100 Ways and 100 Days To Love Your Spouse

Day 13-  Focus on what he’s doing right, instead of focusing so often on the negatives. There are so many things that my husband does right, we’d be here all day if I were to attempt to list them. J  But, it does take effort sometimes to think of those things.  And, usually, it has NOTHING at all to do with him.  Tonight, compliment him on a job well done or thank him for helping with the dishes, the clothes or the kids.  You’d be surprised how far that goes with him.  I have found when Darrell feels appreciated, it’s a lot easier for him to receive…ahem….criticism.  And, he begins to take initiative on helping out instead of having to be asked to help out.  J

Tylar & I at a MCHS Bulldog game!

TODAY'S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

TODAY'S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

"…Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered"
(1 Peter 3:7, NLT)

Did you know that the way you treat others has an impact on the effectiveness of your prayers? The Bible says that the prayer of the righteous person is powerful. But if we aren't treating others with honor, kindness and respect, then we aren't allowing His righteousness to operate in us. When we don't treat others the way we should, it closes the door to God's power and hinders our prayers.

This is especially true in a marriage relationship. Marriage isn't just an agreement between two people to live life together. Marriage is a God-ordained institution that helps us understand love and unity. When two people are married, they become one physically, spiritually and emotionally. This particular passage is directed toward husbands, but it applies to all believers as well. We should always treat others "with understanding," which means considering their needs above our own. We should always aim to treat others with kindness, dignity and respect, and quickly choose forgiveness.

Remember, the way we treat others is the only thing that matters in eternity, and it impacts our prayers on earth. So today, choose love, choose forgiveness, and choose to treat others with respect so that your prayers can be powerful and effective the way God promises!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, I want to live in Your ways. I want Your power to flow though me. Show me how to treat others with the highest level of love and respect. Let my words and actions always honor You so that my prayers will be powerful and effective in Jesus' name. Amen.

100 Ways and 100 Days To Love Your Spouse

Day 12- When you go out on a date together don’t bring up problems—have fun instead.  Darrell enjoy our “alone” time together.  We talk about everything but problems.  We can truly ride down the road together to the store and have fun.  Date night is for the two of you to “unwind” together.  It’s difficult to achieve that if you are bringing up issues that can truly wait for another time to be discussed.  Our favorite date night activity is dinner and a movie. 

Christmas 2010

TODAY'S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

Today’s Word with Maria Fulcher:  Raising Godly Sons

I was recently blown away after seeing a young teenage boy on Facebook wearing a T-shirt exploiting a young, beautiful woman almost completely naked.  What shocked me about this particular child wearing the shirt was this….his mother claims she is a very religious person.  So, what do we have in this situation?  What boundaries are we setting for our young male sons?  Are there any? 

I would NEVER allow my teenage son to wear such a provocative shirt exploiting women.  My son is being taught to admire women, respect them and hold them to high regard.  He will not ever be allowed to exploit women in such a despicable way. 

What is at the heart of your desire to raise a Godly son?

In our secular society, it is difficult enough for teenage boys to “fit in”.  For any boy to be a “good” child, he MUST be raised by God’s truth.  I want my son to know all the principles taught in the Bible about growing into a Godly man.  I want my son have a love and a passion for God which will, in turn, spill out into a love for all mankind, especially women. 

My expectations and goals for my son are far too important to sacrifice his reputation by wearing such “garb”.  There are many voices telling me how to parent my child in our secular society.  But, I choose to listen to only one voice.  God’s voice.

This is what God tells me about raising my son up into a Godly man:

            Establish and live God’s standards (Deuteronomy 6:1) Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the judgments which the LORD your God has commanded me to teach you, that you might do them in the land where you are going over to possess it.

            Pass it on to next generations (Deuteronomy 6:2) So that you and your son and your grandson might fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged.

               

What God says about women who falsely teach our sons (Revelation 2:20) But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.

So, I beg of you ladies, raise your son up to respect women; to put them on a “pedestal”, so to speak; to listen and learn righteous things from them; to lead them and their future children in the way you would want your husband to lead you and your family. 

Thomas, 10 and Dalton, 15~my precious sons.

100 Ways and 100 Days To Love Your Spouse

11. Try not to make sudden major changes without discussion, giving him/her time to adjust.  It takes all of us time to get used to new ways of doing things.  Consider your spouse’s consideration and input on anything majorly different that you hope to accomplish….together.  Darrell & I discuss every single minute decision in our lives, together.  It doesn’t matter how small the matter or how large.  We ALWAYS consult the other.  If you don’t consider your mate’s wishes and input and ideas, you shouldn’t be changing anything. 

