Words of Power: 365 Inspirational Messages, Spiritual Powerlines, and Prayers Hear God’S Heart for Your Life Every Day and Live in His Power.

By Jeanne Alcott

Its another day! How do you face it?
You can begin each day with hope in your heart and a positive attitude, even in the midst of pressures and demands. Allow God to encourage and inspire you with a personal word for you through Words of Power! It is filled with short messages from Gods heart to your heart for every day of the year.
Go throughout your day empowered.
Maintain your cool and make wise decisions.
Realize your power to overcome challenges.
See people respond to you in a positive way.
Experience breakthroughs and fulfillment.
There are 365 devotionals, one for every day of the year. They are not dated, so you can begin one at any time of the year.
You can see your goals accomplished and desires fulfilled as you read these:
short inspirational messages
stories from people facing the same types of circumstances as you do
quotes from proven leaders
Spiritual Powerlines that you can confess throughout the day to keep yourself strong
prayers to pray out loud that ensure God is working behind the scenes for you
See this year of your life go to a higher level of what God has for you. Read Words of Power by Jeanne Alcott and sense the presence of God instructing you and blessing you throughout the day.
Jeanne Alcott
Alcott Ministries
P.O. Box 3400
Broken Arrow, OK 74013
918-459-9191
www.AlcottMinistries.org

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Nov 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490855691

Jeanne Alcott

Jeanne Alcott is the author of four books and teaches and ministers through her daily radio broadcast, Word of Power. By the anointing of God, she helps empower people to build their faith to accomplish their God-given desires and visions. As she teaches and prays over the listeners, the power of God falls and His presence can be personally felt. Besides the radio broadcast, she also shares timely messages on video, the website, social media, and in personal letters. Jeanne and her husband, John, began Alcott Ministries over twenty years ago. Jeanne Alcott Alcott Ministries PO Box 3400 Broken Arrow, OK 74013 918-459-9191 www.AlcottMinistries.org

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Copyright © 2014 Jeanne Alcott.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from The Amplified Bible, New Testament, copyright © 1958, 1987 by the Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California; or from The Amplified Bible, Old Testament, copyright © 1964, 1987 by Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Scripture quotations marked Moffatt are taken from The Bible, James Moffatt Translation by James A. R. Moffatt. Copyright © 1922, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1935 by Harper Collins San Francisco. Copyright © 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954 by James A. R. Moffatt. Published in 1994 under special arrangement with Harper Collins San Francisco by Kregel Publications, a division of Kregel, Inc., P.O. Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501.

The Scripture quotations marked (NEB) are taken from The New English Bible. Copyright © the Delegates of the Oxford University Press and the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press 1961, 1970.

The Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

The Scripture quotations marked "The Message" are taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. NavPress Publishing Group.

The Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the English Standard Version. Copyright © 2001. Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-5570-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-5571-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-5569-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014918623

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/03/2014

Contents

Day 1 This Year Will Be…!

Day 2 Lifted Above The Circumstances!

Day 3 Keep Your Desire; Dump Discouragement!

Day 4 Bring A Bucket!

Day 5 What Good Am I Doing?

Day 6 Remember The Shield!

Day 7 You’re Made To Survive And Thrive!

Day 8 When Do I Love You The Most?

Day 9 Don’t Ignore The Check-Engine Light!

Day 10 What Your Future Can Be Like!

Day 11 Stop The Blackmail!

Day 12 You’re Significant!

Day 13 Mountain Climbers Always Help Each Other!

Day 14 Go Again!

Day 15 Enjoy Good Health!

Day 16 You Haven’t Missed The Boat!

Day 17 When You’re Down To A Little!

Day 18 Resignation Rejected!

Day 19 Dwelling On What Is Certain!

Day 20 It’s Not What It Seems!

Day 21 Just Stay In The Chariot!

Day 22 See Yourself In A New Way!

Day 23 More To Follow!

Day 24 Irrepressible Joy!

Day 25 Make Room!

Day 26 Transfer Your Trust!

Day 27 The Supernatural Edge!

Day 28 Even When You Don’t Feel Like It!

Day 29 The Table Is Set!

Day 30 Keep Singing!

Day 31 Grab The Moment!

Day 32 All Of A Sudden!

Day 33 Keep Your Courage!

Day 34 Don’t Tolerate The Pumpkins!

Day 35 Expect More!

Day 36 You’ve Got What It Takes!

Day 37 It’s Safe To Trust!

Day 38 God’s Positioning System!

