Blessing

Living Light Daily Devotional Blessing By Touching Lives with Dr. James Merritt “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.” – 1 Peter 3:14 Women and girls are on the frontline of persecution. In many parts of the world, they already face discrimination because of their gender…being a Christian makes them even more vulnerable. Meena and Sunita are sisters from a Hindu background living in India. When they decided to follow Jesus they were beaten by their neighbors because of their new faith. Sunita was beaten so severely she lost consciousness. When she awoke, she found that she had been dragged to the edge of her town and left like a heap of garbage. Her wrist was so badly broken a bone was protruding from her skin. Sunita made her way to a goat shed to hide and there, with unwavering faith, she prayed, “I can die or I can witness. Lord, make me a witness for You.” Sunita survived and the Lord has answered her prayer. Suffering. This is not a favorite topic in Christian circles. In fact, most of us do all we can to avoid suffering. There are two ways you can suffer – fairly or unfairly. Sometimes we suffer because we get what we deserve. However, other times the opposite is true and we suffer because we get what we don’t deserve. When someone is treated well for doing well, we call that fairness. When someone is punished for doing wrong we call that justice. But what do we call it when someone suffers for doing what is right and good? Most call that unfair; but God calls that blessing. Remember Christ’s words in His first public sermon found in Matthew 5:10-12? “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…” Anyone can accept good when they do good. That is fair. Anyone can accept bad when they do bad. That is just. But God’s question to His followers is, “Can you accept bad when you do good?” The way we handle suffering says a great deal about the depth of our confidence in God. Do we, like Sunita, long to be a witness for God or do we just want an easy life? Dear Lord, teach me to see suffering as a time to rely more on you than ever before. Lead me, Jesus, to be your faithful representative here on earth regardless of the cost. In Jesus’ name…amen. Read in browser » Recent Articles: In Christ The Gift of God A Fair Wage A Sure Thing Apply God’s Guidance Prayer Request Email TL Staff Donate Now Share Tweet Forward This email was sent to hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences Touching Lives, Inc. · 1800 Satellite Blvd · Duluth, GA 30097 · USA

