23/12/23
JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
TODAY’S WORD
Today’s Scripture
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Luke 1:38, NIV
NOT BY YOUR STRENGTH
It would have been so easy for Mary to doubt the angel’s promise that she would give birth to Jesus without a man being involved. But consider Mary’s response: “I am the Lord’s child. I will accept whatever He wants. May everything you said come true.” Instead of focusing on how this was possible, she switched over to who she was. “I know who I am. I am the Lord’s child. I am favored. I am blessed. I am anointed.”
Why don’t you do as Mary did and leave the how up to God and just stay focused on who you are. “Lord, thank You that You’re my Father and You’re taking me where I can’t go on my own.” The dreams in your heart may seem impossible, but the how is not up to you. The power of the Most High is going to work it out. Take the pressure off yourself. Quit living worried and frustrated. It’s not going to be by your strength, but by the Spirit of the living God.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
“Father, thank You that Mary could believe Your promise because she knew she was Your servant and child. Thank You that no word from You has ever failed. I believe that I am Your child and servant as well, and Your words to me will be fulfilled. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”d
SECTION TWO
As you think about declaring God’s promises of protection over yourself and your loved ones, you may be asking, But Pastor Prince, can’t I just believe God’s Word in my heart? Why do I also have to say Psalm 91 out loud?
Let me show you some Scriptures about faith and speaking that will help you. Romans 10:9 tells us that “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (boldface mine).
Our Lord Jesus also said, “Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says” (Mark 11:23, boldface mine).
Now, reread what the apostle Paul wrote in today’s verse. Do you notice a pattern here? Faith involves believing in your heart as well as speaking with your mouth.
You and I, we are made in God’s image. When God first saw darkness, He didn’t say, “Gosh, it’s so dark.” What did God do? He called forth light by speaking. He said, “Let there be light” (Gen. 1:3).
In the New Testament, our Lord Jesus spoke to the storm and it subsided. He spoke to the fig tree and it withered. He spoke to the demons and they fled. He spoke to the sick and they were healed. He spoke to the dead and they lived.
Similarly, when we are faced with darkness in any area of our lives today, or trapped in a storm of challenges, let’s not be mired in looking at the problems and despairing. We should also call forth what we want to see!
If we find ourselves caught in a dangerous situation, we should declare, “The Lord is my refuge and my fortress.” If there is a sickness in our body, we can call forth our healing by saying, “Thank You, Jesus, by Your stripes I am healed!” Start speaking forth your protection, your health, and your victory today!
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