Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - Help Others Succeed

Help Others Succeed
Today's Devotional Reading: Jer. 45-47; Ps. 105; Jn. 21
August 19, 2010

By reading the scripture above each day you will read the Old Testament through in one year and the New Testament through twice in a year. This will change your life. Start Today!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you" (Ecclesiastes 11:1 NLT).

TODAY'S WORD

God's system works on the principle of sowing and reaping. What you pour out will come back to you in increased measure. When you give generously, a generous harvest will return to you. When you help others succeed, you will find abundant success on your path, too. What are you investing in the lives of the people around you? Are you helping others get ahead?

God has placed several young men in my life that I have taken time to invest in. In return, I have been so blessed with joy, energy, enthusiasm and renewed vision. The vitality of their youth energizes me and in return I pour into them some wisdom of years.

There are people in your life who hold the keys for you to reach your full potential. These are people that God has placed in your life for you to help along. The higher they rise up, the higher you will rise up. When you give generously of your time, talent, and resources, you are setting yourself up for greater success. People will come across your path that will help you grow and reach your full potential. But you have to do your part to step out and sow the seed. Be on the lookout for ways you can help others. As you give of yourself to help others grow, you'll rise higher and live the abundant life He has in store for you.

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Father in heaven, I open my heart to Your heart. I invite You to use me to be a blessing in the lives of others. Show me where to invest my time, talent, and resources for Your glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - Keep Sowing

Keep Sowing
Today's Devotional Reading: Jer. 26,35,36; Jn. 20
August 18, 2010

By reading the scripture above each day you will read the Old Testament through in one year and the New Testament through twice in a year. This will change your life. Start Today!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"As long as the earth remains, there will be seedtime and harvest" (Genesis 8:22).

TODAY'S WORD

God loves you so much, and He wants you to live in abundance in every area of your life. In the book of Genesis, in the very beginning, He established a system for increase. Everything in life operates off of seedtime and harvest. As long as you have seed, you have increase in your hand. But a seed will lay dormant until it is placed in the right conditions. You have to plant that seed and water it in order for it to grow. What are the seeds you have in your hand? It can be as simple as the seed of a smile that will produce happiness in your life. It can be a financial seed that will produce provision in your life. Give and it shall be given back to you in greater measure. The Bible says that God's Word is water and when you speak the Word, you are watering your seeds. Ask the Lord today to show you what seeds you have in your hand. He'll show you where to plant them, and He'll watch over those seeds to produce an abundant harvest in every area of your life!

 

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for seedtime and harvest. Thank You for the system to activate blessing in my life. Show me where to give the seed I have in my hand so that I can reap the harvest You have prepared for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - Victory is On the Way

Victory is On the Way
Today's Devotional Reading: Jer 23,25; Jn. 19
August 17, 2010

By reading the scripture above each day you will read the Old Testament through in one year and the New Testament through twice in a year. This will change your life. Start Today!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all" (Psalm 34:19).

TODAY'S WORD

Everyone goes through seasons of difficulty and challenge in life. One of the enemy's traps is to isolate you and convince you that you won't make it. But God promises that He will deliver the righteous out of all of their afflictions. You are righteous because of your relationship with God through Christ Jesus. You are righteous simply by having faith in Him, His goodness, and the promises in His Word. If you're going through a tough time today, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Declare His promises over your life. You are more than a conqueror through Him! The joy of the Lord is your strength! As you continue to stand, even during the difficult times, you can be assured that victory is on the way. It might be today...it might be next week...next month, or next year, but God is faithful! Through faith and patience, you will inherit the promise. You will get beyond your difficulty, and you'll increase in wisdom and strength and live the abundant life He has for you!

 

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise of victory in every area of life. I choose to trust You, knowing that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - Live Skillfully

Live Skillfully
Today's Devotional Reading: 2 Ki 24; Jer. 22; ps. 112; Jn. 18
August 16, 2010

By reading the scripture above each day you will read the Old Testament through in one year and the New Testament through twice in a year. This will change your life. Start Today!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings..." (Proverbs 22:29).

TODAY'S WORD 

Too often times, it's easy to get stuck in a rut in life, doing the same thing the same way. But if we are going to live at our best, we should constantly be growing and sharpening our skills. We should strive to learn and grow every single day; because when you stop learning, you stop growing, and when you stop growing, you stop living. What are you doing to stretch yourself? What are you doing to improve your skills? Don't get trapped into thinking that "good enough" is good enough. You are created for more than just average. Today is a new day and there are new heights for you to climb. Pursue what you love, and keep developing that area of your life. Take a class or find a mentor that will help you live skillfully. As you do, you'll rise up higher and higher. You will stand before kings and rulers and you'll live the blessed life He has in store for you.

