The Highest Power

The Highest Power TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. Nehemiah 9:6, NIV. TODAY'S WORD: So many people today are looking for answers. They are looking for direction and tuning in to different voices around them. They think the universe is going to direct them or the stars will lead them. But, why would you turn to the stars for your answers when you can turn to the one who made the stars? God didn’t just put you on the Earth and say, “Good luck. You’re on your own. I hope you make it.” No, He created us for fellowship with Him. He created us for relationship. He wants us to choose Him over anything else this world has to offer. Today, don’t settle for second best. Don’t just look to a higher power; look to the Highest Power. Look to God, the Creator of the universe. He is good and has a good plan for your life. If you’ve never turned to God, call on Him today. Ask Him to reveal Himself to You. Ask Him to show you His ways so that you can walk with Him and know Him all the days of your life! PRAYER FOR TODAY: Father, today I acknowledge that You alone are God. You are the highest authority among heaven and earth. Show me Your ways. Show me Your love. Help me to hear Your voice so that I can walk with You in peace and freedom in Jesus’ name. Amen.

PS... 

You Are God’s Work of Art by Rick Warren “You made my whole being; you formed me in my mother’s body. I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14 NCV) God made you in an amazing and wonderful way! Psalm 139:13-14 says, “You made my whole being; you formed me in my mother’s body. I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well” (NCV). God sees you as a work of art. He does not look at you critically but with deep love. Our bodies are his workmanship. Knowing that truth, what is the right attitude toward your body? Don't reject it, and don't neglect it. Keeping your body in shape is a spiritual discipline. God created your body, Jesus died for it, the Holy Spirit lives in it, your body is connected to Christ, and it’s going to be resurrected one day. One day God will hold you accountable for how you managed your body. But he doesn’t leave you alone to do that. He is with you every step of your journey to become Daniel Strong. Talk It Over God gave you the body that you will need to complete your mission here on Earth. How does that change the way you look at your body?   When you reject your body, you are essentially saying, “God, you made a mistake!” What would be a better way to talk to God about your body?   What are the strengths God has given you? What can you do with those strengths for God’s glory?

Dinner for Tonight =)

 

Seafood... yummy =)

Listen =)

Let gratitude in =)

Gal 5:22

Tune in to Him

Tune in to Him TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27, NIV. TODAY'S WORD: Right now, there are hundreds of radio frequencies in the air, hundreds of television signals all around you. But, you don’t hear them all. The reason is that you’re not tuned in. If you tune a radio or television to one of those frequencies, then you would pick up the signal. In the same way, God is constantly transmitting to us. He wants to lead us, guide us, protect us and give us insight. But too often, we’re not tuned to His frequency. You have to pay attention to Him and learn His voice. God doesn’t speak to us most of the time out loud. He speaks to us through subtle things. He leads us by peace inside. The best way to “tune in to His frequency” is by reading and meditating on His Word. The more know His Word, the more you know His voice. It’s like when you constantly tune in to a radio station and learn that DJ’s voice, you’ll recognize that voice when you are in a restaurant or at the mall. It’s the same idea. Tune in to God’s Word, tune in to Him and let Him lead you and guide you into victory all the days of your life! PRAYER FOR TODAY: Father, thank You for leading me and guiding me in Your truth. I choose to tune in to You, I choose to tune in to Your Word. Help me to hear Your voice so that I can follow Your leading all the days of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sleep Is God’s Gift by Rick Warren “God gives rest to his loved ones.” (Psalm 127:2b NLT) The Bible says, “God gives rest to his loved ones” (Psalm 127:2b NLT). When you sleep, your heavenly Father watches over you in love. Sleep is God’s gift; to accept that gift is an act of trust. He restores your body and energy through sleep. One of the hidden triggers to over-eating is lack of rest. When we’re overtired, we often try to boost our energy with caffeine or sugar or carbs, which ultimately leaves us more tired than before. Trusting God enough to sleep builds your faith. Why does sleep require trust? Because we tend to overload our schedules and think that we don’t have time to get the proper amount of sleep. Jesus relaxed, and he never felt guilty about it. Even God took a day off after Creation. Who are we to think we’re too busy to get the proper rest? Talk It Over How might giving yourself the gift of a good night’s sleep help you meet your Daniel Plan goals?   Matthew 11:28-29 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” What longings stir in you when you read Jesus’ invitation to rest?   What needs to change about your schedule and priorities so that you can make more time for rest? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT0DD7XsDzA

Faithful Love =)

Stay =)

 

closer...