Day 39 Be Still And Know!

Day 40 Jaw-Dropping Wonder!

Day 41 When You Want To Crawl Back Into Bed!

Day 42 You Are Of Great Worth!

Day 43 The Place Of Laughter!

Day 44 Relief Is On The Way!

Day 45 God’s Love Through It All!

Day 46 The Same Hands!

Day 47 Problem Dissolved!

Day 48 God Is Working Behind The Scenes!

Day 49 Take A Risk!

Day 50 Hope For Healing!

Day 51 You Have A Spotter!

Day 52 Don’t Count Me Out!

Day 53 Marvelous Favor!

Day 54 Take The Time!

Day 55 Confidence!

Day 56 God Cares And He Is There!

Day 57 Until The Storm Passes!

Day 58 Spinning Out!

Day 59 Get A Dream Reminder!

Day 60 God And Goliath!

Day 61 Household Of Hope!

Day 62 When God Thinks About You!

Day 63 Set Apart For The Master!

Day 64 Believe The Good Report!

Day 65 With Surrender Comes Strength!

Day 66 Picture It The Way You Desire It!

Day 67 Nothing Is Lost!

Day 68 The Lord Will Provide!

Day 69 Has Something Been Taken From You?

Day 70 Give Yourself Some Time!

Day 71 Important Words!

Day 72 God Has A Hedge Around You!

Day 73 Just The Way You Want It!

Day 74 He Will Lift You Up!

Day 75 A New Day!

Day 76 Challenge God With Your Faith!

Day 77 Jump The Hurdles!

Day 78 A Faithful Heart!

Day 79 Keep Calm And Stand Firm!

Day 80 Here He Comes!

Day 81 Hear The Good That God Is Saying To You!

Day 82 Could This Happen?

Day 83 Take Your Stand!

Day 84 The Joy Of Life!

Day 85 The Reason You Were Given Hope!

Day 86 Be Gracious!

Day 87 Reopen Your Heart To Your Desire!

Day 88 Be Resolved!

Day 89 Your Work Will Be Rewarded!

Day 90 When You Feel God’s Tug!

Day 91 The Way Things Are Going!

Day 92 Already Done!

Day 93 Behind The Scenes!

Day 94 Christ Has A Heart For You!

Day 95 Let Go Of The Status Quo!

Day 96 Where To Find Happiness!

Day 97 You Deserve Better!

Day 98 Are You Using God’s Might?

Day 99 Go Bowling!

Day 100 Don’t Miss Your Turn At Bat!

Day 101 Determined To Love!

Day 102 Your Mission Becomes A Masterpiece!

Day 103 God’s Will For Your Life!

Day 104 Bold To Ask!

Day 105 Rest In The Lord!

Day 106 Cheer Up!

Day 107 The Journey Of Trust!

Day 108 See All That Is Following You!

Day 109 Humility Before Advancement!

Day 110 The Answer Has Been Planted!

Day 111 Everything You Need!

Day 112 So Many Good Things Are Waiting For You!

Day 113 A Power Encounter!

Day 114 A Fresh Start!

Day 115 God’s On The Phone For You!

Day 116 Things Are Starting To Turn!

Day 117 Don’t Lose Heart!

Day 118 He Tore Up The Note!

Day 119 Keep The Door Of Hope Open!

Day 120 Remember To Blink!

Day 121 Guess What I Get To Do Today!

Day 122 Shaping Your Life!

Day 123 The Path Of Peace!

Day 124 If You Don’t Run, You Can’t Win!

Day 125 Freedom From Fear!

Day 126 Turning Back Time!

Day 127 Impossible? Ha!

Day 128 Compassion In Action!

Day 129 Prepare For Victory!

Day 130 No Messing With The Blessing!

Day 131 Only Believe!

Day 132 Give God Room To Move!

Day 133 Treasure In You!

Day 134 Attend To The Attitude!

Day 135 Unimaginable Blessings!

Day 136 The Way To Win!

Day 137 Greater Power!

Day 138 This Is The Day!

Day 139 Don’t Let Frustration Stop Your Success!

Day 140 Remind Yourself You’re Not Crazy!

Day 141 Nothing Is Too Big For Hope!

Day 142 Peace Through It All!

Day 143 Perfect Fellowship!

Day 144 You Become Another Person!

Day 145 Honor Them With Perseverance!

Day 146 Honor On Your Life!

Day 147 Stop Identity Theft!

Day 148 All The Strength You Need!

Day 149 Don’t Be Intimidated!