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the ability to grow and increase in every area of my life. Show me ways to improve my skills so that I can honor You in everything I do. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - The Overflow of Your Heart

The Overflow of Your Heart
Today's Devotional Reading: Jer. 18-20; Ps. 93; Jn. 17
August 15, 2010

By reading the scripture above each day you will read the Old Testament through in one year and the New Testament through twice in a year. This will change your life. Start Today!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34).

TODAY'S WORD

Have you said something recently that you wish you hadn't? The Bible says that your words reveal what's going on inside of you. If you go around speaking negative words of defeat, putting others down, and complaining all the time, it's a sign that you need to refocus your heart and mind. It's a sign that your "overflow" is polluted. Our bodies work a lot like a computer. What you put on the hard drive of your heart will show up on the monitor of your mouth. The good news is that you can reprogram your mind the same way you can reprogram a computer. The Bible says that our minds are renewed-or reprogrammed-by the Word of God. The more you read and study His Word, the more it will transform you from the inside out. Start today by asking the Lord to reveal anything in your heart that needs changing. Make Him first place in your life. Fill your heart with the good treasure of God's Word so that blessings come out of your mouth. Let the overflow of your heart be filled with faith and expectancy, and you'll see God's hand of blessing in every area of your life.

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Father in heaven, I humbly come before You and ask that You cleanse my heart and mind of anything that isn't pleasing to You. Fill me with Your faith, peace, joy, and love so that I can overflow with Your goodness today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - He Places the Solitary in Families

He Places the Solitary in Families
Today's Devotional Reading: Jer. 16,17; Ps. 96; Jn. 16
August 14, 2010

By reading the scripture above each day you will read the Old Testament through in one year and the New Testament through twice in a year. This will change your life. Start Today!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"He places the solitary in families" (Psalm 68:6).

TODAY'S WORD

Most everyone goes through times in life when they feel a little lonely or wonder where they belong. God designed family to always be a place of love and acceptance. Maybe you didn't come from an environment like that, or maybe you've been away from your family. Maybe they are no longer around. God still desires to meet that need for family. The Bible says that He is the Father to the fatherless, and He places the solitary in families. God wants to give you a circle of people you can trust who will embrace and accept you. If you need family today, ask God to meet that need and show you where you belong. Or maybe you are the one who can open your home and heart to someone who is alone. The point is God loves family. He designed family for a purpose. Jesus said in Matthew 12 that those who do God's will are His family. When you are part of the family of God, you are never alone! He promises to never leave you or forsake you. He promises to fill you with His peace and joy so that you can live as an overcomer all the days of your life!

 

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for showing me Your design for family. Thank You for accepting and embracing me always. Show me how I can reach out and be an example of family in someone else's life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - The Power of Two

The Power of Two
Today's Devotional Reading: Jer. 13-15; Jn. 15
August 13, 2010

By reading the scripture above each day you will read the Old Testament through in one year and the New Testament through twice in a year. This will change your life. Start Today!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Two are better than one... If one falls down, his friend can help him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

TODAY'S WORD

God likes two together. The Bible says in Matthew 18 that there is power when two or more pray in agreement. One can put a thousand to flight, but two can put ten thousand to flight! Where there are two or more gathered in His name, God is there. And just like Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs of two to fulfill their mission, God will send a friend or partner to come along side you to help you fulfill your life's mission. You may not see that special friend or partner right now; but remember, you are never alone because you and God are a majority. Why don't you step out and be that friend that someone needs today. Is there someone in your life that you can reach out to and offer encouragement and support? Can you be that friend that helps someone when they fall? Sometimes a simple phone call or note of encouragement is all it takes. Be willing to support your friends. Get behind their dreams and encourage them to press forward. As you sow those seeds of hope and faith, God will bring people in your life to encourage you, too, and you'll move forward in victory all the days of your life.