Warmth =)

Psalm 116:2

Activate Favor

Activate Favor TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: " …The LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless" (Psalm 84:11, NIV). TODAY'S WORD: Favor is a part of your inheritance! You don't have to beg God for it; as a believer in Jesus, you are in covenant with Him. That means that everything He has is yours! The way you tap into that favor, or activate it, is by thanking Him for it. Say, "Father, thank You for Your favor today. Thank You that Your favor is causing me to be at the right place at the right time. Thank You that Your favor is causing people to want to be good to me.” See, you don't have to pray about something that you already have, just receive it by thanking Him. Before I speak each week, I never say, "God, please give me Your favor. Please give me Your anointing.” No, I simply say, "God, thank You for Your anointing. Thank You for Your favor on my life. Thank You for equipping and empowering me.” See, I know that it’s all part of my inheritance. So I just act like it's true. Today, activate His promises by faith. Praise and thank Him for His goodness and for blessing your life. Receive His Word as truth and hold it in your heart because He has already given His favor and blessing to you! PRAYER FOR TODAY: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your favor and blessing in my life. Thank You for cleansing me and making me new. You’re Word says that You will withhold no good thing from me because I walk blamelessly before You by the blood of Jesus. I receive it by faith and thank You for Your goodness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PS...

God’s Unlimited Resources Are Available to You by Rick Warren “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:1-2 NIV) As you work to become Daniel Strong, stress will undoubtedly try to pull you away from your goals. The problems of everyday life often tempt us to make unhealthy choices out of convenience or as a temporary fix for handling stress. But the truth is, problems will follow you the rest of your life. If you’re waiting to deal with stress until you make it to a new stage in your life, you’ll be waiting a long time! Colossians 3:1-2 says, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (NIV). Stress is a choice. We get stressed out when we choose to focus on our own limited resources instead of focusing on the unlimited resources available through our heavenly Father. You’ll never get healthy by trying to overcome obstacles through your own willpower; it simply isn’t strong enough. Focus on the fact that God is big enough to get you through any challenges you face in the Daniel Plan and for the rest of your life. Talk It Over What causes you the greatest stress? Why do you think that’s so? How do you think God may help in this situation? What keeps you from letting him help? How can you keep yourself focused on Jesus rather than your daily stresses?

I Owe You =)

Stay Stronger =)

My warmest prayer to my friend Shirley to stay stronger.

Everything will be ok soon. =)

He Will Complete It

He Will Complete It TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: And David said to his son Solomon, ‘Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God--my God--will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD’ 1 Chronicles 28:20, NKJV. TODAY'S WORD: Is there something you’ve been believing for, something you’ve been hoping for that’s taking longer than you expected? You might be tempted to just accept things the way they are. You might be tempted to think it’s never going to happen. If that’s you today, be encouraged because God is a finisher! He will complete what He’s started in you! Your part is to believe. Your part is to keep your eyes on Him. When you believe, you have the Creator of the universe fighting your battles, arranging things in your favor, going before you, moving the wrong people out of the way. Don’t be intimidated by the size of a problem or the size of your dream! Don’t let circumstances convince you to stop believing. “Jehovah Jireh, the Lord our Provider, is still on the throne. One touch of God’s favor and you’ll go from barely getting by to having more than enough! Begin to thank Him and declare that God is at work. Declare that He is perfecting what concerns you. Declare that He will complete everything He’s started in your life! PRAYER FOR TODAY: Father God, I thank You for completing every good work that You have started in my life. I choose to believe Your Word, even when things look impossible. I choose to believe that You are working behind the scenes and that You will bring victory and breakthrough to every area of my life in Jesus’ name! Amen.

PS... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYlac9kB37k

When It Comes to Healthful Foods, Use Your Head

by Rick Warren

“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise.”(Ephesians 5:15 NIV) 
 

The Bible says, “Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise”(Ephesians 5:15 NIV).

One of the things you’re learning in your efforts to become Daniel Strong is that real change requires you to face the truth.

Behind every self-defeating behavior is a lie we believe, such as, “I can trust any food that is labeled ‘healthy,’ ‘all natural,’ ‘diet,’ or ‘fat free.’”

Changing eating habits begins with developing discernment. If a food is labeled “healthy” but has 20 ingredients, 19 of which you can’t pronounce, that label is lying. Educate yourself about what is truly healthful food, like fresh vegetables, lean meat, nuts, and fruit.

While it may seem confusing at first, it is really quite simple to eat healthy. Once you learn to recognize lying labels, you’ll feel empowered to make the best choices for your body.

God wants you to “use your head — and heart! — to discern what is right, to test what is authentically right” (John 17:24 MSG).

Talk It Over

• What changes do you and your family need to make so you can cultivate the habit of reading labels and seeking God’s wisdom when it comes to your food choices?
   
• What are some of the surprising things you’ve learned so far about lying labels?
   
• Think about and talk about this statement with your small group: “I’ve come to look at this process as embracing healthy choices rather than denying myself” (Lysa TerKeurst).