Day 150 Your Future Is In God’s Hands!

Day 151 Making Beautiful Music!

Day 152 The Plan And The Provision!

Day 153 Remove The Sign!

Day 154 Keep Shooting Toward The Goal!

Day 155 Do Some Shaking Back!

Day 156 Surrender For Victory!

Day 157 You’re Making A Comeback!

Day 158 Who Is The Author Of Your Life?

Day 159 Free To Laugh!

Day 160 Put On Love!

Day 161 I See You!

Day 162 The Added Umph!

Day 163 Believe The Good Word!

Day 164 A Happy Childhood!

Day 165 The Place Of Miracles!

Day 166 Go In Peace!

Day 167 God’s Goodness Is Bigger!

Day 168 Face It With Courage!

Day 169 Win The Tug-Of-War!

Day 170 Flying Eagles!

Day 171 Keep Worshiping!

Day 172 God At Eye Level!

Day 173 Drawing God!

Day 174 Controlling Interest!

Day 175 See Jesus!

Day 176 God Preserves You!

Day 177 A New Thing Coming Your Way!

Day 178 You Have To Eat The Honey Sometimes!

Day 179 Well Able!

Day 180 I’ll Take You Through This Day!

Day 181 A Spirit Of Determination!

Day 182 Provision!

Day 183 A Delay, Not A Defeat!

Day 184 You Were Made To Succeed!

Day 185 Declare Your Freedom!

Day 186 Ya’ll Calm!

Day 187 One Day Closer!

Day 188 Mercy To Make It!

Day 189 You Will Rise To The Top Again!

Day 190 The Overflow Life!

Day 191 Keep Building!

Day 192 The Plan Of Provision For You!

Day 193 Satisfied!

Day 194 Jesus Brings Change!

Day 195 God Has Forgotten It, Why Don’t You!

Day 196 When The Problem Looks Greater!

Day 197 God Is In Control—Are You Sure?

Day 198 Hook Up With Jesus—Hook Up With Miracles!

Day 199 The Eleventh Hour!

Day 200 Stability In Unstable Times!

Day 201 Go In God’s Strength!

Day 202 Set Your Sails!

Day 203 Patience Is Powerful!

Day 204 When It’s Hot, Keep Cool!

Day 205 The Fork In The Road!

Day 206 Emotional Strength!

Day 207 Don’t Get Overloaded!

Day 208 Come Back And Get It!

Day 209 A Perfect Peacefulness!

Day 210 Don’t Stop Short!

Day 211 There Is More Beyond!

Day 212 God Is Active On Your Behalf!

Day 213 Use Your Spiritual Headphones!

Day 214 If Things Would Just Work Out!

Day 215 Make The Parade!

Day 216 The Momentum Will Swing Your Way!

Day 217 Don’t Stand On The Outskirts!

Day 218 Motion Sickness!

Day 219 The Force Of Kindness!

Day 220 Hello! I Love You!

Day 221 A Friend Of Yours!

Day 222 Like A Rainstorm Against A Wall!

Day 223 When Your World Is Shaky!

Day 224 How’s Your Dreamer Doing?

Day 225 The Secret Of Joy!

Day 226 Reawaken Your Heart’s Desire!

Day 227 It’s About To Happen!

Day 228 Going My Way!

Day 229 How Do You See Yourself?

Day 230 You Can Have A Powerful Effect!

Day 231 Get Rid Of The Not-Enoughs!

Day 232 You Can Endure To Win!

Day 233 It Will Change!

Day 234 A Note From God!

Day 235 Trying The Right Key!

Day 236 Win New Strength!

Day 237 Great And Wonderful And Intense Love!

Day 238 God Is Good With Numbers!

Day 239 Living By Faith!

Day 240 Run Into Victory!

Day 241 Secure!

Day 242 Seasons Change!

Day 243 You Shall See My Goodness!

Day 244 Determine The Outcome!

Day 245 The Day Of Battle!

Day 246 Wait For First-Class!

Day 247 Look Into The Face Of Peace!

Day 248 Start Swimming!

Day 249 He’s Watching Over You!

Day 250 Give It A Rest!

Day 251 Put Your Heart Into It!

Day 252 So Much Sweeter!

Day 253 Held Back No More!

Day 254 Refuse To Live In Fear!

Day 255 Peace No Matter What!

Day 256 The Lord Is Always There!

Day 257 The Restored Turtle!

Day 258 Don’t Be Normal!

