April 13: PROSPEROUS SOUL!

 

 

Beloved, I pray that you may PROSPER in all things and be in health,

just as your soul prospers.  

(3 John 2)

 

1.       Today I will live in the now!  I will live in the now because I have a mindset and attitude that is conducive to prosperity, one that attracts good things to my life.  My soul (my mind, will and emotions) is prospering, and taking me to a higher level of success and productivity as it unlocks the treasures hidden in the field of my life’s potential.

 

2.       Today I will comprehend the definition of true prosperity, which involves more than just my financial status.  Peace of mind, excellence of character, sphere of influence, manifestation of leadership ability, and a virtuous life of unselfishness are all viable parts of real prosperity…the kind of prosperity that is a blessing to humanity.

 

3.       Today I will not contaminate my prosperous mentality with thoughts of guilt—the useless emotion that kills effectiveness—or worry, which is the mirror refection of guilt.  Guilt is past-oriented and worry is future-oriented, and both ensure that absolutely nothing worthwhile will be achieved in the present!  A prosperous soul is one that only functions in the now!

 

4.       Today I will remember that my state of mind is affecting my health and that good health is more than just the absence of sickness and disease in my body.  Today I will speak words that encourage my body’s natural immune system and re-creative ability to medicate itself from the inside out, but I will also see the big picture of mental and social health, longevity of life and contribution to the health and improvement of the world, and make that my ultimate goal.

 

5.       Today I will let my prosperous meditation unblock my energy and creativity.  “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he MEDITATES day and night.  He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall PROSPER” (Psalm 1:2, 3).

 

6.       Today I will expose myself to information that bends my attention toward prospering, unlocking hidden rooms of potential within my spirit.  I will not lose precious time by letting my problems become obsessions (replaying painful thoughts and memories), but will be empowered by the will to be proactive.  Jesus has already completed His work for me, and nobody else can make me prosper, so I will make the Word work for myself!

 

7.       Today I will get it together in my soul-life.  I will do whatever is necessary to change my negative thought patterns and self-destructive inner voices, and today I will live in the now!

 

Father, help me to live my life today with a prosperous mentality.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

March 24: SURPRISE PARTY!

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord…thoughts and plans for welfare and peace, and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP)

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. (Psalm 23:5)

 

1. Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I believe that the day is filled with wonderful surprise events that God has before-ordained for me, and I will arrive at the right place at the right time to experience all of them as I follow Him!

2. Today I will delight in the beauty and natural wonders around me. I will enjoy the little things: the laughter of children, the flower ready to burst into bloom, the sweet smell of the air after a rain. God is a good God and He is good all the time! His goodness is everywhere…all around me today…overtaking me with His blessings!

 3. Today I will enjoy the adventure of locating God’s surprises with an upbeat, optimistic attitude. I will channel my thoughts and words into uplifting and encouraging ideas and observations. I will experience the good things that are happening in the present, knowing that the past is a library of information from which to learn, and the future is a happy, inviting land of unlimited promise!

4. Today I will dream winning dreams and will not be defeated by anyone who attempts to strip away my coat of many colors from me. Those colors have been so internalized that I have unshakeable, childlike faith in happy endings, and I refuse to quit until my dreams are realized.

5. Today I will delight myself in the Lord and He will give me the desires of my heart—and when the desire comes, it is a tree of life!

6. Today I will navigate the uncharted waters of my current circumstances with complete confidence and consistent courage. I will demonstrate boldness by beginning to release the hidden winner within me into the external world.

7. Today I will not miss my window of opportunity. I am present in my present, as I stay in His presence! Today is my day, and today I will live in the now! Father, I thank you for what You are preparing for me today!

March 13: CREATE JOY!

“. . . Weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)   1. Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I have access to my unalienable, Kingdom rights to righteousness, peace and JOY in the Holy Ghost! I have joy by the answer of my mouth – His strength-giving joy that keeps me young, vibrant, and healthy today. I will use my creative ability to allow the issues of life to flow from my heart, out into the world around me, causing the landscape to lighten up and live! 2. Today I will not have to wait for external things to bring me joy and happiness. I am joyful now! Because Jesus has given me His own supernatural, inward joy – a fruit of the recreated spirit (the fruit of the spirit is joy) – I am able to be genuinely joyful, regardless of outward circumstances or situations. My cup runs over! 3. Today I will use the solid front of Kingdom joy to ward off and repel oppression and depression, sadness and anxiety. My renewed mind is positively hopeful and optimistic in Christ, as I walk in a different dimension from those who dwell in daily drudgery. 4. Today I will create an atmosphere of joy by my words and attitude – my reactions – my laughter – my peace of mind. The joy of the Lord, in cooperation with my own joy, will be influentially inspirational and corporately contagious. It will enable me to help make the world a better place in which to live today. 5. Today I will be radiant with the glory of the Lord – His joy – His praise – will cause me to be attractive and highly favored today. The strength that comes from godly joy will win the day, and bring satisfying success to me, as I prosper in relation to the prosperity of my soul. 6. Today I will turn a long-standing and negative situation around through the force of joy. The paradigm shift that I experience will pull down strongholds of despair and hopelessness. The joy of the Lord makes anything possible today. 7. Today I will be a singer, a dancer, a praiser, and a warrior for the Kingdom of God. His praise shall continually be in my mouth, and with joy I will draw water out of the wells of salvation. Victory is mine today, and today I will live in the now!

Father, help me to create joy today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

March 2: PARADIGM SHIFT!

“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” (Romans 12:2 – The Message) 1. Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I have the ability to change my life by changing my mind! I am not bound to think like everybody else. I can think beyond my culture and heritage and generation. I can imagine things that exceed my experience, and move past my past points of reference. My mind and thoughts are my own, willfully submitted to the Lordship of Jesus, and are bringing my life into the now! 2. Today I will dare to dream, even when the apparent reality in my life shows no promise of changing or improving. I will expose myself to new ideas, and childlike faith . . . to let myself believe that dreams, even illogical and improbable ones, can and do come true! 3. Today I will empathize with someone else. My spirit of understanding will enable me to see the situation through their window, and to stop trying to force them to see through mine. I don’t have to be right today – someone else may have a valid point that I will be willing to acknowledge and accept. I will even overcome my fear and dread of letting myself finally see myself the way they see me! The truth will set me free! 4. Today I will allow vigorous discussion and idea-exchange with those who do not necessarily think like I do, and the stimulus will release creative energy in me that will flow from the inside out. In speaking with those who may even disagree with me today, I will remain confidently confrontational, without becoming combatively contentious. 5. Today I will listen, learn, read, talk, inquire, investigate, ask, think, converse, reflect, meditate, study, and pay attention to the world around me, in an effort to keep my mind open . . . vital . . . flexible . . . pliable . . . changeable. I will maintain an attitude of youthfulness and sense of wonder, by refusing to let my mind become petrified in its prejudices. 6. Today I will welcome a mental revolution – a brainstorm – a radical idea – an inspiration! 7. Today I will have a new outlook on my life, and today I will live in the now!

Father, show me where I need a paradigm shift today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

February 26: BE NICE!

“It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].” (1 Corinthians 13:5 – AMP) 1. Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because, in Christ, I have the ability to become the person that I have always wanted to be. Because of the unique work that the Spirit of God is doing in my heart and personality, I can love others unconditionally, treating them respectfully, as God treats me with respect and affectionate kindness. They will not have to suffer because of my unfinished business and unresolved issues, because the character of Christ will enable me to keep my relationships in proper perspective. 2. Today I will allow the river of the Christ-life to flow out from my inner man, into the world around me, so that I can be a blessing to humanity, and a Kingdom world-changer. I will be loving, helpful, friendly, cooperative, empathetic, and understanding today. The fruit of the Spirit operating in my life will feed and satisfy the hungry souls of those who come into contact with me, causing me to be attractive in an authentic, godly, and life-affirming way. 3. Today I will not retaliate where my enemies or accusers are concerned, knowing that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and He will vindicate me. I will experience the power of turning the other cheek, and the soft answer that turns away wrath. I will not wrestle with flesh and blood today, and will agree with my adversary quickly when I am in the way with him. Today I will not be overcome with evil, but will overcome evil with good, my ways pleasing the Lord so that even my enemies will be at peace with me. If God is for me, who can be against me? 4. Today I will be blessed because I am a peacemaker, and will be called a son of God (Matthew 5:9). I will obtain mercy because I will be merciful to others (5:7). 5. Today I will be a bridge-builder, because God has given me the ministry and word of reconciliation. I will endeavor to wage war against hatred, strife, division, bigotry and prejudice when I see evidence of it, by the hidden weapons of the Spirit of God in me. 6. Today Jesus will live big in me, and will even love the unlovable through me. Love never fails, and love will put me over! 7. Today I will win by doing the right thing, and today I will live in the now!

