JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
THE 15/15 EXPERIENCE SPECIAL EDITION – FINALE
Today’s Word
Today’s Scripture
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the LORD Almighty.
Philippians 4:12–13, NLT
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
When Jesus was on earth, He went around healing people, teaching in the synagogues, lifting people up, and spending time with His disciples. Everywhere He went, there were needs. People would come up and ask, “Will You heal my child? Will You come to our city? Can I touch the edge of Your robe?” People made constant demands on His time and energies. Imagine how He felt. As the Son of God, He had this incredible power, anointing, and wisdom—so much to offer. Yet at times, when He was tired, the Scripture says that He would go away from the crowds and into the mountains to be alone so He could be refreshed. He could have felt guilty. “There are so many needs. There are people to heal and lepers to cleanse. I can’t take a break.” But Jesus knew He had to take care of His temple. No matter how anointed you are, you get tired. No matter how strong, smart, or gifted you are, you get depleted. Despite all the needs around you and despite what your children, spouse, boss, and friends are counting on you for, you have to have these times to get alone and recharge your batteries. If Jesus, the Son of God, had to be alone and rest to meet all the demands of the people around Him, why do we think we can go all the time and be everything for everyone?p
“I can’t let them down. They’re counting on me.” I’ve learned that the sun will still come up if I don’t get everything done. The sun will still rise if I don’t keep everyone happy. You’re not doing yourself any favors if you’re living in a depleted state. Sometimes we’ve been doing it for so long that we don’t realize how far below our potential we’re living. You won’t be as good a parent, spouse, leader, or friend if you’re not taking time to get away. There will always be needs, always be something to do or someone who wants your attention. You have to make it a priority to stay in balance. It’s okay to be depleted, to work hard, to give it your best, and to be there for people, but it’s not okay to stay depleted. You have to get filled back up.
REFLECTION
In this final principle, Take Care of Yourself, think about what refreshes you. Write about the things that refill you with energy and stamina.
Everybody replenishes themselves differently. Take some time to think bigger and get creative. How can you make your health and well-being a priority, just as it is to God?
DECLARATION
Today, I declare that I will rely on the Spirit of the Lord instead of working in my own strength. I will keep my life in balance and give myself time and permission to rest and replenish my energy. I declare that I will let go of the pressure to perform. I will take care of myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I declare that I am worthy and valuable just as I am, and that the Almighty God will bring me to where I need to be.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, you’ve given me a heart to serve others, but help me realize that my well-being matters, too. Show me, Father, that it’s okay if I can’t always be the go-to person. Remind me not to carry guilt for prioritizing my health. People might get upset. They might wish more from me, but Lord, You alone are my judge. My health, my purpose, my destiny are all in Your hands. You didn’t create me to be a hero for everyone else’s expectations, but to follow the path You’ve set for me. Guide me, Father, to not live selfishly, but balanced, recognizing that You’ve put me in charge of my emotional and physical health. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
SECTION TWO
A life that is founded upon the gospel of Jesus Christ is unshakable. When you build your life upon the gospel, you are building on a strong foundation that will give you stability and the power of God for lasting breakthroughs (Rom. 1:16).
You may be going through an extremely difficult season right now. Perhaps you are reading this and you have just received a negative medical report, or maybe you are surrounded by some challenging circumstances at your place of employment. I want to encourage you to say this by faith: “I am too blessed to be stressed.”
Now invite our Lord Jesus into your situation. Involve Him in your area of need. Whether it is a healing, provision, or relationship breakthrough that you need, see and believe that the Lord is with you.
My dear friend, don’t put your trust in your own understanding. Instead, lean wholly on the one Who is more interested in your success than you are. The book of Proverbs tells us, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Prov. 18:10). Run to Him and cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.
Speak with me this promise of God found in today’s scripture into your situation right now: ” ‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,’ says the LORD.” Amen and Amen!
Meditate on the last line of this powerful scripture. In the new covenant of grace, your righteousness is from the Lord Jesus Himself. Now, the more you understand your righteousness in Christ, the more you will experience His promise in today’s scripture.
The opposite holds true. When God’s people are not established in their righteous identity in Christ, they become susceptible to the weapons of the enemy. Weapons such as sickness, lack, guilt, condemnation, fear, depression, and all kinds of disorders and addictions. That is why it is so important to be sure that you are listening to the real gospel.
God’s Word proclaims that none of these weapons, even if they have already been formed, shall prevail against you. And every unfounded accusation, every malicious lie, and every false allegation you shall condemn! The enemy doesn’t have a hold over your life. God does, and He holds it together!
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