– Scripture:

                 Pushing Through

A woman who had suffered a condition of hemorrhaging for twelve years—a long succession of physicians had treated her, and treated her badly, taking all her money and leaving her worse off than before—had heard about Jesus. She slipped in from behind and touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can put a finger on his robe, I can get well.” The moment she did it, the flow of blood dried up. She could feel the change and knew her plague was over and done with.

                               Mark 5:25–29 MSG

 – Reflection:

The passage is talking about the lady in the bible who pushed through everyone to get the miracle that she knew was there. She had spent all her money on the best doctors but continued to get worse. Then, one day, she heard that Jesus was passing through her town, and her faith was awakened suddenly. She left her house determined to get to Jesus through the crowds. She had to push through doubts that it wouldn’t happen, push through her past that said she’d tried and it didn’t work out, push through fear that Jesus might not approve of her. Despite all the opposition, she kept saying, “When I get to Jesus, I will be healed.” She tapped into her great faith, reached out and touched the edge of His robe, and was healed. Jesus looked at her and said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. I didn’t even see you. Your faith caused this miracle to happen.”

Where do we go from here?

Are there blessings you’re missing, favors you’re not seeing because you’re not stretching your faith? What do you need to press through in faith? Great faith gets God’s attention. What is necessary for you to push through and get what you need from Jesus?

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for Your presence in our lives today and that our faith can push through to You and do amazing things. Thank You that we can reach out and touch You by faith. We declare that we ar stretching our faith to believe in You in greater ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

– Scripture:

                  Unexpectedly Strong     

After the death of Moses, the servant of God, God spoke to Joshua, Moses’ assistant:

“Moses, my servant, is dead. Get going. Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people. Cross to the country I’m giving to the People of Israel. I’m giving you every square inch of the land you set your foot on—just as I promised Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon east to the Great River, the Euphrates River—all the Hittite country—and then west to the Great Sea. It’s all yours. All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I’ll be with you. I won’t give up on you; I won’t leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead these people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”

                               Joshua 1:1–9 MSG

– Reflection:

God showed up in my life totally unexpectedly one evening while my wife, Karrie watched our sons I was set to have a meeting with GOD himself. Freedom House Church was having its first “Strong Men’s” event. It is where the men of the Church came together to become more for the community and help lift one another up. I was sitting in the sanctuary waiting for the church service to start. I was not sure what to expect, but I was definitely ready for anything. It was late 2013, and it would prove to be the start of a personal journey that would change my life. I had already been a part of a few careers, the first in corporate IT and banking and the second in automotive technology. I was completely content and excited about getting better at programming and having a chance to learn to be a better father and husband. Little did I know that God had other plans for me, showing up in unexpected places in unexpected ways. That night he showed up in a way that I was not expecting at all, I have heard of GOD being in the Church. I can’t really describe how it felt but I am going to try. Standing there worship with the other men, I suddenly felt a happiness that is indescribable, then came the goose bumps on my arms, and this feeling of safety I had never felt before. I knew it was GOD and I was experiencing him at that moment. I have never forgotten that and will always be on my walk until it is time for me to leave here. It was a great feeling that I hold on to each and every day.

Where do we go from here?

When I look back on that night and remember the speaker’s words of the opening night. The pastor was from Australia, and he spoke about the relationship we have with GOD and how that can be good, but our relationships with our brothers and sisters can be all bad. WE have to work on those relationships just as much as the ones we have with GOD. That first night of that conference showed me who I was to become, not how it was going to happen. That takes others to get there. To be a better husband you have to want to be that, to become a better father you have to want to be that and get in company with those that are doing those same things. Whatever has been shown to you; it is up to you to make it important to begin that walk and find others like yourself. On my journey I have become closer to a lot of people, some I helped and some helped me but those relationships have strengthened me into the person GOD is creating to do his work.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey, for those who have helped, and for those who have been an obstacle. It is because of you that we know how to be for Jesus. Allow the walks we have begun to finish with as we search for your face and hear your voice. Allow us the ability to perform the work that you have placed in front of us. In Jesus’ name, we say Amen.

 – Scripture:

                  Soul Health

The Pastor, to my good friend Gaius: How truly I love you! We’re the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do and for your good health—that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul! I was happiest when some friends arrived and told me you persist in following the way of Truth. Nothing could make me happier than getting reports that my children continue diligently in the way of Truth!

                                 3 John 1–4 MSG

 – Reflection:

If you’re living worried, bitter, guilty, and angry, those negative emotions and negative energy poison your soul and weaken your immune system’s ability to fight sickness. You lie in bed worrying about your finances all night, can’t sleep, then wonder why you have no energy, your blood pressure is high, and you have constant headaches. It might be related to bitterness over what someone did years ago. You can’t take in toxins and not be poisoned. If you get your soul healthy, many physical ailments will disappear. It’s all interconnected.

Where do we go from here?

Is your soul healthy? Ask God to show you anything causing you negative emotions, then release it to Him. When you empty the unforgiveness, the worry, the discouragement, God will cause your soul to prosper and fill you with joy and healing.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for wanting both my soul and health to prosper in all things. I choose to empty any negative emotions and attitudes so You can fill me with peace and joy. I believe You will help me keep my soul and body whole and healthy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 – Scripture:

                Being An Overcomer

Every God-begotten person conquers the world’s ways. The conquering power that brings the world to its knees is our faith. The person who wins out over the world’s ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God.

                        1 John 5:4–5 MSG

 – Reflection:

Many people are not reaching their potential because their vision is limited. They’re talented and have favor, but they don’t see themselves accomplishing dreams, being blessed, or living healthily. You will never rise any higher than the way you see yourself. Through your eyes of faith, you need to see yourself the way you want to be. You may be fighting an illness, but you need to see yourself healthy. If you’re struggling with your finances, you need to see yourself out of debt, with abundance, being a blessing to others. If you’re dealing with an addiction, don’t let that negative image take root. Don’t see yourself defeated or dysfunctional as someone who “can’t break it.” 

Where do we go from here?

Get a new image. See yourself being free. See yourself whole. See yourself as a child of the Most High God. See yourself as an overcomer, as “more than a conqueror through Him who loved us.” Your inner vision is setting the limits for your life. The pictures you keep in front of you, in your imagination, that’s what you’re moving toward.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for being my God and making me into a brand-new creation in Jesus. Thank You that I was born to overcome and see myself as free and whole. I believe and declare that I am more than a conqueror by faith, a victor and not a victim of circumstances. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 – Scripture:

               Remembrance

Once again, I’ll go over what God has done and lay out the ancient wonders on the table; I’ll ponder all the things you’ve accomplished and give a long, loving look at your acts.

                            Psalm 77:11–12 MSG

 – Reflection:

It’s hard to complain when you constantly think about how good God has been to you. It’s hard to be negative when you are always talking about God’s blessings and favor in your life. Too often, though, we remember what we should forget—our disappointments, hurts, and failures—and we forget what we should remember—our victories, successes, and the good times.

Where do we go from here?

You must remember God’s goodness regularly, simply thinking about the significant victories in your life, the unexpected successes, or the times when you knew that God intervened in your circumstances and protected you. Remember when you knew your sins were forgiven and became a child of God. If you get this awareness of God’s goodness down inside you, your faith will grow, and your joy will overflow.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for all the amazing things You’ve done in my life, the victories You’ve helped me win, the restoration, the vindication, and the favor You’ve shown. Help me remember the doors You’ve opened for me and the times You’ve protected, promoted, and given me opportunities. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.