Be Glad Always

Be Glad Always TODAY’S VERSE: "Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always)" (I Thessalonians 5:16, AMP). TODAY’S WORD: How determined are you to enjoy each and every day? In today’s verse, notice how long we are supposed to be glad hearted. As long as people treat us right? As long as we feel okay? As long as the economy is up? No, it says, “Be glad hearted continually and always.” That means we’re to be glad in the good times and in the tough times, when it’s sunny and when it’s raining. When those dark clouds are over your head and you feel like life is kind of depressing, kind of gloomy, always remember right above those dark clouds the sun is shining. You may not be able to see the sun in your life right now, but that doesn’t mean it’s not up there. The good news is that those clouds are just temporary. The sun is going to shine in your life once again. In the meantime, keep your joy. Be glad hearted continually! Don’t let a few clouds sour your life. On the other side of every difficulty, the sun is shining! Make the decision to be glad always, and you’ll move forward in the victory He has in store for you! PRAYER FOR TODAY: Heavenly Father, today I choose joy. I choose to make the most of every day. No matter what is happening around me, I choose to focus on your goodness so that I can move forward in the blessing you have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Let God Breathe New Life into Your Healthy Efforts by Rick Warren “We will never turn our back on you; breathe life into our lungs so we can shout your name!” (Psalm 80:18 MSG) Psalm 80:18 says, “We will never turn our back on you; breathe life into our lungs so we can shout your name!” (MSG Breathing is one of the few functions of your body that you do automatically — but it can also be done mindfully. When you remember to breathe deeply, you can actually clear your body and mind. By slowing your breathing, you can lower your heart rate and your stress level! Breathing is a powerful way to strengthen your body. Mindful breathing is a reminder that your need for intimacy with God is like your need to breathe in air. King David sang, “I live and breathe GOD” (Psalm 34:2 MSG). God can breathe new life into you and your efforts to become healthier. He says,“I will put breath into you and bring you back to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 37:6b TEV). Talk It Over What does it mean to “live and breathe God”? Why is this significant to your success in the Daniel Plan? What does the truth that God can breathe new life into you mean to your efforts to become Daniel Strong? Taking five slow, deep breaths before you eat can help you eat less and enjoy the food more. Try this during your next meal. How does it affect the way you eat and the way you feel during and after the meal?