Let Hope Fill Your Heart
Today's Devotional Reading: Job 22; Mk. 7,8
October 31, 2009
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"You will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on the road ahead of you." (Job 22:28 NLT)
TODAY'S WORD
Do you want to be set free from bitterness and resentment? All you need to do is keep your heart pure and start each day by letting go of the baggage of the past. Don't try to collect a debt from others that only God can pay. If you'll leave it up to Him, God will return to you more than what you have lost.
God is on your side! He wants you to feel good about yourself and have a positive vision for your life. After all, God knows when you have a heart to please Him. And as you continue to please Him, you'll experience that life of victory He has in store for you.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, This is going to be a great day! I thank You that I'm going to do what I need to do to let go of the past, that I have discipline and self-control, and that I can make good decisions. In Jesus' Name - Amen.
We sure love you!
Eric & Rita
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Daily Devotion from Pastor Eric & Rita -- Good New Travels Fast
Good News Travels Fast
Today's Devotional Reading: Job 21; Mk 5, 6
October 30, 2009
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things." (Mark 6:34)
TODAY'S WORD
Now Simon's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her. And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on them. When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city had gathered at the door." (Mark 1:30-33)
Amazing things happen when we share the Word of God. People who were lost and hopeless are finding life and purpose. People who were depressed and discouraged are receiving encouragement and renewed strength. Those who were sick and hurting are being healed in their bodies and their minds. And individuals who believed they were failures are discovering the champions that God made them to be.
As Jesus' disciples soon learned in Jerusalem, this kind of good news travels fast. When God's hand is moving in a supernatural way, the whole city will soon be gathered at your door. It is true in your home church. Each week, people from our neighborhoods, and our nation, make their way to our door. In the name of Jesus, welcome them with the same kind of love and compassion that He showed to the multitudes that followed Him.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, give me the opportunity to extend my hand in welcome and friendship to someone this week. There are so many who are seeking a place to belong where they feel loved and accepted ... and I know the way. Help me to serve as Your ambassador in my church and in my world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
We sure love you!
Eric & Rita
Today's Devotional Reading: Job 21; Mk 5, 6
October 30, 2009
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things." (Mark 6:34)
TODAY'S WORD
Now Simon's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her. And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on them. When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city had gathered at the door." (Mark 1:30-33)
Amazing things happen when we share the Word of God. People who were lost and hopeless are finding life and purpose. People who were depressed and discouraged are receiving encouragement and renewed strength. Those who were sick and hurting are being healed in their bodies and their minds. And individuals who believed they were failures are discovering the champions that God made them to be.
As Jesus' disciples soon learned in Jerusalem, this kind of good news travels fast. When God's hand is moving in a supernatural way, the whole city will soon be gathered at your door. It is true in your home church. Each week, people from our neighborhoods, and our nation, make their way to our door. In the name of Jesus, welcome them with the same kind of love and compassion that He showed to the multitudes that followed Him.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, give me the opportunity to extend my hand in welcome and friendship to someone this week. There are so many who are seeking a place to belong where they feel loved and accepted ... and I know the way. Help me to serve as Your ambassador in my church and in my world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
We sure love you!
Eric & Rita
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Daily Devotion from Pastor Eric & Rita -- God Has Big Plans For You!
God Has Big Plans For You
Today's Devotional Reading: Job 20; Mk 3,4
October 29, 2009
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!" (Mark 4:20)
TODAY'S WORD
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it! He could have lived anywhere in the universe, but He chose to live in your heart. You are His most prized possession, and He has an unbelievable future planned for you.
God wants you to produce a rich harvest. Not just a little bit, but a lot! He wants your life to really make a difference.
God wants you to be free today. He is asking you to forget the past and start fresh with Him today. Stop beating yourself up over your past mistakes. Quit thinking that you don't deserve anything good. You are a child of the Most High God. So start living today, and begin seeing yourself the way God sees you, like the son or daughter He created you to be.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, I imagine You smiling down on me. I confess with boldness that I am Your child and that You have a future filled with joy, hope, and blessings planned for me. In Jesus' Name - Amen.
