Avoid the Trap

Avoid the Trap TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25, NIV. TODAY'S WORD: Fear is one of the enemy’s favorite tools to keep us from going forward in our lives. As soon as we make a decision to step out in faith and do what God is telling us to do, immediately the enemy will bring fear. He’ll put thoughts in your mind like, “What if I fail? What will others think? Maybe I don’t have what it takes.” He’ll do his best to use fear to try to convince you to shrink back and just stay right where you are. The Bible tells us that fear is a spirit. It affects your emotions. But when you choose to put your trust in the Lord, no matter how you are feeling, you are combating fear. Today I encourage you, don’t allow fear to trap you and hold you back. Instead, take a step of faith knowing that God is on your side. He is for you and with you, leading and guiding you in the path of victory all the days of your life! PRAYER FOR TODAY: Father, I choose to put my trust in You. I choose to press forward and overcome fear. I believe You are with me; I believe You love me, and You are leading me in paths of righteousness all the days of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Best Time to Love Is Now   by Rick Warren “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Never tell your neighbor to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.” Proverbs 3:27-28 (GN) The best time to love is now — not tomorrow. Not later. Not someday. Not one of these days. Not when you get around to it. Not soon. Now. I don’t understand all these people who say, “I’m going to save all my money, and when I die, I’m going to give it away to charity.” Why do that? Why not enjoy giving? Why not get the joy of giving by doing it now? Whatever you’re going to give of yourself, give it now! Years ago, we received a check at Saddleback from a couple who knew we needed to upgrade our worship center from analog to digital and replace equipment that was more than 15 years old. The check was for half a million dollars, and it had a note with it that said, “It’d be great to have some new carpet, too.” Those people got a whole lot more joy out of giving now rather than after they’re dead. This is why I say, “Do your givin’ while you’re livin,’ then you’re knowin’ where it’s goin.’” And, it will give you joy! The Bible says, “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Never tell your neighbor to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now”Proverbs 3:27-28 (GN). Never procrastinate in showing love. Don’t delay. Don’t put it off. Do it now. Talk It Over What do you need to do today to show love to someone in your life? What are the distractions or excuses that keep you from loving well now? What is it that God is asking you to give now that you have put off?