Day 259 He Loves Me; He Loves Me Not!

Day 260 Happy Days Are Here Again!

Day 261 You Are A Bestseller!

Day 262 O Lord, Give Me Patience And Endurance!

Day 263 A Hope That Is Strong Enough!

Day 264 Survival Over Pressure!

Day 265 Let Peace Answer The Question!

Day 266 Your Answer Becomes Visible!

Day 267 Rely On God’s Efforts!

Day 268 Goodness And Mercy!

Day 269 Lighten Your Load!

Day 270 This Is Going To Take A Miracle!

Day 271 You’ve Got The Faith!

Day 272 God Fulfills His Commitments!

Day 273 You’ve Got What It Takes!

Day 274 Look At It From His Perspective!

Day 275 Push Back With Faith!

Day 276 Take A Leap Of Laughter!

Day 277 Focus!

Day 278 Be There In The Morning!

Day 279 Don’t Settle For Less!

Day 280 A Faith Covering!

Day 281 The Embrace!

Day 282 Looking In The Mirror!

Day 283 Victory To Victory!

Day 284 Our Attitude Is A Powerful Force!

Day 285 Stay Strong For The Journey!

Day 286 Work Through It!

Day 287 Certainly!

Day 288 Kindness Is No Fluff!

Day 289 Mountains!

Day 290 Keep Your Composure!

Day 291 Life Coming Easier Now!

Day 292 Can’t Get A Word In Edgewise!

Day 293 Daily Choices!

Day 294 The Experience Of God’s Love!

Day 295 Winning A World Series Game!

Day 296 He Picked You!

Day 297 You Don’t Have To Walk On Eggshells!

Day 298 Know It All!

Day 299 A Dime Of Defeat Turned Into Victory!

Day 300 You Can Achieve It!

Day 301 A Great Gift!

Day 302 Wait With Hope!

Day 303 Be With Me!

Day 304 Who’s Ever In My Way!

Day 305 Activate The Word!

Day 306 Demand A Recount!

Day 307 The House Of Representatives!

Day 308 Prayers With Action!

Day 309 The Storehouse Of Peace!

Day 310 Banner Of Love!

Day 311 Your Future Is Written By God!

Day 312 My God Will Hear Me!

Day 313 Victory In Your Heart!

Day 314 The Power To Conceive Your Dream!

Day 315 Pardon My Noise!

Day 316 Prayer Pressure!

Day 317 Leaping At The Wrong Time!

Day 318 God Can Do Greater!

Day 319 Dignity Instead Of Discarded!

Day 320 Just Like A Squirrel!

Day 321 The Answer Is Yes!

Day 322 Don’t Let Your Dreams Die!

Day 323 Being Satisfied!

Day 324 It May Take Some Time!

Day 325 Nothing Missing!

Day 326 Help Is Here!

Day 327 He Freely Gives!

Day 328 The Healing Of Humor!

Day 329 Wait For The Best!

Day 330 Thanksgiving Goes Deeper!

Day 331 Don’t Let The Rope Break!

Day 332 All You Need!

Day 333 Set It Back To Zero!

Day 334 Never Struck Out!

Day 335 The Power Of Your Potential!

Day 336 Peace About The Future!

Day 337 A Great Asset!

Day 338 Hide Me!

Day 339 The Privilege Of Boldness!

Day 340 Don’t Lose Your Shape!

Day 341 Send The Word!

Day 342 What’s Living Around You?

Day 343 Move On!

Day 344 A Mercy Moment!

Day 345 Different Methods!

Day 346 Hope For Happiness!

Day 347 Wonderful Peace!

Day 348 A Character Moment!

Day 349 Free!

Day 350 Nothing Beyond Faith!

Day 351 The Staredown!

Day 352 In Control When Things Seem Out Of Control!

Day 353 Pull The Power Out!

Day 354 Getting God’s Perspective!

Day 355 Hold Your Peace!

Day 356 What Kind Of Man Is This?

Day 357 All Is Calm?

Day 358 Have I Got News For You!

Day 359 Worship The King!

Day 360 Birth Is Just The Beginning!

Day 361 Frame The Picture Of Your Life!

Day 362 Rest! In Peace!

Day 363 The Right Answer!

Day 364 Live At A New Level!

Day 365 New Life!

Sources For Daily Words Of Power

Day 1

THIS YEAR WILL BE…!

The beginning of a new year is important for several reasons. One especially important thing that we do during this time is wonder about what the year will bring. If we answer that question in a negative way, then we’re setting the stage for a year of disappointment and unfulfillment.