 

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Father God, thank You for the privilege to come before Your throne. Thank You for empowering me by Your Spirit. I ask that You show me ways to be a blessing and encouragement to the people around me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - Move toward God's will

Move toward God's will
Today's Devotional Reading: Jer 10-12; Jn. 14
August 12, 2010

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:12)

TODAY'S WORD

God is always providing opportunities for you to advance in life. It's His desire that you constantly learn and grow. Have you ever been afraid to step out and take an opportunity set before you because you aren't sure it's the right thing to do? Has your life become stagnant and mediocre because you're afraid to try new things? In order to experience the abundant life God has in store for you, you have to begin moving forward and exploring the open doors in your path.

The enemy will try anything to keep you living in mediocrity. He knows that once you start moving forward, God will be able to lead you in His perfect will. Sometimes you may come to some closed doors before you find the open doors, but as you keep moving, you'll be one step closer to fulfilling God's plan of victory for your life. Once you make the decision to step out, you'll learn to follow the Lord's leading and God will open supernatural opportunities before you!

Keep your heart humble before the Lord, seek after Him every day, and be willing to make adjustments in your life. As you do, you'll begin to discover stronger confidence in your ability to follow the Lord, and you will begin living the life of victory that He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

God, there are opportunities for growth right before me and I want to seize them and take action! Shake me from the spiritual rut I'm in and give me a nudge toward the doors you want me to open. In Jesus' name, Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - Safety in Numbers

Safety in Numbers
Today's Devotional Reading: Jer. 7-9; Jn. 13
August 11, 2010

By reading the scripture above each day you will read the Old Testament through in one year and the New Testament through twice in a year. This will change your life. Start Today!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14).

TODAY'S WORD

Are you facing an important decision today? God wants to give you the answer. He wants to direct your steps. Many times, He will speak to us through the people He has placed in our lives. The Bible says that safety is found in a multitude of advisors. God designed us to live in families, communities, and congregations. We need to be open to receiving input from the people who are close to us. That doesn't mean you have to follow everything everyone tells you, but if you're in a particular situation or relationship, and all the people around you are giving you the same word of caution, it might be God trying to get a message to you. Take that advice and bring it before the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to confirm His perfect plan to your heart. Remember, wisdom comes from God, and wise counsel will always be in agreement with God's Word. He will always confirm the answer when you ask Him. What ever you are facing today, be open to receiving wise counsel. As you do, you will be blessed and protected and walk in confidence down the path the Lord has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for the people You have placed in my life as wise counsel. Help me understand Your truth so that I can make Godly choices. Keep me close to You always. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - Living the Full Life

Living the Full Life
Today's Devotional Reading: Jer. 5-6; Jn. 12
August 10, 2010

By reading the scripture above each day you will read the Old Testament through in one year and the New Testament through twice in a year. This will change your life. Start Today!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness of it..." (Psalm 24:1).

TODAY'S WORD
 

God wants you to live an abundant and satisfied life. He wants you to enjoy the fullness of the earth and life's experiences. When you open your mind to new things and new situations, you are broadening your horizons and opening yourself to new opportunities. It's easy to get stuck in a rut, doing the same thing the same way all the time. But when you open yourself to new people and new ideas, you are making room for God to reveal Himself to you. You are making room for Him to work in your life. Make the decision to explore something new this week. Take a different route home from work. Try something new on the menu at lunch. Be open to new people who may not necessarily look like you or act like you. Let God direct and broaden your horizons. As you do, you'll encounter new opportunities and live the satisfied, full life the Lord has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Heavenly Father, I open my heart and mind to You today. I ask that You help me broaden my perspective so I can experience the full life You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - Refresh Others

Refresh Others
Today's Devotional Reading: Jer. 3,4; Jn. 11
August 9, 2010

By reading the scripture above each day you will read the Old Testament through in one year and the New Testament through twice in a year. This will change your life. Start Today!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25)

TODAY'S WORD

God's system works on the principle of sowing and reaping. Simply put, if you are kind to others, then others will be kind to you. What you sow, you shall reap. When you refresh others, you yourself will be refreshed. That word "refresh" means to restore or revive. When you reach out to others to restore them or offer strength to them, you are planting seeds for your own future. And there are many ways to refresh others-a smile, a kind word. You might buy someone a tank of gas. You could pay for someone's groceries in line at the grocery store. You could make a special meal for a friend in need. If you ask God to show you how to refresh others, He will. Get in the habit of looking for ways to be a blessing to other people. Have a generous attitude, step out and refresh others. As you do, you'll reap an abundant harvest in your life, and you will live the life of blessing the Lord has for you!

 

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for being a blessing to me so that I can be a blessing to others. Show me ways to refresh people in my daily life and help always to honor You in everything I say and do. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - You are God's Masterpiece!