We sure love you!
Eric & Rita
Today's Devotional Reading: Job 20; Mk 3,4
October 29, 2009
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!" (Mark 4:20)
TODAY'S WORD
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it! He could have lived anywhere in the universe, but He chose to live in your heart. You are His most prized possession, and He has an unbelievable future planned for you.
God wants you to produce a rich harvest. Not just a little bit, but a lot! He wants your life to really make a difference.
God wants you to be free today. He is asking you to forget the past and start fresh with Him today. Stop beating yourself up over your past mistakes. Quit thinking that you don't deserve anything good. You are a child of the Most High God. So start living today, and begin seeing yourself the way God sees you, like the son or daughter He created you to be.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, I imagine You smiling down on me. I confess with boldness that I am Your child and that You have a future filled with joy, hope, and blessings planned for me. In Jesus' Name - Amen.
We sure love you!
Eric & Rita
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Daily Devotion from Pastor Eric & Rita -- Take a Leap of Faith
Take a Leap of Faith
Today's Devotional Reading: Job 19; Mk. 1,2
October 28, 2009
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" And they left their nets at once and followed him." (Mark 1:17-18)
TODAY'S WORD
God is always giving us opportunities to grow and move forward in this life. But in order to experience God's best, you must be bold and willingly step out in faith to do what God says to do!
Do you have a "play-it-safe" mentality? Are you avoiding risks because you're afraid you might fail? Or, do you think that what you dreaming about might be too difficult? The Bible says that faith pleases God. It brings pleasure to the heart of God when He knows that you trust Him enough to step out and obey Him. You may not always know what will happen, and you may not always feel qualified. But the Bible says in Joshua 1:8: "Don't be afraid. Be strong, be bold, be very courageous for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." God promises He will always be with you - and with God on your side, you are more than a conqueror!
The next time you know God is bringing an opportunity across your path, step out of your comfort zone! Step out in faith, knowing that God has His best in store for you. He desires to bring you success. Be willing to take some risks - knowing that Almighty God is right there by your side!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, I have nothing to fear with You by my side. There are risks I should take and doors I need to open and I will trust in You as I meet these challenges. Today, I will be bold in my faith! In Jesus' name, Amen.
We sure love you!
Eric & Rita
Today's Devotional Reading: Job 19; Mk. 1,2
October 28, 2009
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" And they left their nets at once and followed him." (Mark 1:17-18)
TODAY'S WORD
God is always giving us opportunities to grow and move forward in this life. But in order to experience God's best, you must be bold and willingly step out in faith to do what God says to do!
Do you have a "play-it-safe" mentality? Are you avoiding risks because you're afraid you might fail? Or, do you think that what you dreaming about might be too difficult? The Bible says that faith pleases God. It brings pleasure to the heart of God when He knows that you trust Him enough to step out and obey Him. You may not always know what will happen, and you may not always feel qualified. But the Bible says in Joshua 1:8: "Don't be afraid. Be strong, be bold, be very courageous for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." God promises He will always be with you - and with God on your side, you are more than a conqueror!
The next time you know God is bringing an opportunity across your path, step out of your comfort zone! Step out in faith, knowing that God has His best in store for you. He desires to bring you success. Be willing to take some risks - knowing that Almighty God is right there by your side!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, I have nothing to fear with You by my side. There are risks I should take and doors I need to open and I will trust in You as I meet these challenges. Today, I will be bold in my faith! In Jesus' name, Amen.
We sure love you!
Eric & Rita
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Daily Devotion from Pastor Eric & Rita -- Re-think Negative Thoughts
Re-think negative thoughts
Today's Devotional Reading: Job 18; Ps. 114; Acts 27,28
October 27, 2009
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down." (Acts 27:22 NLT)
TODAY'S WORD
Your thoughts determine your destiny. Paul was on a sinking ship and yet he was confident in His God. You can't make a decision or take a step without first thinking about it, and your thinking changes the course of your life. That's why it's so important to keep your thoughts on God's Word and seek His plan and promises for your life. You can't think negative thoughts and expect a positive outcome. Proverbs 23:7 says "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." If you constantly dwell on God's Word that says, "You are an overcomer," and "You can do all things through Christ," then soon, you will become what the scripture says, and you will be on your way to fulfilling your destiny.