That’s why we must right now, this very day, determine that this year will be a happier one. Let that be the prevailing attitude of our hearts and then see where it takes us! Finish the sentence this year will be… with the positive words you believe God would say for your life.

Alfred Lord Tennyson once wrote, Hope smiles on the threshold of the year to come, whispering that it will be happier. Hope is standing on the threshold of your new year, and as it looks out over your life, hope is smiling at what it sees. The Spirit of God is whispering to you through your heart that this year can be happier in God. As you allow yourself to be filled with hope, you will be able to hear the voice of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:5 tells us through the Holy Spirit’s help, by faith we anticipate and wait for the blessing and good for which our right standing with God causes us to hope. Anticipate! See the blessing and good waiting for you. Keep your hope healthy! Don’t let it get ill and lose it. You can have healthy hope because your faith is fueled by the Spirit of the living God. Hear His voice whispering to you that a happier future is yours. And your future begins now.

Spiritual Powerline to say to yourself:

THIS YEAR IS HAPPIER!

A powerful prayer to say out loud:

Lord, because of You, my heart has great hope for this new year. I’m setting my attitude to believe for Your blessing and good to come to me. I’m listening to the voice of Your Spirit. With anticipation, I expect Your greater works to be done in me, for me, and through me. This will be a happier year and it begins now! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 2

LIFTED ABOVE THE CIRCUMSTANCES!

One morning a man rose up and heard the barking of a number of dogs. He could tell they were chasing a deer. When he went outside and looked out over the large field in front of his house, he saw a young fawn running for all it was worth across the field. He could tell the race was almost over because the fawn was about to give out. With one last bit of strength, seeing no other way, it ran to this man and pushed its head between his legs. The man bent down and lifted the little thing up high.

As the hounds started to encircle them, he began to swing around and around with the fawn in his hands, fighting off the dogs. He was determined that they were not going to get this little thing after it had appealed to his strength in its weakness. Those dogs were no match for how high the deer had been lifted so they had to leave. It was saved.

There you are. You feel like a little thing compared to the circumstances chasing after you. You’re getting tired. The disappointment, challenge, or need seems to be catching up with you. Then you see the Lord standing before you. With all your faith, you run to Him for help. Out of your weakness, you appeal to His strength (II Corinthians 12:9).

The Lord takes you and lifts you high above the problems you face. With you in His hands, He is swinging around and around fighting them off. The troubles and disappointments nipping at you will not be able to consume your dreams and desires. They won’t even be able to take one bite out of those things for which you are believing! Appeal to the Lord today with your faith and let Him lift you above the circumstances. Victory is yours.

Spiritual Powerline to say to yourself:

I’M LIFTED ABOVE THE CIRCUMSTANCES!

A powerful prayer to say out loud:

Lord, the circumstances are nipping at my heels. They’re chasing me down. So I run to You today with my faith. And You lift me high above the troubles and struggle. I’m in Your hands. Nothing will be able to consume my dreams and desires. Victory is mine!

Day 3

KEEP YOUR DESIRE; DUMP DISCOURAGEMENT!

As you begin a new day, you may be hoping that maybe this will be the day you will see a desire fulfilled. It didn’t happen yesterday, but maybe today it will. However, to see it happen, discouragement has to be defeated. If you want to see that desire fulfilled, you have to dump discouragement and wholeheartedly believe it will occur.

That’s what a woman helped her husband do when he experienced disappointment over a manuscript he had written. He was in his 50s and decided to do what he’d always wanted to do—write down his God-given ideas to help people. After he had sent the manuscript to several publishers and none of them had accepted it, he became so disheartened that he threw the book into the trash. You see, he dumped his desire when he should have dumped his discouragement.

His wife had faith though, so she retrieved the manuscript and took it to one more publisher. They read it, loved it, and published it. Who was that writer? Norman Vincent Peale. The manuscript was The Power of Positive Thinking. The book that Dr. Peale had given up on eventually sold millions of copies. You see, even the author of positive thinking can be affected by discouragement.

You may be in a time where you have to make a decision: Will you dump discouragement or dump your desire? God is coming to you today to tell you to be encouraged. He sees your need, He knows where you long to be, and He’s going to help you get there. Therefore we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear)…our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day after day (II Corinthians 4:16).

Spiritual Powerline to say to yourself:

I KEEP MY DESIRE!