You are God's Masterpiece!
Today's Devotional Reading: Jer. 1,2; Jn. 10
August 8, 2010

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5)

TODAY'S WORD

You were made in God's image! Knowing this, and how valuable you are to God, will change how you see yourself. Jeremiah 1:5 says that before you were formed in your mother's womb, God knew you and approved you. You are God's most spectacular masterpiece! Your value in His sight never changes-no matter what you've done. He paid a very high price, His very own son, so He could have you as His own (I Corinthians 6:20).

Don't be discouraged by looking at how far you have to go. Look at how far you've come and know that "the path of the righteous shines brighter and brighter" (Proverbs 4:18). Your best days are ahead of you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

God, I know that I was approved by Your very hand and my life was planned before I was even born. Help me to remember how special I am to You and to live my life according to Your will. In Jesus' name - Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - Ask for Wisdom

Ask for Wisdom
Today's Devotional Reading: Zeph. 1-3; Jn. 9
August 7, 2010

By reading the scripture above each day you will read the Old Testament through in one year and the New Testament through twice in a year. This will change your life.

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5)

TODAY'S WORD

Do you need wisdom for something today? Ask God. He loves it when you call upon Him, and He longs to give generously to you. Do you need wisdom to lead your family? Do you need wisdom on your job? Do you need wisdom for a decision you have to make in life? Ask God! The next verse goes on to say that when you ask, you must ask in faith without wavering. That means you have to be absolutely determined to get your answer from Him. You can't just ask and then decide to do things your own way, or doubt that He will give you the answer. That's being double-minded. When you're double-minded, the Bible says you won't be able to receive anything from the Lord. Don't let that be you! Have a one-track mind that's focused on God and His promises. Believe that He is going to generously bless you with His wisdom. As you keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, He'll cause you to rise higher and higher, and you'll live the abundant life He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for being a good and generous God. Thank You for pouring out Your abundant blessing in my life. Keep my heart and mind focused on You always. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - He Leads You to Victory

He Leads You to Victory
Today's Devotional Reading: Hab. 1-3; Jn. 8
August 6, 2010

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory making us conquerors through our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 15:57)

TODAY'S WORD

God desires that you live in victory in every area of your life. The scripture says He always causes us to triumph through Christ Jesus! No matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror. Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restoration and peace. Are you facing a need-physically, spiritually, or emotionally? God wants to give you provision and supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Notice this verse starts out by saying, "Thanks be to God..." Many times in the Bible when God's people were going into battle, the worshipers were out in front of the warriors. When you choose to be thankful and bless the Lord in the midst of your battle, you are making a way for Him to move in your life. Start today by thanking Him for His goodness and the promise to give you the victory. Magnify your God, don't magnify your problems! As you do, you'll see Him move on your behalf, and He'll lead you into victory in every area of your life!

 

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Father in heaven, today I give You thanks for Your mercy and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for leading me in to victory! I magnify You and bless Your holy Name today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - Sweet Fragrance

Sweet Fragrance
Today's Devotional Reading: 2 Ki. 23; 2 Chr. 35; Jn. 7
August 5, 2010

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ which exhales unto God..." (2 Cor 2:15)

TODAY'S WORD
 

Did you know that your life is a sweet fragrance to God? Think about how a wonderful aroma affects you personally. When it's springtime and the flowers are blossoming, everything feels new again. The sweet aroma in the air is a sign that the flowers are fresh and alive. It catches your attention! It makes you want to take a deep breath and partake of the wonderful sweet fragrance. God feels the same way about you! He loves wonderful aromas, and when you are living your life to please Him, it's a beautiful fragrance that captures His attention! Just like the aroma in springtime is a sign that the flowers are alive, the aroma of your life is a sign that Christ is alive in you. It is pleasing to the Father! The next time you experience a fresh fragrance, remember that your life is a fragrance unto God. You can rest in knowing that He is pleased with a heart that seeks after Him. As you continue to seek Him, you'll be that sweet fragrance, and you'll experience His wonderful hand of blessing in every area of your life.