Father, help me to love like You today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

February 15: IT’S POSSIBLE!

“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)  1. Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I am a believer whose mind is continually being renewed to think positively, and to abandon all self-defeating and limiting mental images. ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING, so today I am changing my opinion to take dominion! 2. Today I will really let myself believe that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! “Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes'” (Mark 9:23). I will not be naïve and unrealistic, but my faith will definitely allow me to visualize the evidence of things not seen and to feel the substance of the things that I hope for! 3. Today I will remember to NEVER SAY NEVER. The atmosphere is now so heavy with possibilities that I will not rule out anything or anybody being used by God today to bring miracles into my life. He will even use the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. 4. Today I will TRY, TRY AGAIN. I will overcome and move past my failures, and work through the embarrassment of my mistakes. “Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand” (Proverbs 19:21 – AMP). My cooperation with God makes my success a possibility. 5. Today I will THINK WIN/WIN. I will see obstacles as opportunities, give a good report, and just keep going. “You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally” (1 Corinthians 9:25 – The Message). Today I see myself as a winner! 6. Today I will demonstrate that GOD IS GOOD. I know that His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations, so I will seize this day with all the faith, expectation, hope, motivation, energy, and vision that is in me! 7. Today I will confess that JESUS IS LORD. I have authority in three worlds through the Name of Jesus . . . in heaven, on the earth, and under the earth (Philippians 2:10, 11), so I will see the salvation of the Lord today through my tenacious faith in the power of His might. Because I am seated with Him in the heavenlies, I can see my life from His vantage point and am, therefore, aware that anything is possible with and through Him today. Today I believe that IT’S ALL GOOD, and today I will live in the now!

Father, help me to remember that all things are possible today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

January 22: GOOD MORNING!

 

…the Lord’s mercies…are new every morning.  Great is your faithfulness.

(Lamentations 3:22, 23)

 

1.       Today I will live in the now!  I will live in the now because God’s mercy endures forever—one morning at a time.  The freshness of the dawn and early hours of the day are a reminder to me of how current and new God is in His merciful dealings with me.

 

2.       Today I will praise the Name of the Lord from the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same.  I will start off my day with a love song for the One who woke me up this morning, and I will sing it to Him in my heart until I lay down to sleep this evening.  I am blessed and thankful for all of God’s benefits.  Today I know that He is smiling on me as I sing of His greatness!

 

3.       Today I will not be overcome by sorrow, because weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning.  No matter how dark things have been, this morning I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I will be optimistic in my thinking, and the faith in my heart will produce great expectations in my inner man.

 

4.       Today I will go where the day takes me, without fear or dread.  I declare the end from the beginning by saying that this is the day the Lord has made, so I will regard it as an open door to my future.  No matter what it may bring or what I may be up against, my faith will win the day.

 

5.       Today, as the Daystar arises in my heart, my vision will increase like the sunlight at dawn.  This day will usher in a whole new season of increase for me.  I say “good morning” to my new attitude, as I welcome all the possibilities that are on the way.

 

6.       Today I let yesterday go and use what I have in my hand right now to maximize the day’s potential.  A new opportunity for me lies around every corner, and I will not let one go unnoticed by being distracted by water under the bridge.

 

7.       Today the Bright and Morning Star shines on me—and through me.  It’s a new day and everything is different in my world than it was before.  I demonstrate that His mercies are new this morning by my determination to live the liberated life today, and today I will live in the now!

 

Good morning, Lord!  Help me to see Your new mercies today.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

January 15: NO PROBLEM!

 

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,

to those who are the called according to His purpose.  (Romans 8:28)

 

1.       Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I know that there is more to what is happening in my life right now than meets the eye.  I also know that my problems are actually opportunities for God to show off for me and through me and, therefore, I am excited about what is about to happen around me and in me!  I feel like I have a front row seat, and it is just a few moments until Showtime!

