The Greatness of His Favor

Today's Scripture
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-7, NKJ)

Today's Word with Joel and Victoria
Oftentimes, people set their focus on what God has done in the past—how He parted the Red Sea or stopped the sun for Joshua or fed thousands of people with just a little boy’s small lunch. Yes, God has performed many amazing miracles throughout history, and it’s important that we give Him praise and glory, but at the same time, we also have to look forward to what God wants to do in our lives today. In this verse, Paul says that “in the ages to come” God would do things that far supersede anything He’s ever done before. I believe that the “ages to come” that he’s talking about is this day and time we’re living in right now. God wants to outdo Himself in our generation!

Remember, God is a God of increase. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to stay. He has greater levels of His favor and blessing in store for you. Dare to dream big! Dare to keep a God-sized vision in front of you! Dare to take hold of every blessing that the Lord has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Today I open my heart and mind to You so that I can see the greatness of what You want to do in my life. Use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Joel Osteen

Protection In The Shelter

"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he cknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." - Psalm 91:14-16

A storm was blowing in from the Atlantic. The wind was howling, waves slapped the shore line and sand was blasting at a sharp clip, stinging me as I walked on the beach. I am always observant of the scene which God displays before me as I take my beach walks, and today was no exception. Today my eye was drawn to the difference between two set of trees. One set was out in the open- unprotected from the relentless wind - and taking a terrible beating! The other set had been planted in a sheltered area, with a house and a privacy wall affording protection on two sides.

God tells us in Psalm 91, TLB. that He is our shelter; "We live within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods. ) He is our safe haven and we are protected under His wing. When the trials of this life slap me around and push me one way or another as the wind did to the unprotected trees, I will remember that I am in the sanctuary of God's love. What a wonderful place to abide! Won't you join me there?

By Marion Smith