Angels Move on Your Behalf

Angels Move on Your Behalf TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Psalm 103:20, NIV. TODAY'S WORD: Did you know that when you speak words of faith, angels are commissioned to move on your behalf? The Scripture tells us that God gives His angels charge over us. That means, when God hears you declaring His Word, He says to the angels, “Do you hear what My child is saying? They are speaking faith. Angels, I have an assignment for you. Go down there and begin to turn the situation around.” And the angels obey His Word! If we could pull back the curtain on the unseen spiritual realm, we would see a host of angels and heavenly beings watching over us. That’s why it’s so important to guard what we say because with our words, we either open a door for God and His angels to move on our behalf, or we open a door for the enemy and the forces of darkness. Make the decision today to only speak words of faith and life over you, your home and your family. Declare God’s Word and His promises and let your words set the angels into motion to help you fulfill the destiny God has planned for you! PRAYER FOR TODAY: Father, thank You for calling and equipping me. Thank You for giving Your angels charge over me to protect and guide me. I will declare Your Word over my life and choose to honor You in all I do in Jesus’ name. Amen.

PS... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4qAhKoKQhw

Think Clearly About What You Eat

by Rick Warren

“‘Test us for ten days,’ he said. ‘Give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare us with the young men who are eating the food of the royal court, and base your decision on how we look.’ [The guard] agreed to let them try it for ten days. When the time was up, they looked healthier and stronger than all those who had been eating the royal food.” (Daniel 1:12-15 TEV)

When Daniel refused to become unclean by eating the food of King Nebuchadnezzar’s court, he made a deal with the guard: “‘Test us for ten days,’ he said. ‘Give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare us with the young men who are eating the food of the royal court, and base your decision on how we look.’ [The guard] agreed to let them try it for ten days. When the time was up, they looked healthier and stronger than all those who had been eating the royal food” (Daniel 1:12-15 TEV).

Daniel didn’t just eat haphazardly, accepting whatever was placed in front of him. He was intentional about what he ate.

When you think clearly about what you eat, God empowers you to continue to make good choices. Clear thinking leads to self-control.

By thinking ahead of time, you can prepare so that you won’t have a “food emergency.” This enables you to eat healthful snacks that you packed ahead of time, and you won’t crash in the afternoon because you ate a greasy fast-food lunch.

Instead, you’ll be on top of your game, ready to do whatever it is that God calls you to do. Being mindful and conscious, thinking clearly, and exercising self-control, you can become Daniel Strong.

Talk It Over

• Share three things you can do to think clearly and prepare in order to avoid a food emergency.
• What time of day are you most likely to have a “food emergency”? How can you prepare for these times when you are vulnerable?
• What changes do you notice in yourself when you practice mindful and intentional eating?

Serene =)

John 14:8

Born into Privilege

Born into Privilege TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared... 1 John 3:2, ESV. TODAY'S WORD: What if you had been born to the Rockefeller family? You’d expect to have some advantages, wouldn’t you? If you were born into the Kennedy family or the Bill Gates family, you’d probably get preferential treatment. You’d expect things that other people may not expect. The good news today is that when you receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, you are born again into the right family! You come from a royal bloodline. Your Father owns everything. He has special connections. Now you need to hold your head up high and start expecting to stand out from the crowd. Start expecting good breaks, divine connections and opportunities to come your way. You have favor because of who your Father is. You are born into privilege, so expect His abundant favor on your life today! PRAYER FOR TODAY: Father, thank You for receiving me into Your family. Thank You for pouring out Your abundant blessing on me. I love You and bless You because You are good and Your mercy endures forever in Jesus’ name. Amen.

PS...  

Commit to What’s Best and Not Just What’s Good

by Rick Warren

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2 NIV)                                                                                                          

Many of us believe we can multi-task without limits. However our brain isn’t a computer; it can’t run different programs simultaneously. When we think we are “multi-tasking,” we are actually switching rapidly between tasks. Our attention is divided. That’s why people crash their cars when they try to text and drive.

And it’s why people crash in their journey to get healthy. Getting healthy the right way requires a relentless focus on God and his plan for healthy living. You must focus on what’s most important and not allow yourself to get distracted by the trivial. If Satan can’t get you to do wrong, he’ll simply wear you out with a lot of good things. He’ll get you over-committed to the good but not the best.

The Bible says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2 NIV).

As you make the commitment to get healthy, lay aside what doesn’t matter so you can focus on Jesus and his plan for your body.

Talk It Over

• What are the insignificant things that distract you from the people and things in your life to which God has called you?
• What do you want to accomplish through the Daniel Plan? What motivates you?
• By succeeding at the Daniel Plan, how will your life be different in five years?