 

2.       Today I will not worry about the situations concerning me right now, because worrying will not change them.  Instead, I will convert the mental energy that I would need to really worry into effectual, fervent prayer.  I am careful for nothing but in everything, by prayer and supplication, I thankfully make my requests known to God.

 

3.       Today I will realize that I am not alone in this.  God is for me!  Who can be against me?  He’ll never leave or forsake me.  He will be with me always, even to the end of the world.  And though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for He is with me.  His rod and staff comfort me.  The fourth man in my fiery furnace will cause me to come out without even the smell of smoke on my clothes!

 

4.       Today I will be proactive, instead of reactive, to my problems.  Because I have been given dominion and authority, I can do something about my situation.  I am not helpless.  God will show me what I can do today that will make a difference, and after I have done all that I can, I will stand in faith for God to do the rest.

 

5.       Today God is sending someone to help me.  Someone has the answer that I am looking for.  Someone has the solution to the problem.  Someone has a key to unlock the mysterious part of the situation.  Someone is bringing me the word of the Lord.

 

6.       Today I will have a good attitude.  My strong spirit will prevent me from being overwhelmed by my problems.  The same God who delivered me from the bear and the lion, will also deliver me from the present giant that I am facing!  In all these things I am more than a conqueror!

 

7.       Today I will rest in the faithfulness of God.  He has never failed me, and He never will.  I am not worried, anxious, fearful or depressed.  My situation could totally change for the better today.  I will keep things in perspective.  I will not be negative.  I will not burden others with the details.  I will not exaggerate and magnify my problems—I will magnify the Lord!  Today, God and I are bigger than my problems, and today I will live in the now!

 

Father, help me to see my problems today as opportunities.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

January 12: NEW THING!

 

Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.

 Behold, I will do a NEW THING, NOW it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it?

I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 

 (Isaiah 43: 18, 19)

 

1.       Today I will live in the now!  I will live in the now because the new thing that God is doing is causing (forcing) me to update my thinking.  I am making the effort to stop considering the things of old, so that I can recognize the new thing when it springs forth.  The question is, “Shall you not know it?” and the answer is, “Yes, I will!”

 

2.       Today I will stop complaining about the wilderness and start looking for the road out of it.  The way out is the way into the Promised Land, and if He promised that the new thing would be a road (way) in my wilderness, then I am ready to travel on that new road, no matter the condition of it.  The road will give me direction.

 

3.       Today I will stop worrying about surviving in the desert and will search for the river that comes from the “new thing.”  I will not be afraid of the river, even if it is deep and has white water rapids and treacherous falls in it.  The river represents life, and I am ready to have it and to have it more abundantly.  Even if I have to move through my fears to navigate the new river, I know that it will lead me to my destiny.

 

4.       Today I will allow the Holy Spirit to do His unique work of making all things new.  He is the source of life Who causes miracles in the now.  His is the only way, and I will spontaneously obey His instructions, excitedly expecting the outcome.  He only brings good, life, peace, health and blessing—He is perfect in all His ways.

 

5.       Today I will have a new outlook and attitude in preparation for the new thing that God is doing.  The “springing forth” of it will not startle me, because I am flexible and aware of the work of the Spirit.  I am in a state of anticipation.  I am ready!

 

6.       Today I will not fret over the chaos that the new thing may cause in my world.  I will not be oppressed by the words and wishes of those who cannot accept the new or the now.  If the new thing from God disrupts my life as I know it, then so be it!  He is my Lord.  He doesn’t have to clear it with me, even though He has offered to do so.  My life belongs to Him.  He can do with it as He pleases, even though He has given me the control over my life.  I have freely given the control back over to Him!

 

7.       Today I will recognize the role that people play in bringing about God’s new thing for me.  I will be open to meeting new people who will bring new things to my life and will rethink the people who are already affecting me.  All of it will work together for my good.  The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.  Today I am looking for the new thing to spring forth, and today I will live in the now!

 

Father, help me to recognize the new thing that You are doing.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Book available @ www.churchinthenow.org

Other books by Bishop Jim Swilley @ www.bloginthenow.wordpress.com