10 Sins Jesus Condemns Most Harshly in Scripture

Bible Study Resources – Tips, Online Bible Search, Devotions   Toggle navigation 10 Sins Jesus Condemns Most Harshly in Scripture Cortney Whiting iBelieve Contributor 2020 4 May Throughout Jesus’ life and ministry, He called listeners’ attention to various sins as he taught about His Father’s will, and guided believers in what it truly means to love God, and to walk with Him. But during His ministry, did Jesus call out some sins more than others? As God’s children, we are to pay attention, not just to Jesus’ words, but what they reveal about His heart for us. Wherever He calls out sin, he points the way to something far greater than what the sin promises us. This is why it is so crucial to listen closely and respond to what Jesus emphasized in His teachings. Here are 10 sins Jesus spoke about most fervently in the Gospels:  Photo Credit: Pexels/Wendy van Zyl Selfishness Jesus ministered with an attitude of humility. He is quoted as saying, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”(Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45). Jesus warned his disciples against using their status to dominate others. Rather, they were to be servants to all (Matthew 20:25-28). The story of the rich man and Lazarus displays the severity of punishment for selfishness (Luke 16:19-31). When we allow our own needs to blind us from meeting the needs of others, we harden our hearts to one of the core missions of Christ.  Photo Credit: Getty Images/Antonio Guillem Pride Jesus often warned those struggling with pride of its impending consequences. In Luke 20:45-47, Jesus warned his listeners to beware of the teachers of the law who prided themselves in their religiosity, yet failed to show hospitality to those in need. The parable of the Pharisee and tax collector illustrates how God sees spiritual pride (Luke 18:9-14). When the Pharisee prayed, in his pride he thanked God that he was not like other people, who he thought were less spiritual. At the same time, the tax collector bowed in humility from a distance and mourned his condition as a sinner. Jesus declared that it was the tax collector who would be justified before God because of his humility. “. . .For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14) Photo Credit: Getty Images Unbelief Jesus often marveled at and convicts his disciples, as well as bystanders, for their lack of faith. In His hometown, He was unable to perform miracles because of the peoples’ unbelief. The Pharisees and Sadducees tested Jesus by asking His for a sign from heaven that He was the Christ (Matthew 16:1-4). In response to their unbelief, Jesus called them a wicked and adulterous generation and told them that no sign would be given except for the sign of Jonah. When we think about how the Son of God was unable to perform miracles due to people’s lack of faith in His hometown, we must ask ourselves how much we miss out on the Holy Spirit working through our own lives simply because we doubt His ability. Photo Credit: Getty Images Hypocrisy Many unbelievers or ex-evangelicals today say the reason why they oppose organized religion is because there is too much hypocrisy. The good news is that Jesus opposed hypocrisy too. The gospels are filled with Jesus challenging the Pharisees in their hypocrisy. Toward the end of Jesus’ ministry, he pronounced the “7 Woes” on the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. In each of his pronouncements, he called them hypocrites. In the Greek, the term means an actor or pretender. Jesus condemned these religious officials because they claimed to be leaders, yet their hearts and actions did not reflect their outward appearance. The result of their efforts was fruitlessness, spiritual destruction, and shedding of blood. Other words Jesus uses to describe hypocrites are blind guides, blind fools, and abrood of vipers (Matthew 22:13-39).  Photo Credit: Getty Images Greed Jesus taught on money and possessions more than any other topic, which reveals to us His kingdom mentality. Jesus stated that no one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other or you will love the one and hate the other. Therefore, it is impossible to serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24).  If we are bound by our affections of the things of this world, our hearts will never belong to the things of God. That is why Jesus commands his followers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). He strongly stated that it’s impossible for a rich man to inherit the kingdom of God, not because Jesus condemned wealth, but because He knows how difficult it is for someone to lay aside greed. When we lay aside our greed, we are able to give what we have with joy. Jesus honors this virtue through the poor widow who gave all she had as an offering (Mark 12:41-44). She gave out of her poverty rather than her wealth.  