A powerful prayer to say out loud:

God, I am encouraged today! I know You’re with me and You help me to dump discouragement. Now, my spirit is renewed. I know everything is going to work out well. So I rejoice that I will see my desire fulfilled by Your power in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Day 4

BRING A BUCKET!

God gave us an easy quiz question in Genesis 18:14 when He asked, Is anything too hard or too wonderful for the Lord? Our answer obviously is No!

When we need help from the Lord, it’s not as though it’s going to be a struggle or strain to get it. We don’t push or pull for it. It isn’t required that we become stressed and pressured before we can receive. And maybe then we can eke out at least a portion of what we need. When we go to God, we must believe that our answer already exists and that it’s easy for God to give it to us. Don’t believe it’s hard for us to receive and it’s hard for God to give. That’s not the kind of God the Scriptures describe.

We need to go to Him with arms open, believing He will fill them with the answers to our desires and goals and needs. Perhaps we should change the way we approach Him. This poem describes how we can go to God in a different way. Lord, I crawled across the barrenness to You with my empty cup, uncertain in asking You for any small drop of refreshment. If only I had known You better, I’d have come running with a bucket.

When you really recognize what God wants to do for you, you’ll go running to Him—not slowly walking—and you’ll have a bucket in your hand instead of a little cup. He can pour out health on what is unhealthy. Take what is demanding in your life and make it undemanding. Change great labor to less labor. Not enough becomes overflowing. Uncomfortable becomes comfortable. What’s unmanageable can be managed.

Nothing is too hard. Nothing is too wonderful. Believe He’s bringing that to your life today. Get your bucket ready!

Spiritual Powerline to say to yourself:

I HAVE MY BUCKET READY!

A powerful prayer to say out loud:

Lord, I need Your help today. As I come to You asking for this, I believe nothing is too hard or too wonderful for You to do. I run to You with the faith of a child—believing You love me and can do all things. I lift my bucket up to You to be filled by Your goodness and power. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Day 5

WHAT GOOD AM I DOING?

Sir Michael Costa was conducting a rehearsal with his orchestra and they were joined by a great chorus. The sounds were tremendous—trumpets blaring, drums rolling, violins creating wonderful melody, and the chorus singing. About halfway through the session, the piccolo player muttered to himself, What good am I doing? I might as well not be playing. Nobody can hear me anyway. So, he decided to place his instrument to his lips but make no sound. Within just a few moments, the conductor began to cry out, Stop! Stop! Where’s the piccolo?

Do you feel like a piccolo player in the midst of a great orchestra and chorus? Insignificant. You wonder what good you are doing in the big scheme of things. It seems as though your contribution or influence is not very important. Some people who feel that way stop playing. Just as the piccolo player simply had the instrument to his lips but made no sound, many people are going through the motions of living but are not completely fulfilling the role God has for them.

But the minute we stop doing all we were created to do, the Great Conductor stops the orchestra and begins to cry out in heaven, Stop! Where is…(and then the Lord says your name). He knows when your qualities and efforts are missing. There are people to influence, tasks to be done, His gifts to be made known through you, and blessings for you to experience. You are significant to Him.

In James 4:10 the Lord says that as you humble yourself in His presence, He will exalt you. He will lift you up and make your life significant. So today, instead of just holding that piccolo to your lips, play it! Let go and let out of you all that God has put in you to do.

Spiritual Powerline to say to yourself:

I’M LETTING OUT ALL GOD HAS PUT IN ME!

A powerful prayer to say out loud:

Father, I humble myself before You today. I determine to do all You’ve created me to do—every small and big task. I’m not just going to live life; I’m going to experience all my gifts, talents, and qualities. You have roles for me to fulfill and people to influence. You need my efforts for Your plans. So, I am Yours! Thank You for lifting me up and making me significant. I am blessed by You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 6

REMEMBER THE SHIELD!

Throughout this day, know that you have a shield between you and circumstances and events. You can have confidence, boldness, and the security to experience all God has for you.

A good way to picture this is to look at what happened when a child named Trevor visited a zoo. He saw the orangutans, which look like apes but have long ugly bright hair—not a pretty sight. Trevor was amused at first, but that changed when one of the orangutans began to beat on the glass wall that was between the animals and the visitors. That’s when the boy jumped into the arms of his mother and began to cry, I scared! I scared!

How many times would we like to say that to God when we are facing a big orangutan-problem! We want to jump into His arms and say, God, I’m scared! Then I imagine that the Lord does the same thing that mother did for her son. She took his little hand and placed it on the glass to show him that the glass was a shield between him and the animal so there was nothing to fear. He was safe. Each time the orangutans would come near and seem to threaten, she would whisper to her boy, Remember the glass.

