring them back! Isn’t that an incredible thought?

Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for seeking me when I was a lost lamb. I pray for a heart full of radical grace that loves others and welcomes them, regardless of how “messed up” they are.

Reflection
Who are the “lost lambs” in your world? Is Jesus calling you to go after them?

Friday, Sixth Week of Easter The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Luke 1.39-56

Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb.

And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

“The Lord’s mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

“The Lord has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

And Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.

Today, we honor Mary, the Mother of God. Through her example,we learn to follow Jesus. Mary was the first and greatest disciple because she believed and trusted in God’s promise to her. Mary is our model, our teacher, our guide, our inspiration, our sweetness and our hope.

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When Darkness Calls

A Mindful Spirit

My Joyous Feature

A mindful spirit shall come up beneath that pure source.

Mindfulness can cherish through that very minute.

In that spirited mind something can take a soothing reaction.

Needing some guidance throughout that mindful life.

Dancing spirits shall formed in a very unique manner.

Feeling like there’s that total bond to move along with it.

Unique and bringing that relaxing feeling at a pleasant form.

Living in that spirited mind.

Spirits shall rise through.

Putting that bit of life a lot more like a puzzle.

Incredibly a mindful spirit shall form at anyway.

Realize there’s something to unfold up to.

In that unique moment spirits shall sense some empowerment.

Taking it into a relaxing solution.

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Today’s Word with Joel & Victoria Osteen Ministries

Today’s Scripture
“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…”
(Philippians 3:13, NIV)

Failure Is Not Final
Are you down on yourself today because of past mistakes you’ve made or because you’re not where you want to be in life? God knows every poor choice, every difficulty, every wrong turn you may have made, and He’s already planned your comeback! In Scripture, the prophet Jonah took a detour, so to speak. It took him a little bit longer, but because he called out to God, because he believed, God not only rescued him, but God got him to his final destination.

Friend, know today that failure is not final. God always has the final say. Mistakes don’t have to keep you from your destiny. God’s plan can override every setback. Your world may be in turmoil today in a relationship, in your finances or health. But know this: not only will God rescue you, He will set your feet on a rock and lead you to your final destination in life. Remember, the promise He placed on the inside of you didn’t go away because you had some personal failures. No, that failure is only temporary, but His Word remains forever! Keep hoping, keep believing because He will move you into the blessing and victory He has prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today
“Father God, thank You for Your hand of victory and blessing that is on my life. Today, I shake off the past, I shake off failure, I shake off poor choices and trust that You are restoring me and leading me into the plan You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen!”

Dining at the Table with Jesus By Bobby Schuller

Originally posted here: http://hourofpower.org/dining-at-the-table-with-jesus/

““Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’”

– Luke 15:1,2

Did you know that Jesus was less fond of religious people than He was of those who lived completely immoral lives? In fact, He preached more often to the pastors of His day (aka the Pharisees) about hell and condemnation than He ever did to the sinners. Our Lord loves the broken, the downtrodden, the hurting, and the lost, and He wants to show them what it looks like to live in His Kingdom.

One of the boldest things the Savior ever did was to sit down and eat with tax collectors and sinners, because in His day, to eat with a person was to call them an equal. This is why kings would dine away from the “commoners” and people of different classes would be segregated at meals. How shocking, then, that this miracle-worker, who was very clearly from God and was a conduit of His divine power, was blatantly doing things He wasn’t supposed to do. It bewildered the Pharisees then and it still confuses “religious” people today. Even the Lord’s disciples were stunned at the radical acceptance their Rabbi had for transgressors, especially when they approached to find Him talking with a Samaritan woman who had been married five times (John 4). And yet, such was the life-altering, world-changing ministry of Jesus Christ!

Friend, the most blessed life is a humble life. Jesus didn’t inherently dislike religious people; the problem was that (for the most part) they did not possess humility of heart that enabled them to see their need for a Savior. On the contrary, those who were outcast by society for their bad behavior had no problem admitting to their “issues” because they were already known for them. Since they were forced to own their sin day after day, bringing it to the Lord wasn’t a problem; they were who they were. Like them, I encourage you to take ownership of your humanity and live in the reality of your imperfections and struggles. As tempting as it is to pretend to be better than you are, you will never encounter Jesus in that place. Sit at the table with Him and let it all hang out; He welcomes you there, and that’s good news!

Prayer
Jesus, thank you for welcoming me to sit at the table with you, even in the midst of my sin and struggles. I embrace your friendship today.

Reflection
Do you identify most with the Pharisees or with the sinners dining with the Savior? Why?

Thursday, Sixth Week of Easter

Psalm 98

The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have won him victory.

The Lord has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel.

All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.

Mary our mother sustains us in moments of darkness, difficulty and apparent defeat.
~ Pope Francis

Today’s Word with Joel & Victoria Osteen Ministries

Today’s Scripture
“Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.”
(Proverbs 21:5, MSG)

Be Proactive in Sharing God’s Love
Are you kind and considerate to people? Do you walk in love and prefer others above yourself? This passage tells us to be proactive! Notice the word “aim” and “seek.” You must be on the lookout to share God’s mercy and kindness and be good to all people. Moreover, we need to be kind to people even when they don’t deserve it. We need to walk in love and be courteous even when somebody is unkind to us.

The way you treat others has a great impact on how much of the blessings and favor of God you’re going to experience. Aim for kindness and seek to do good. As you do, God will reward your efforts and pour out His abundant blessing on you. As you extend God’s mercy to all those around you, you will discover the champion in you!

A Prayer for Today
“Father in heaven, thank You for Your goodness in my life. I choose to focus on You today no matter what my circumstances may look like. Give me Your peace as I keep my mind stayed on You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”