Constantly Speak

Constantly Speak

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises

Psalm 34:1, NLT.

TODAY’S WORD

When you wake up in the morning, do you expect the goodness of God in your life? Do you set the tone of the day for success, favor and blessing with your words? Scripture tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. That’s why it’s so important to declare praises to God all throughout the day. Things may be bad all around you, people may be negative, complaining and discouraged, but don’t let that spirit rub off on you. The worse it gets, the brighter you’re going to shine. The good news is that no matter how you feel, no matter what’s going on around you, you can choose your words. There’s nothing that can stop you from constantly speaking His Word!

Today I encourage you, be determined to set the tone for your day, week, month and year by praising God and speaking words of faith over your future. Remember, when you put God first, He promises to honor you. He will pour out His favor on you and lead you into life, health, strength and blessing all the days of your life!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, I choose to bless You at all times. I choose to set the tone to receive Your favor, grace and mercy. Thank You for Your faithfulness at all times in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

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The Practice of Surrender by Rick Warren “If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their lives to follow me.” (Matthew 16:24 NCV) Paul’s moment of surrender occurred on the Damascus road after a blinding light knocked him down. For others, less drastic methods are needed to get their attention. Regardless, surrendering is never just a one-time event. Paul said, "I die daily" (1 Corinthians 15:31b NASB). There is a moment of surrender and there is the practice of surrender, which is moment-by-moment and life-long. The problem with a living sacrifice is that it can crawl off the altar, so you may have to re-surrender your life 50 times a day: “If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their lives to follow me” (Matthew 16:24 NCV). Let me warn you: When you decide to live a totally surrendered life, that decision will be tested. Sometimes it will mean doing inconvenient, unpopular, costly, or seemingly impossible tasks. It will often mean doing the opposite of what you feel like doing. “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5 NKJV). We are, by nature, self-centered. When hurt by someone, your natural inclination is to hurt back. It is natural to hoard money instead of generously sharing it, to defend yourself when criticized, to hide your mistakes instead of confessing them, and to try to impress others. You can usually figure out what will please God by doing the opposite of your natural inclination. Bill Bright founded Campus Crusade for Christ, and through the worldwide Crusade staff, his tract “The Four Spiritual Laws,” and the “Jesus” film (seen by more than 1 billion people), it’s estimated that more than 150 million people have come to Christ and will spend eternity in Heaven. I once asked Bill, "Why did God use and bless your life so much?" He said, "When I was a young man I made a contract with God. I literally wrote it out and signed my name at the bottom. It said ‘From this day forward, I am a slave of Jesus Christ.’" Have you signed a contract like that with God? Or, are you still arguing and struggling with God over his right to do with your life as he pleases? It is time to surrender — to God’s grace, love, and wisdom. Talk About It - What characteristics about yourself will you have to adapt in order to do “inconvenient, unpopular, costly, or seemingly impossible tasks” because of your surrender? - Ask your small group or accountability partner to pray for you as you struggle to overcome your pride, ambition, and selfishness and surrender your life to Christ.