I believe that when we go to God with the issues of our life which seem bigger than we are, He spiritually takes our hands and helps us feel the Shield that is between us and the circumstances. Then as the day goes on and things don’t look so good and we begin to get uncertain again, His Spirit whispers to us, Remember the Shield.

Whatever you face today, know that you have a shield between you and the situation and He promises to take care of you. You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head (Psalm 3:3).

Spiritual Powerline to say to yourself:

TODAY, I REMEMBER MY SHIELD!

A powerful prayer to say out loud:

Lord, You are my shield and safety. Because of You, I can live in confidence. Protected. I can do the work You’ve called me to do and know that I will be delivered from what seems bigger than I. Yes, I’m going to see my desires fulfilled because I have the Shield with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 7

YOU’RE MADE TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE!

No matter what kind of storm you’re going through at this time, God is right there beside you. And because of that, you will see His goodness, deliverance, and restoration. The hardship, disappointment, or pain you’re going through—it will pass and then God will take you through a time of rebuilding.

One night a terrible desert storm struck a family’s farm in Arizona. Rain, hail, high wind. They hung on throughout the night, and then when they went out at daybreak they saw how the hail had beaten the garden and the truck patch into the ground. The wind had also ripped off part of the roof on the house, and the henhouse had been totally blown away. So many times our situation looks as if things have been beaten up and torn off. Unhappy circumstances surround us.

Suddenly this family saw a rooster slowly but surely climb out from under a pile of lumber left behind from the henhouse. He was dripping wet and most of his feathers had been blown off. Nevertheless, he got on top of the highest board of the pile, and just as soon as the sun started to rise, he flapped his wings and crowed with everything in him. He was a sign from the Lord. Yes, the storm had come, and it had tried to wipe them out, but that rooster’s crow reminded them that at the end of the storm, there is hope for a better day. Their lives could be revived and rebuilt.

Even though you may feel as that rooster did, as if your feathers have been blown off and you’re drenched from a rainstorm, open your mouth and began to praise the Lord for the dawning of a new day—one of beauty and better things that God has for you. God says, O you afflicted city, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in fair colors…and lay your foundations with sapphires (Isaiah 54:11). He will comfort you, build back a beautiful foundation, and show you His care and esteem. You were made to survive and thrive!

Spiritual Powerline to say to yourself:

I WILL SURVIVE AND THRIVE!

A powerful prayer to say out loud:

Lord, I know You’re with me during the storm. You help me as I face this area of my life where I need You. I praise You for the healing and rebuilding You’re doing even now. You made me to survive and thrive, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I have hope for a better day through the name and power of Jesus. Amen.

Day 8

WHEN DO I LOVE YOU THE MOST?

As a father was tucking in his six-year-old son for the night, he asked him, Son, when does Daddy love you the most? When you’ve been fighting with your sister and getting into a lot of trouble? Or is it when you’ve been real helpful and nice to everyone? His son thought for a moment and then said, Both times! The little boy knew his father loved him unconditionally, and that is the same way our heavenly Father loves us.

Sometimes we may focus on what we haven’t conquered in our lives—the character traits that aren’t quite in line with God’s Word yet, or the weaknesses that we give into now and then, or the faith we need more of in order to see a desire fulfilled. Although we may focus on those things, God doesn’t. He’s concentrating on bringing us into the life He has for us, molding us. His love is so strong and complete that nothing can put a tear in it and weaken it. Nothing we do will make Him love us less. He loves us the most…at all times!

Truly believing this can deepen our own love for Him and strengthen our resolve to walk in His ways. We turn every matter over to the Lord and allow Him to shape us. We trust Him to protect and provide for our lives because we know that He loves us!

So when we don’t feel too good about what’s going on in our lives, and God asks us, When do I love you most, we know the answer. At all times. (Ref. Romans 8:39.)

Spiritual Powerline to say to yourself:

GOD LOVES ME ALWAYS!

A powerful prayer to say out loud:

Lord, thank You for loving me at all times. Even when I don’t measure up, You are there with Your arms of compassion. So, help me to focus on the good in my life. I pray for You to shape me, strengthen me, and bring me into blessings. Now, I place my need in Your hands of love. And I express my love to You as Your child. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Day 9

DON’T IGNORE THE CHECK-ENGINE LIGHT!

