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’s taking longer than you thought? Many times, people can miss God’s best simply because they give up before they see their answer 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 appears.    Friend, remember, you serve a faithful God. Know that He is 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 when she is finally holding her newborn, you’ll forget about your struggle when you are holding your promise. While you are waiting, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Wake up every morning and declare, “I’ve come too far to give up now. My due season is coming. I will reap my harvest.” Stay in faith and be on the lookout 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 continue believing until I see Your promises fulfilled in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen. PS... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXbBdOGRmfQ Convictions Help Us Live Like We Believe                                              by Rick Warren   “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 (NRSV)   Dictionaries usually define conviction as a fixed or strong belief. Conviction is really much more than that. Your convictions include your values, commitments, and motivations. I like the definition of conviction I once heard from the great Bible teacher Howard Hendricks: “A belief is something you will argue about. A conviction is something you will die for!” Our convictions determine our conduct. They motivate us to take a stand and to act according to our values.         When you first become a Christian, you often do things simply because other Christians around you suggest or model them. You may pray, read the Bible, and attend services because you see the examples of others. This is fine for a new Christian; little children learn the same way. However, as you grow, you must eventually develop your own reasons for doing what you do. Those reasons become convictions. Biblical convictions are essential for spiritual growth and maturity. What is ironic today is that people often have strong convictions about weak issues (football, fashion, etc.) while having weak convictions about major issues (what is right and what is wrong). Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (NRSV). What convictions define your faith? Talk It Over Think about your walk with Jesus, and make a list of the convictions you now hold. Are your convictions weak on any major issues? How have you seen your convictions affect decisions you’ve made? Is there a time when you made a decision that was not based on your convictions? On what issues do you need to take a stand based on your convictions?