Photo Credit: Unsplash/Sharon McCutcheon Unforgiveness Jesus stressed the consequences of the lasting effects of unforgiveness. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus told his disciples that whoever forgives his brother will be forgiven, but whoever does not forgive will not be forgiven. Jesus also told a parable of the Unforgiving Servant to his disciples in order to emphasize the importance of showing forgiveness to others as a reflection of the forgiveness shown to us by God (Matthew 18:21-35). Jesus is the ultimate example of the One who forgives. Though not deserving death, he forgave his enemies even while on the cross (Luke 23:34).  Photo Credit: Getty Images Hatred One of the greatest commandments Jesus gave his disciples was to love one another. It is by our love that the world will know that we are truly disciples of Christ (John 13:34-35). Likewise, Jesus condemned our hatred of and anger with one another. He equated it to the physical murder of the individual (Matthew 5:21-26). Jesus’ ministry was one of reconciliation. When we hate someone, we create a barrier to the very purpose of His ministry.  Photo Credit: Getty Images Disobedience While disobedience may seem like a catch-all for all sin, Jesus stressed the importance of obeying His teaching (Luke 11:28; John 14:15). The parable of two sons illustrates the importance Jesus placed on obeying His word (Matthew 21:28-32). In this parable, a father had two sons. One son told his father he would work the vineyard and did not follow through. The second son declared that he would not work yet changed his mind and went. Jesus’ point of the parable was that the one who receives the kingdom of God is the one repents and believes. When we disobey the Word of the Lord, we need to check our hearts for disloyalty and a lack of love.  Photo Credit: Getty Images/Bowden Images Judging Others Throughout the gospels, Jesus ministered to many “sinners,” and received criticism from his disciples as well as from the Jewish leaders. For instance, Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to be a disciple. The new follower held a great banquet where notorious law breakers gathered. When the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus’ disciples about his behavior, Jesus told them that it is not the healthy who needed a doctor, but rather the sick (Luke 5:27-31). Jesus is clear in his prohibition against judging others (Matthew 7:1-6; Luke 37-38). Oftentimes people are tempted to determine for themselves another’s guilt and announce a fate upon them. However, that role is for God alone (James 4:12). Believers are called to show mercy towards one another rather than judgement.  Photo Credit: Getty Images/SIphotography Impurity In first century Judaism, ritual and ceremonial purity was extremely important. However, Jesus taught on the importance of moral purity. When confronted about the disciples’ lack of ceremonial washing, Jesus declared that it is not what someone puts inside of their mouth that defiles them, but rather what comes out of their mouths (Matt. 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23). He the warned against the sins of the heart, which include: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. Therefore, as followers of Jesus, it is important for us to allow God to examine our hearts daily to ensure that we remain pure (Psalm 139:23-24).  While Jesus taught on many “sins,” this list gives an overview of the heart of His ministry and teaching of the kingdom of God. He calls us as believers to a life of faith, obedience, love, and service to God and others. When we trust in Him rather than ourselves, regularly meditate on His Word, and fellowship with Him in prayer we can follow His teachings and live a life of true discipleship. Cortney Whiting is a wife and mother of two wonderfully energetic children. She received her Masters of Theology Degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. After serving in the church for nearly 15 years, Cortney currently serves as a lay-leader and writes for various Christian ministries. You can find her at her blog, Unveiled Graces. Photo Credit: Unsplash Americas #1 Futurist 2020 Prediction Will Stun You Internet Reboot 2020 Sponsored by Revcontent Find Out More > 85,205 NEXT: What Is the Significance of the Forbidden Fruit in Genesis 2? About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Crosswalk App Do Not Sell My Info (CA Only)