What do you do when the check-engine light comes on in your car? If you ignore it, then you are in the majority. A survey found that of those who were driving a car with a check-engine light on, fifty percent of the cars had been that way for over three months. Experts say this is sobering information because the light can signify something potentially costly and possibly dangerous to the passengers or others on the road.

What happens if the car is not eventually checked? It breaks down. Our lives are like a car. There are times we need to check the engine—judge how we are doing mentally and emotionally. Are we pushing through life with something that is not quite right? It may be a daily type of thing that we need to handle, or it can be something more serious which needs to be resolved. We need to slow down long enough to check the engine. When we do, we may find that we’re getting a signal that will be costly if we don’t adhere to it.

The truth is that we must take a break before we break. Recognize when enough is enough. The check-engine light is telling us that it’s time to come aside and hear God’s voice in our spirit. First Kings 19:12 tells us that He speaks in the sound of gentle stillness. How hard is it today to have the sound of gentle stillness around us? That’s what we need in order to be ready to hear the Lord so our emotions and thoughts can be replenished and strengthened. If we push away that voice, then the wrong things can take over.

Say, Enough is enough. Then allow God’s voice to help guide you through tension, burdens, or confusion. He will lead you into joy, accomplishment, and peace.

Spiritual Powerline to say to yourself:

I TAKE A BREAK!

A powerful prayer to say out loud:

My Lord, I come aside in gentle stillness right now to hear Your voice. I pray You will strengthen my emotions and clear my thoughts. I need Your help to handle all that’s going on in my life right now. I know You’ll lead me to make good choices, be able to do all I need to do, and reach joy. Yes, I have peace in You! In Jesus’ name, amen.

Day 10

WHAT YOUR FUTURE CAN BE LIKE!

How you think about your future can make all the difference.

Mike Westhoff has been a very successful special teams coach in the NFL. When he was coaching for the Miami Dolphins, he became ill with bone cancer and ended up in the hospital. The prognosis did not look hopeful.

So, every time someone would visit him, they would gather around the bed and sympathize. By their actions, they were showing that they believed the coach was going to die. However, when the head coach, Don Shula, went to visit Mike, instead of sympathizing and having the attitude that he was going to pass away, Don leaned over to him and said, Listen, I need you in training camp in July, on the field, ready to go. We’re going all the way this year.

Mike started to look forward to what was next. From that moment on he began to recover and eventually went back to work for the Miami Dolphins. Later, he said, I thought Coach Shula would tuck me in, but he didn’t. He treated me the way I could be, not the way I was. In other words, Coach Shula showed Mike what his future could be like and not what his present appeared to be.

My Friend, God is not going to tuck you in and pat you on the head when you have problems and say, I’ll find someone else I can use to work for Me. I’ll give those blessings I had in store for you to another person. Instead, He is saying to you, Listen, I need you! I want you to get up and get ready to go. I have some things I want you to do. Promises I want to fulfill. You’re going all the way this year.

As you continue to yield your life to the Lord, you can look forward to a great future! Think about your future as being good and positive and do it by faith. Believe you’re going all the way and nothing is going to stop you. (Ref. Proverbs 31:25.)

Spiritual Powerline to say to yourself:

I HAVE A GOOD FUTURE!

A powerful prayer to say out loud:

Lord, I believe I have protection and blessing for my future. You have goodness for me. And You need me to work for You. I’m going all the way with You. I look forward to my future!

Day 11

STOP THE BLACKMAIL!

When a little boy was playing with a slingshot in his grandmother’s yard, he accidentally hit her pet duck and killed it. Since no one saw what had happened, he just buried the duck in the backyard and didn’t tell anyone. Later, he discovered that his sister had seen it all and now she had some good ammunition against her brother.

Whenever it was her turn to wash the dishes or some other chore, she would just get behind her brother and whisper in his ear, Remember the duck. Then he would hop to it and do her chores to keep her quiet. The day came when he was fed up with it, so he went to his grandmother, got on his knees by her chair, and confessed what had happened. To his surprise, she hugged him and thanked him for telling her. Then she explained, I was standing at the kitchen sink and saw the whole thing. I forgave you right then. I was just wondering when you were going to get tired of your sister’s blackmail and come tell me yourself.

How many times have we heard the whisper, Remember…remember what you did. Then those old feelings rise up within us and we begin to jump through the hoops of what we have to do to get away from that memory. Don’t allow yourself to be blackmailed by anyone—not even yourself. God was standing in heaven and saw everything that happened. He sees your