Closer Than You Think

Closer Than You Think

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.

Hebrews 10:35, NKJV.

TODAY’S WORD

Have you been praying and believing for something that seems like it’s taking a lot longer than you thought? Many times, people can miss God’s best simply because they give up before they see their “due season” come. Don’t let that be you! Be encouraged today, your answer is closer than you think. If it seems like things are getting more difficult, remember, when the intensity heats up, that means you are closer to your victory. It always seems darkest just before the dawn arrives.

We serve a faithful God, and He’s working behind the scenes on your behalf. Don’t cast away your confidence today because your reward is coming. And just like a new mother forgets about her labor pain once she is finally holding her newborn, you’ll forget about your struggle when you are holding on to your promise. While you are waiting, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Wake up every morning and say out loud, “I’ve come too far to give up now. My due season is coming. I will reap my harvest.” Stay in faith and look for His hand of blessing because He has promised you victory, and it’s closer than you think!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, today I stand believing that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. Give me Your strength to stand in faith until I see every promise fulfilled in my life in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Make Integrity a Daily Decision

byRick Warren

"Better to be poor and honest than rich and dishonest." (Proverbs 19:1 LB)

God doesn't bless dishonesty. Proverbs 16:11 says, "The Lord demands fairness in every business deal" (LB). That includes wages, sales, and taxes. If you want God's blessing on your finances, you've got to be honest. You can't rip people off.

Why? Because Jesus said, "What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his soul?" (Matthew 16:26)

"The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it" (Proverbs 10:22 NIV). Have you ever known someone who made money, but it just brought them trouble? Profit made dishonestly always brings trouble — always. 

If you are dishonest with others, it will be returned to you. If you think you haven't been caught, the clock is still ticking. The game is still playing; the judgment is still out. You cannot mock God and get away with it. Whatever you sow, you will inevitably reap. 

Sometimes the pressure to get ahead — or even just the pressure to keep up — is so overwhelming that we, even as believers, are often tempted to compromise our ethics. Maybe we do a little shading of the truth in order to make a buck. Maybe we overvalue something, or maybe we just don't tell somebody what's wrong with it when we're selling it to them.

Maybe we take a deduction on our taxes that really isn't there. Or maybe we just don't tell the truth in a situation. Why? Because the draw to make a buck is so intense in our lives that many times we forget. 

The decision to do what is right and trust God is not a once-for-all decision. It is a daily, moment-by-moment decision. But, remember, God has said that he will meet your needs if you maintain your integrity.

Talk About It

• The dishonest moments of our lives are often found in the details. Take stock of the details of your life today — where you spend your pennies — and be honest with yourself and God as you evaluate your integrity.

• Is there anything you do in the quiet and darkness of an office or your home that you would not want anyone to know about in the light?