What Does Proverbs 13:24Mean?

Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Proverbs 13:24 ◄ What Does Proverbs 13:24 Mean? ► He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently. Proverbs 13:24(NASB) Verse Thoughts Solomon is credited with the learned sayings in the book of Proverbs. As a young man, he acted on the wise counsel of his own father, king David and as an older man, he wanted to pass on judicious advice to his own sons. There are many sayings in this book that are familiar to most Christians like, “The fear of the Lord, is the beginning of wisdom’; “knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” or “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” One verse we all seek to apply in our own Christian life is, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”. Similarly, many parents are aware of the promise: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” One equally, well-loved verse, at the end of the book is, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies”, and another favourite verse is, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones”. In Proverbs 13:24 we read, “He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently”. As with all Biblical principles, this is a wise saying, but this excellent advice is often misquoted as “Spare the rod and spoil the child.” This popular saying is not from Scripture. It is part of a poem, which was written, in 1664, by a man called Samuel Butler. This quote has been used by those that are over-zealous disciplinarians or deliberately misapplied by abusive legalists who are nothing more than cruel, cowardly bullies, who delight in hurting children. It has also been used by militant, religious pacifists, and aggressive non-believers who resist God’s Word and quote the Bible incorrectly, and is often taken out of context, in order to discredit the Scriptures and denigrate the holy character of God. However, when this verse is considered in its correct, biblical context, it is understood as an important strategy in equipping parents in the teaching, training, and disciplining of children within their family. In today’s economy, the word ‘rod’ is often regarded as an implement, used in connection with corporal punishment. A rod is often interpreted to mean a teacher’s cane; a belt or a birch, that is used to punish naughty children or prisoners. A rod often brings with it the idea of beating or flogging those that are vulnerable or insubordinate, with a wooden cane or stick. But this is not the biblical meaning of ‘rod’  A ‘rod’ or a ‘staff’ in the Bible was often the limb of a tree or a stout stick that a herdsman would take and whittle into a shepherd’s crook. While the shepherd would use his rod to ward off wild animals, or thieves, who came to break in and steal the sheep, his rod was never used to harm the sheep. It was more often an instrument for guidance or comfort. Believers are often referred to as sheep and lambs, while Jesus is seen as the Good Shepherd of the sheep. In Psalm 23, David wrote the well-loved words – “Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” Interpreting Scripture should always be carried out grammatically and in a correct, historical context. A shepherd’s rod was also used to count the sheep that belonged to the herdsman; for instance, in Ezekiel 20 we read, “I will take note of you as you pass under my rod.” Similarly, a rod was a tool a shepherd would use to rescue a sheep in difficulties. It could also be used as a chastening rod to discipline those that wandered off into foolhardy ways, or to pilot a wayward animal along the best path – “for foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive folly far away”. When Proverbs 13:24 is seen in its correct, biblical context, it is evident that the rod, in this passage, refers to a parent’s use of wise discipline to teach their child important lessons in life. When he wrote, “He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.”, Solomon’s use of the word ‘rod’ was connected with the wise discipline of a loving parent towards a beloved child – a very different concept from the secular view of “Spare the rod and spoil the child.”  But some wonder why Solomon would say that a father ‘HATES” his child if he withholds discipline, while others, erroneously correlate discipline with being mean and unloving. But this demonstrates that those, with this viewpoint, do not understand godly LOVE. They do not understand that disciplining a child diligently is a demonstration of a parent’s love for his offspring – just as God’s chastening of His children is a demonstration of God’s LOVE towards us, “For the Lord disciplines those He loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.” (Proverbs 3:12)  “For the Lord disciplines those He loves and punishes every child He accepts.” (Hebrews 12:6) It is not out of hatred that a child is disciplined, but out of love for that child. It is not out of hatred that the Lord chastens His children but a demonstration of His deep love towards us, for discipline brings growth and builds a Christlike character. Today, truth is twisted; the Bible is interpreted incorrectly; Scriptures are discredited, and the holy character of God is denigrated. Today believers are having to endure much suffering at the hands of the ungodly, but when we can recognise that God takes the trials of the enemy, and uses them as tests of our fatih, we can identify the sufferings we undergo as godly discipline, which the Lord is using in our lives for our eternal benefit. When we can recognise that just as a father who withholds his rod hates his son, while the one who loves his child, disciplines him diligently, we will be able to see that the trials we are facing today show that God is dealing with us as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? May we never forget that the sufferings of this present time and the chastening we inevitably face, are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward. My Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the book of Proverbs and the many lessons that I have been able to learn and understand. Thank You that You are a God Who cares deeply for each of Your children and that You use the choices we make, both good and bad, to discipline us; develop our faith in You and increase our patient endurance. Thank You that godly discipline in the lives of Your children, is a tool you are using for Your greater glory and our eternal benefit. Help me to embrace the chastening rod of Your Spirit in my life, so that I learn the lessons You want to teach me – this I ask in Jesus’ name, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Proverbs 13:12 Next: Proverbs 14:12 ► Choose a Verse from Proverbs 13 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425 2 Timothy 2:22 Mark 2:2 Isaiah 1:3 1 Samuel 8:7 Follow us Proverbs 13:24 Further Study Proverbs 13:24 in the Parallel Bible Proverbs 13:24 in the Thematic Bible Proverbs 13:24 Cross References Proverbs 13:24 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Proverbs 13:24 Sermons Proverbs 13:24 Prayers Proverbs 13:24 Images Proverbs 13:24 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Boundless Heavenly Resources Matthew 6:31 Psalm 105:39 Old Rejected, New Accepted Judgment On The Abyss Of Love The Law of Love – Growing In Grace (27) Changing Scenes Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us Copyright Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

What Does Matthew 1:21 Mean?

Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Matthew 1:21 ◄ What Does Matthew 1:21 Mean? ► “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21(NASB) Verse Thoughts Christ is born in Bethlehem, is the line of a much-loved carol, but those words are pregnant with meaning, for the birth of this baby was for a divine purpose and to fulfil prophecy. Christ was born as part of God’s eternal plan for man. The birth of Jesus shows Him to be both true deity and fully man. It was this point in time when God, the eternal Son, became Jesus, the perfect Man, Who took upon Himself a human nature. From eternity past He was fully God but at His incarnation, He also became fully human. When the human nature of the Lord Jesus Christ was united with the divine nature of God the Son, He became JESUS the God-Man. This is the hypostatic union of the human personage of Jesus Christ with the divine Person of God the Son. The mystery of all mysteries took place at the virgin conception of Christ and His birth at Bethlehem when divinity and humanity united into the Person of Christ Jesus our Lord. Jesus was born to save His people from their sins and Joseph, the carpenter from Nazareth, was given the divine office and responsibility of becoming the earthly, adoptive father to God’s only begotten, heavenly Son. And he was further instructed to give this anointed Son of God the name of Jesus, which is the name above all names – a name which means God is my Salvation; Jehovah is Salvation – and He is my Saviour and yours. It must have been such an amazing and joyful revelation to Joseph, who up to this time had been grieving that the girl he loved so dearly and had desired to become His wife had been unfaithful to him. NO! She was still the chaste virgin he loved, but instead, it was revealed to him that the child she was carrying would be the divinely conceived, Son of the highest. He would be a little boy, Whose name was to be Jesus, and that He was to save His people Israel, from their sins. Indeed, He was to be a light for the Gentiles and Saviour to the whole human race. What an incredible privilege was given to this righteous young man, who became the adoptive father to the Son of God. He was chosen by God to take responsibility for the upbringing and training of the Messiah of Israel. He was to bestow legitimacy; legality and lineage upon the Son, that had been conceived in the womb of Mary, by the Holy Ghost – for like his betrothed wife he also was of the house and lineage of King David. And the Son who was to be born into his family was to be great David’s greater Son. Joseph was told by the angel that the virgin, who was betrothed as his wife, “will bear a Son. And you, Joseph, YOU shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” For centuries Jewish people had been looking for their promised Messiah. Everyone knew that a virgin would conceive and bear a son and to his astonishment -Joseph discovered that Mary was the one through whom the Messiah would be born. Joseph was instructed to call His name JESUS, which means THE SALVATION of GOD. He came to bring salvation from sin as promised in Old Testament scriptures. He came to save us from the PENALTY of sin (at salvation) the POWER of sin (through the process of sanctification), and the PRESENCE of sin (when we are with Him in glory) The Lord suddenly appeared to this man in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. Joseph, as the head of his family, was instructed to call this Child JESUS – God’s Salvation – the name that is above every other name, for there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people, by which we must be saved. The hope of the world was born into the family of Joseph, the humble carpenter. It was through the Child, that Joseph would care for, that our Salvation was accomplished – through the death of Jesus, Who by faith redeemed us from our sins and transferred us, from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His glorious light. But our salvation means so much for it embraces the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, Who sanctifies us and conforms us into the image of Jesus. It covers the Spirit’s enabling power to overcome the world, the flesh and spiritual wickedness in high places – which are the wiles of the enemy against the Lord most High. It guides us in the darkness and is a defence in danger. It sustains the fainting heart and overcomes the power of death. It bestows eternal life and exalts us to sit in heavenly places. It lifts us up out of the miry clay and sets our feet forever on Jesus, Who is the Rock of our Salvation. And 2000 years ago, a young man called Joseph, the carpenter, was entrusted with the earthly parentage of Jesus – Who was sent by God to save His people from their sins. My Prayer Thank You, Father, for the gift of Your only-begotten Son and the unfolding of Your eternal plan of Salvation, which started as a tiny seed in the woman, and travelled through time until He was conceived in the womb of Mary, born as a tiny baby in Bethlehem and given the wonderful name of JESUS by His earthy guardian. He truly is my Salvation and I thank You for His life, His example, and His redeeming work on Calvary’s cross. May the name of Jesus be lifted today, and I pray that I may be used by You to share this truth with lost souls who need a Saviour, in Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Matthew 1:18 Next: Matthew 1:22 ► Choose a Verse from Matthew 1 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425 Psalm 139:13 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Colossians 2:12 Revelation 19:11 Follow us Matthew 1:21 Further Study Matthew 1:21 in the Parallel Bible Matthew 1:21 in the Thematic Bible Matthew 1:21 Cross References Matthew 1:21 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Matthew 1:21 Sermons Matthew 1:21 Prayers Matthew 1:21 Images Matthew 1:21 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Boundless Heavenly Resources Matthew 6:31 Psalm 105:39 Old Rejected, New Accepted Judgment On The Abyss Of Love The Law of Love – Growing In Grace (27) Changing Scenes Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us Copyright Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

