Dont Let Others Control You

TODAYS SCRIPTURE

It is an honor for a man to cease from strife and keep aloof from it, but every fool will quarrel.
(Proverbs 20:3, AMP)



TODAYS WORD from Joel and Victoria

Did you know that when you allow someone elses words or actions to upset you, youre allowing
them to control you? When you say, You make me so mad, youre really just admitting that their
actions have power over you. As long as that person knows they can push your buttons, as long as
you keep responding the same way, you are giving them exactly what they want. Sure, people have
a right to say and do things that are upsetting, but we also have a right to not get offended. We
have a right to overlook their actions. In fact, the Bible says that its an honor for a man to keep
aloof from strife. In other words, we have to remove ourselves, either physically or emotionally,
from strife and offense. Its not easy, but we can choose to let it roll off of us like water off a ducks
back!
Remember, you dont need everyone to agree with you all the time. You dont have to have the
approval of others in order to be approved by God. Your job is to be the person God made you to
be. Overlook offenses and let go of strife so you can live in peace and victory all the days of your
life!


A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for loving, accepting and approving me just as I am. I know You are doing a work
in my life, and I ask for the strength and confidence to overlook offense so that I can honor You in
everything I do in Jesus name. Amen.

Joel & Victoria Osteen









Handling Adversity



TODAYS SCRIPTURE

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us
develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens
our confident hope of salvation.
(Romans 5:34, NLT)



TODAYS WORD from Joel and Victoria

The way you handle adversities has a huge impact on your success in life? If you shrink back,
choose to get bitter and lose your enthusiasm, then you are allowing the difficulties of life to bury
you. You are allowing hardship to keep you from your God-given destiny. But if you choose to
keep pressing forward with a smile on your face, rejoicing even in the hard times, you are
allowing Gods character to be developed inside of you. You are setting yourself up for
promotion.
Think about this: the only difference between a piece of black coal and a priceless diamond is
the amount of pressure that its endured. When you stand strong in the midst of the trials and
difficulties in life, when you allow God to shape and mold your character, its like going from a
piece of coal to a priceless diamond. Those difficulties are going to give way to new growth, new
potential, new talent, new friendships, new opportunities, new vision. Youre going to see your
life blossom in ways that youve never even dreamed!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for giving me strength to overcome every obstacle in life. I choose
to rejoice no matter what may come against me. I know You are working all things together for
my good in Jesus name! Amen.

Joel & Victoria Osteen








Faith Opens the Door



TODAYS SCRIPTURE

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
(Hebrews 11:1, KJV)



TODAYS WORD from Joel and Victoria

Do you desire to see more of Gods favor in your life today? Faith is what opens the door to favor. The
Scripture tells us that faith pleases God. It also gives substance to the things we hope for and makes
them tangible.
Weve all been given a measure of faith, but its up to each of us to put it into action. Notice todays
verse starts by saying, Now faith. Its not later faith or one day faith. We have to have faith for today,
right now. Do you believe that God has blessings in store for you, right now? Do you believe He wants to
pour out His favor on you, today? Dont go around thinking that the blessing is far off. Stay in faith
because faith is now, and it opens the door to His abundance all the days of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for the gift of faith. I choose to believe Your Word which is a lamp to my feet and a
light to my path. Show me how to continue to grow in faith so I can be pleasing to You in every area of
my life in Jesus name. Amen.

Joel & Victoria Osteen











Keep Faith Alive



TODAYS SCRIPTURE

No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but
he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God.
(Romans 4:20, AMP)



TODAYS WORD from Joel and Victoria

Scripture tells us that faith without works is dead. In other words, if the faith inside of us doesnt get
expression through our actions and words, it will no longer be alive. If we dont use it, we will lose it,
so to speak. We have to step out in faith in order to keep faith alive.
Every person has been given a measure of faith by God. When we hear the truth of Gods Word,
we receive more faith. Thats why its so important to put the Word of God inside of you because
when you do, you are building your faith. To keep that faith alive and thriving, we have to put it to
use. One way to put your faith into action is through praise and worship. Praise is a supernatural
force that causes you to stand strong in faith even when your thoughts or circumstances are coming
against the truth. Praise keeps your thoughts going in the right direction. Its hard to be negative
when you are declaring the goodness of God!
Today, let praise make you stable and strong. Put that faith in your heart into action. Look for
reasons to thank God. As you do, youll feel that inner strength and be empowered to move forward
into victory all the days of your life.


A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I thank You for life. I thank You for breath. I thank You for provision, healing, strength and
joy. Today I choose to put my faith in action by praising You throughout the day in Jesus name.
Amen.

Joel & Victoria Osteen








In His Hand



TODAYS SCRIPTURE

Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with youI will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain
you with My [victorious] right hand
(Isaiah 41:10, AMP)



TODAYS WORD from Joel and Victoria

We all face situations in life that feel out of control. During times like these, its easy to get
discouraged and allow fear to creep in. But instead, why dont you focus on the fact that God is
holding you in the palm of His hand. There is nothing too difficult for Him; nothing is impossible,
nothing is beyond His ability. When God holds you in His hand, you are safe. You are cared for. In
His hand, there is victory. In His hand, there is strength. In His hand, there is provision. In His hand
is everything you need!
No matter what you may be going through today, you can trust that God is for you. Instead of getting
down and depressed over your circumstances, look up and get a vision of God turning that situation
around. Let faith arise in your heart and focus on His favor, promotion and blessing. See yourself in
the palm of His hand, and see the victory and blessing He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for helping me and holding me in Your victorious right hand. I choose to trust You
even when things dont make sense, even when things seem beyond my control. I release my cares
to You knowing that You work all things together for my good in Jesus name. Amen.

Joel & Victoria Osteen










Thoroughly Equipped



TODAYS SCRIPTURE

Every scripture is God-breathedso that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted
and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(2 Timothy 3:1617 AMP)



TODAYS WORD from Joel and Victoria

God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfill your destiny through His Word. The
Scripture tells us that as believers in Jesus Christ, we are anointed. The word anointing is the
power of God which gives you courage, strength and ability. When you put the Word of God in you,
you are receiving that anointing, you are building your faith, and you are being equipped for every
good work.
The next time you start to wonder if you have what it takes, go to Gods Word and stir up your faith.
Focus on His truth which says you are well able to do what He has called you to do. You can
accomplish your goals. You have the ideas, the creativity, and talent to be successful. You can
overcome every obstacle! Youve been armed with strength for every battle; the forces that are with
you are greater than the forces that are against you, and you are thoroughly equipped!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for equipping me. Thank You for empowering me. Help me stay focused on Your
Word and Your plan for me today. I trust that You have equipped me and called me for Your purpose
in Jesus name. Amen.

Joel & Victoria Osteen