Then next time the enemy brings negative thoughts to you, use it as an opportunity to give praise to the Lord! God is faithful to His Word and He will always be faithful to you. As you continue to seek Him, He will complete the work He's begun in your life.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, I will see myself as You see me-as an overcomer and your child! I will squash negative thoughts with prayer, scripture, and songs of praise. Thank you for faithfulness and perfect peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
We sure love you!
Eric & Rita
Today's Devotional Reading: Job 18; Ps. 114; Acts 27,28
October 27, 2009
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down." (Acts 27:22 NLT)
TODAY'S WORD
Your thoughts determine your destiny. Paul was on a sinking ship and yet he was confident in His God. You can't make a decision or take a step without first thinking about it, and your thinking changes the course of your life. That's why it's so important to keep your thoughts on God's Word and seek His plan and promises for your life. You can't think negative thoughts and expect a positive outcome. Proverbs 23:7 says "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." If you constantly dwell on God's Word that says, "You are an overcomer," and "You can do all things through Christ," then soon, you will become what the scripture says, and you will be on your way to fulfilling your destiny.
Then next time the enemy brings negative thoughts to you, use it as an opportunity to give praise to the Lord! God is faithful to His Word and He will always be faithful to you. As you continue to seek Him, He will complete the work He's begun in your life.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, I will see myself as You see me-as an overcomer and your child! I will squash negative thoughts with prayer, scripture, and songs of praise. Thank you for faithfulness and perfect peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
We sure love you!
Eric & Rita
Monday, October 26, 2009
Daily Devotion from Pastor Eric & Rita -- It's Time to Stand Up!
It's Time to Stand Up!
Today's Devotional Reading: Job 17; Acts 24-26
October 26, 2009
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. You are to tell the world what you have seen and what I will show you in the future." (Acts 26:16 NLT)
TODAY'S WORD
It’s time to be aggressive and energetic when it comes to letting go of the past and pressing forward to the abundant life God has in store. It's time to rise up and boldly go after your victory! It's time to develop a warrior mentality and proactively pursue happiness, health, and peace that is promised in God's Word.
God told Saul to get up and when he did he became Paul. God told Joshua to cross over the Jordan and go in and possess the land. Notice that the word, "possess" implies action. It means to drive out the previous tenants. It's time to quit dwelling on past mistakes and failures and determine to never look back! As you set your focus like a flint towards the Word of God and His promises, you'll discover victory arising in every area of life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, because of You, I can let go of the past and stride purposefully toward the victorious future planned for me. Life is too short to sit idly by and wait for blessings to happen to me; instead, I will proactively pursue your plan! In Jesus' Name - Amen.
We sure love you!
Eric & Rita
Today's Devotional Reading: Job 17; Acts 24-26
October 26, 2009
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. You are to tell the world what you have seen and what I will show you in the future." (Acts 26:16 NLT)
TODAY'S WORD
It’s time to be aggressive and energetic when it comes to letting go of the past and pressing forward to the abundant life God has in store. It's time to rise up and boldly go after your victory! It's time to develop a warrior mentality and proactively pursue happiness, health, and peace that is promised in God's Word.
God told Saul to get up and when he did he became Paul. God told Joshua to cross over the Jordan and go in and possess the land. Notice that the word, "possess" implies action. It means to drive out the previous tenants. It's time to quit dwelling on past mistakes and failures and determine to never look back! As you set your focus like a flint towards the Word of God and His promises, you'll discover victory arising in every area of life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, because of You, I can let go of the past and stride purposefully toward the victorious future planned for me. Life is too short to sit idly by and wait for blessings to happen to me; instead, I will proactively pursue your plan! In Jesus' Name - Amen.
We sure love you!