A Fair Wage

Living Light Daily Devotional A Fair Wage By Touching Lives with Dr. James Merritt “For the wages of sin is death…” – Romans 6:23 What is a wage? A wage is what you earned. It is what you deserve. A wage is what you work for. In Bible times, the word for “wages” referred to the daily food ration that was given to a Roman soldier for his service at the end of every day. It was his pay for simply doing his job. Romans 6:23 teaches, “The wages of sin is death.” Death, then, is not a physical problem, but a spiritual one. This silent killer is called, “sin.” We are all sinners. We have all done wrong. Sin is like a poison that kills all of us. Many people have a problem with this truth because they think, “Wait a minute, but we are not all equally sinners. There are really bad sinners, and ‘good people’ who are sinners.” However, it is not the amount of sin that kills, but the fact of sin that kills. We are all sinners. Therefore we all die whether we are a good or bad person. No one truly dies of natural causes. Rather, we all die of one supernatural cause – sin. Sin’s death is multi-faceted. Sin kills physically in that our earthly bodies die. Sin also kills relationally. Sin kills marriages, friendships, and even peace between nations. The greatest way sin kills, however, is spiritually. Sin kills your relationship with God. God is in the light, but sin puts you in the dark. God is life, but sin puts you to death. The physical death separates the soul from the body, but spiritual death separates the soul from God. When you read the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2-3, you see that God warned them that if they ate the forbidden fruit they would die that very day. They ate the fruit, but they didn’t die that day. Or did they? God doesn’t lie. They did die. They died immediately in their spirit. They died spiritually. Ultimately, like all people, their spiritual death led to physical death. What this word really refers to is “eternal” death. We are separated from God by our sins. Therefore, if we die in our sins, we will die eternally separated from God. Spiritual death can be reversed by a personal relationship with God. Physical death will be reversed by the resurrection of those who believe in God when we receive a new body that will never die. Application: Are you separated from God by your sins, or have you placed your faith in Christ and been forgiven and given eternal life? Read in browser » Recent Articles: A Sure Thing Apply God’s Guidance Listen Admit Guided Steps Prayer Request Email TL Staff Donate Now Share Tweet Forward This email was sent to hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences Touching Lives, Inc. · 1800 Satellite Blvd · Duluth, GA 30097 · USA

Protect Your Dreams 🙏🙏🙏 🙏

Today’s Scripture “…Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other…” (Genesis 37:19, NIV) Protect Your Dream As a young man, God gave Joseph a dream that one day his parents and his brothers would bow down before him. Joseph should have used more wisdom and not told them about his dream. Some people can’t handle what God has put inside you. They won’t celebrate you; rather, as Joseph’s brothers did, they’ll get jealous of you and start finding fault. When you have a dream, you’re going to have some detractors. Sometimes the people closest to you will be the least supportive. When you believe that you can overcome an illness, pay off your house, or be successful in spite of past mistakes, some people will become jealous and try to make you look bad or try to talk you out of it. Don’t try to prove who you are or convince them to believe in you. You don’t need their approval. You have Almighty God’s approval. You wouldn’t have that opposition if you didn’t have something great in you. A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You that You’ve put my dream in my heart. Help me to remember that doesn’t mean it’s going to come to pass without opposition, delays, and adversaries. I believe that I am moving forward with Your approval, and that’s all I need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” I AM FEARLESS Through these messages, you’ll be so blessed as you discover how to live in victory and with confidence in every situation. God will open doors and make things happen that you never thought possible. OUR THANKS FOR A GIFT OF ANY AMOUNT REQUEST YOURS NOW! ► Follow Us This email is intended for hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com. To unsubscribe from this email list, click remove. To ensure delivery to your mailbox, please add devotional@goto.joelosteen.com to your address book of approved senders. View this email online. Share this email © 2020 Joel Osteen Ministries | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE