Today's Scripture:
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."
(2 Timothy 1:7, NLT).
Today's Word:
God’s desire is that we continually progress, that we reach higher heights and go to new levels. Oftentimes, as soon as we make the decision to step out in faith and obey God, the enemy brings in fear to try to stop us. He’ll bring thoughts like, “What if you fail? What are other people going to think? You don’t have what it takes.” He’ll do his best to use fear to try to convince us to shrink back and stay where we are.
The Bible says that fear is a spirit. It plays on our emotions and holds us back. But the good news is that we have power over fear! The Bible says that perfect love casts out all fear. When we receive God’s perfect love, we will have confidence about the future because we know His plans are for our good. I’ve heard it said that fear is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. Understand that fear is a lie. Today, choose to believe God’s Word and receive His love so that you can overcome fear and move forward into the good life He has prepared for you!
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You for taking me to new levels. I know You have equipped me with a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. Thank You for Your confidence as I renounce fear and press forward in victory in Jesus’ name. Amen.
By Rick Warren — June 17, 2014
Sing Your Thanks to the Lord
"Sing out your thanks to him; sing praises to our God." (Psalm 147:7a LB)Learning to thank God for what he has given us is an important part of our spiritual journey. So how do you make gratitude to God an important part of your life?One of the most important ways to do so is by singing. The Bible says, "Sing out your thanks to him; sing praises to our God" (Psalm 147:7a LB). Nothing makes you aware of God's presence more quickly than singing your praise to God. It doesn’t matter how much musical talent you have, either. The Bible urges us to make a joyful noise. Even pigs do that as they eat! If pigs can make a joyful noise, so can you.Christianity is a singing faith. There are more songs about Jesus Christ than anything or anyone else, even love. That’s why you need to be part of a local church. It’s not just about listening to a weekly message from the Bible. At least once a week, you need the emotional expression that comes from singing thanks to God. If you don't, your heart will shrivel. You can’t be a healthy Christian on sermons alone. You need both the impression from the message and the expression through the music.I have discovered that the times when I least feel like singing are when I need to do it the most. When my heart is cold, I need to be renewed, restored, and recharged through singing thanks to God. In my hectic schedule, I find listening to music and singing praise to God renews my soul.So turn on your favorite worship songs or find a good Christian radio station, and sing along. Thank God for all he has given you. And make a joyful noise to the Lord while you’re at it.
Talk It OverWhat are some of your favorite praise songs? Why do you like them?What keeps you from singing during private and corporate times of worship?Share about a time when singing praise to God helped lift your mood.
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