The only thing standing between you and your goals is the same story you keep telling yourself over and over again. There comes a point in your life when you have to turn the page and begin a new chapter in your life.

When you become fully committed to moving forward in victory, nothing will stand in your way. The circumstances of your day will not dictate the blessings of your future. Where you’re going is so much greater than where you’ve been.

As the year comes to an end, don’t look back on yesterday’s disappointments. Look straight ahead to God’s wonderful promises that are yet to unfold. My prayer for you in this upcoming year is that God would bless you over and beyond all that you could ever ask for, think, or imagine.

Scripture Focus: 

“Your future will be brighter by far than your past.” – Job 8:7 (CEV)

One of the most powerful ways to radically change your outlook on life is to shift your focus from grumbling to gratitude. Today’s scripture is a reminder that we are blessed and where our blessings come from. 

Every good and perfect gift that we receive comes from the hand of God. Whether it’s our health, or our families, every blessing comes from the Father of heavenly lights. When we make the conscious choice to count our blessings rather than our problems, we will begin to see our trials in a new light—God’s heavenly light.

Focusing on God’s faithfulness and His unchanging goodness will help you to meet your current circumstance with confidence. You will begin to see that whatever looks like anything but a “good and perfect gift” is actually a blessing in the making. As your journey of faith continues to unfold, the tests and trials along the way will soon translate into testimonies.

Scripture Focus:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17 (CSB)

Have you ever found yourself fighting the wrong battles in life? Do you struggle with this constant need to prove your point and set everybody straight?

There will always be opportunities in life to quarrel and disagree about something. None of us are exactly alike. To avoid unnecessary stress, it is important not to let everything upset you. When you choose your battles wisely, you have more energy, patience, and clarity to focus on those things that are most important.

So often, we run around fighting battles that aren’t ours to fight. Consequently, we end up being exhausted, overwhelmed, and always on the edge. If we live in a constant state of confrontation, we run the risk of turning our lives into a war zone. Instead of being filled with peace and love, we end up living a life of anger and hostility.

Every battle that presents itself to you is not yours to fight. Choosing your battles wisely means there is a time to fight and a time to step back and let go. If you are faced with conflict today, I want to encourage you to step back and ask God whether this is your battle to fight or His. And always remember, never go to war when there are no spoils to be gained.

Scripture Focus:

“If you follow this advice… then you will be able to endure the pressures.” – Exodus 18:23 (NLT)

The Declaration of Independence of the United States boldly claims that each person is “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This pursuit of happiness seems to be a driving force for many people.

Generally, we all want to be happy. But what is happiness? And how can a person be truly happy? As a Christian, your happiness in life should not be dependent on the things the world offers. True happiness cannot be found in people, money, status, or any special achievement.

Life’s greatest pleasure is only experienced in a relationship with the One who made us and knows what’s best for us. Therefore, true happiness can only be found in God. Yes, we can enjoy the things we have in this life, but what makes these gifts so special is the One who gives it.

Scripture Focus: 

“You brought me more happiness than a rich harvest of grain and grapes.” – Psalm 4:7 (CEV)