 

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Father in heaven, I come to You today surrendering all that I am. May everything I do please You and be a wonderful fragrance to You. Keep me close to You today and always. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - He Gives Strength

He Gives Strength
Today's Devotional Reading: 2 Ki. 22; 2 Chr. 34; Jn. 6
August 4, 2010

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak" (Isaiah 40:29)

TODAY'S WORD

Have you ever felt backed into a corner about a particular situation, and you couldn't see a way out? We've all felt overwhelmed by the circumstances of life at one time or another. Be encouraged today because the Bible says in Isaiah that when you cry to God for help, as soon as He hears, He will answer you! He will give you strength when you are weary and increase your power when you feel weak. No matter what is going on in your life today, God is greater than any obstacle or difficulty you may be facing. Do you need strength today to overcome a challenge in your life? Do you need power to stand strong in the midst of a storm? Call on Him and He will hear you. The answer is on the way while the words are still on your lips! Open your heart and by faith receive His strength and might, and let Him empower you to live in victory all the days of your life!

 

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for hearing and answering my prayers. Fill me with Your strength and power today. I give You my whole heart and ask that You remove anything from my life that isn't pleasing to You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - Thirst for Him

Thirst for Him
Today's Devotional Reading: Nah. 1-3; Jn. 5
August 3, 2010

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." (Psalm 42:1-2)

TODAY'S WORD 

Does your soul need a refreshing drink of water today? There's a popular slogan that simply says, "Obey your thirst." What are you thirsting for? Does your soul thirst for God? When you hunger and thirst for God, you will be satisfied.

In the natural, you will crave whatever you constantly feed yourself. In the same way, your soul-which is your mind, will, and emotions-will crave whatever you meditate on and allow to enter your mind through your eyes - what you see and your ears - what you listen to. You can direct your thoughts toward God by focusing on Him and His Word. The more you meditate on the Word, the more you will think about the scriptures, and the more you will be drawn to Him. Before long, your soul will thirst for God and nothing else will satisfy! The Bible says that His Spirit is like refreshing water and that we are washed and renewed by the water of the Word. Direct your thirst toward God and focus on Him in your everyday life. As you do, you will be refreshed and enjoy the life of blessing He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Heavenly Father, today I choose to set my heart and mind on You. I know that only You can satisfy the longing in my soul. Fill me with Your peace and joy today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - Something Out of Nothing

Something Out of Nothing
Today's Devotional Reading: 2 Ki. 21; 2 Chr. 33; Jn. 4
August 2, 2010

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"The earth was formless and void...and God said, Let there be light." (Genesis 1:2-3)

TODAY'S WORD 

Are you believing God for something today that seems impossible? We serve a great and mighty God and He can create something out of nothing. He can make a way when there seems to be no way! Genesis tells us that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. But before He spoke the world into existence, it was formless and void. If God can make the world out of nothing, He can take the empty places in your life and create something beautiful, too! He can speak light into your darkest hour. He can take your formless dreams and give them shape. He can resurrect your dormant gifts and talents! He can make your crooked places straight!

Remember, you are created in the image of almighty God. There's power in your words, and there's power when you're in agreement with Him. Start saying what God says about your situation. Speak life to your broken dreams, today. Stay in an attitude of faith and expectancy. As you do, God will take you places that you've never dreamed, and you'll live in victory all the days of your life!

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Father in heaven, I trust that You are willing and able to make a way where there seems to be no way in my life. Fill me with Your peace and faith and give me a vision for all You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita

Daily Devotional from Pastor Eric & Rita - Stay Connected

Stay Connected
Today's Devotional Reading: Is. 65,66; Ps 62; Jn. 3
August 1, 2010

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart form me you can do nothing" (John 15:5)

TODAY'S WORD 

Do you need more power and strength in your life today? When you are connected to the Father through Jesus, you are connected to your life source. Just as a branch is sustained by the vine it's attached to, we are sustained by being attached to Him.

If you think about how fruit grows, it doesn't just happen over night; it takes time and the right conditions. In the same way, the spiritual fruit in your own life develops over time, too. You might be tempted to get discouraged if you aren't seeing "fruit" as quickly as you'd like, but be encouraged today! If you'll keep your heart humble before the Lord and stay connected to Him through prayer and studying His Word, you'll see that fruit begin to form in your life just as He promised! You'll see the fruit of joy, which is strength. You'll see the fruit of love and peace, which will sustain you in the midst of difficulty. As you stay connected to Him, you'll be empowered and equipped for every circumstance, and you'll live as an overcomer in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

Father in heaven, I humbly come before You. I recognize that You are the source for everything I need in this life. Keep me close to You always and turn my heart and mind toward Your ways. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

We sure love you!

Eric & Rita