Eric & Rita
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Daily Devotion from Pastor Eric & Rita -- Our Joy is Our Strength
Our Joy is our Strength
Today's Devotional Reading: Job 16; Acts 21-23
October 25, 2009
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"My face is red with weeping, deep shadows ring my eyes; yet my hands have been free of violence and my prayer is pure." (Job 16:16-17 NIV)
TODAY'S WORD
We know that life can be very hard at times. Job has found himself in a place he cannot understand and his face is red from crying. We understand these times as we all go through them. Like Job, David was also a man who found himself in many of life's troubles.
When David said he would praise the Lord "at all times" he meant in the good times as well as the tough times. The Bible tells us to stay full of joy no matter what we are facing. The joy of the Lord is our source of strength, and the enemy knows it. He knows that if he can get you down and discouraged, before long, you'll be weak and feeble, and he'll be able to easily defeat you.
When you are full of joy and have a good attitude, you keep yourself strong. That positive attitude of faith paves the way for God to work miracles-it paves the way for God to turn your situation around! Be full of the joy of the Lord!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, I am in control of my attitude! When I meditate on Your goodness and promises and have a good attitude, I am joyful. That is the way I want to live my life! Thank you for Your amazing strength that allows me to persevere through trying times. In Jesus' Name - Amen.
We sure love you!
Eric & Rita
Today's Devotional Reading: Job 16; Acts 21-23
October 25, 2009
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"My face is red with weeping, deep shadows ring my eyes; yet my hands have been free of violence and my prayer is pure." (Job 16:16-17 NIV)
TODAY'S WORD
We know that life can be very hard at times. Job has found himself in a place he cannot understand and his face is red from crying. We understand these times as we all go through them. Like Job, David was also a man who found himself in many of life's troubles.
When David said he would praise the Lord "at all times" he meant in the good times as well as the tough times. The Bible tells us to stay full of joy no matter what we are facing. The joy of the Lord is our source of strength, and the enemy knows it. He knows that if he can get you down and discouraged, before long, you'll be weak and feeble, and he'll be able to easily defeat you.
When you are full of joy and have a good attitude, you keep yourself strong. That positive attitude of faith paves the way for God to work miracles-it paves the way for God to turn your situation around! Be full of the joy of the Lord!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, I am in control of my attitude! When I meditate on Your goodness and promises and have a good attitude, I am joyful. That is the way I want to live my life! Thank you for Your amazing strength that allows me to persevere through trying times. In Jesus' Name - Amen.
We sure love you!
Eric & Rita
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Daily Devotion from Pastor Eric & Rita -- Live to Give
Live to Give
Today's Devotional Reading: Job 15; Acts 19,20
October 24, 2009
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus-the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." (Acts 20:24 NLT)
TODAY'S WORD
Learn to be a giver. Don't try to figure out what everybody can do for you-figure out what you can do for others. When you reach out to people in need, God will make sure that your own needs are met. When you learn the simple secret of how to "live to give," you will truly be fulfilled and happy and experience the abundance God has for you.
You may think you don't have anything to give, but you can give a hug or a smile. You can give your time and encourage those around you. You can make a difference in somebody's life today. As you develop your lifestyle of giving, you will discover an amazing life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, I know I can be a blessing to someone today. Open my eyes to all of the ways that I can serve those around me with a cheerful heart. I want to shine for You today! In Jesus' Name - Amen.
We sure love you!
Eric & Rita
Today's Devotional Reading: Job 15; Acts 19,20
October 24, 2009
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus-the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." (Acts 20:24 NLT)
TODAY'S WORD
Learn to be a giver. Don't try to figure out what everybody can do for you-figure out what you can do for others. When you reach out to people in need, God will make sure that your own needs are met. When you learn the simple secret of how to "live to give," you will truly be fulfilled and happy and experience the abundance God has for you.
You may think you don't have anything to give, but you can give a hug or a smile. You can give your time and encourage those around you. You can make a difference in somebody's life today. As you develop your lifestyle of giving, you will discover an amazing life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, I know I can be a blessing to someone today. Open my eyes to all of the ways that I can serve those around me with a cheerful heart. I want to shine for You today! In Jesus' Name - Amen.
We sure love you!
Eric & Rita
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