Destin 2010, One of my favorite pictures of the two of us!

TODAY'S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

TODAY'S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER:  MONEY ISSUES!!!

1.      The Bible teaches the proper attitude toward money. Money becomes a problem when it is misused. Paul taught Timothy,

But godliness with contentment is great gain: for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out; but having food and covering we shall be therewith content. But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Tim. 6:6-10 NKJV).

      2. Secondly, discipline is necessary in order to handle money properly. In addition to having the right attitude about money, we must practice biblical discipline regarding the management of our resources.

Paul taught:

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread (2 Thess. 3:10-12).

What did Paul mean when he wrote to Christians at Rome saying "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law"? (Rom. 13:8NKJV). This does not mean that one cannot buy anything on credit. You don't owe anything until the payment is due. It does mean "Pay your bills." It also means that we should not over-extend our selves.

Here are some ways to tell if you are living beyond your means:

• "Maxing-out" your credit cards.
• Borrowing from the cash value of your insurance policy.
• Making new loans to pay off old ones.
• Using credit to buy luxury items or to take vacations.
• Borrowing money from your friends or relatives.
• Always paying your bills late.
• Having nothing in a savings account.
• Paying the smallest amount permitted on credit cards.
• Applying for new credit cards for more borrowing power.

If you find that you are living beyond your means, then begin to take action to either increase your income or decrease your spending.

Debt can be a millstone around the neck and can ruin a marriage. We must discipline ourselves to live within our means. Remember:

"If your out-going exceeds your income, your upkeep will be your downfall."

Reagan & Taylor at Cheer Comp!

ICEBREAKER QUESTION OF THE DAY

Icebreaker Question: 

If someone made a movie of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, action film, or science fiction?

100 Ways and 100 Days To Love Your Spouse

Day 10- Foster an atmosphere of laughter in your home. Look for ways to laugh together.  Ok, at the Fulcher Homestead, we NEVER have to look for ways to laugh.  It is a constant “Laugh-A-Thon” at our house.  We laugh at everything from commercials, to children spontaneously dancing across the room in front of the TV in classic “Flash Mob” style, to Thomas (10 years old) having a vocabulary larger than any of the rest of us, to Kaitlyn and Reagan’s “blonde” moments, to Dalton (&Darrell) flexing in front of mirrors or no mirrors, just showin’ off their newly formed “hard bodies”…..we also love to dance at our house….all 6 of us….which can create laughter in itself.  We dance if we are cooking dinner, cleaning, or again…..just walking across the room, we may spontaneously combust into dancing at any given moment!  Never a dull moment.  So, go ahead….laugh it up with your spouse!  Laughter really is the best medicine!

Kaitlyn at our house in Destin.  P.S. We also all love to make a lot of faces!!!

TODAY'S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

TODAY’S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

Spiritual leadership is one trait that is expected of Christian men.  However, most men have not seen it modeled in the home they grew up in nor have they heard practical teaching on how to become a spiritual leader.  Here’s a definition in progress of spiritual leadership: “Knowing where God wants you to be and taking the initiative to use God’s methods to get there in reliance on His power.”

The following principles will help you take some of the right first steps in your journey to become the spiritual leader for your family.

Pursue a passionate personal love relationship with God. 

Focus more on inward character than outward commanding.

Get over the emphasis in just providing for physical needs and focus more on being a servant leader.

Take initiative in shaping the moral and spiritual vision of your family.

Take the lead in reconciling your relationships. 

Be a transitional spiritual leader in your generation.

One of the key ideas of being a spiritual leader is initiative.  We must take initiative to move forward in our relationship with God so that we can lead our families to move forward. 

What will you do?

100 Ways and 100 Days To Love Your Spouse

Day 9- Be tender with him realizing he has feelings also.  Men always have their “guard up”.  But, deep down, Godly men especially have a world full of feelings ready to share with you.  Remember, to let him speak.  Do not talk when he is sharing with you.  He needs you to “hear” him not “help” him.

TODAY'S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

TODAY'S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER



·         Matthew 23:28
New International Version (NIV)

28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness and jealousy and envy.

Do you know anyone like this?  It is very aggravating to watch people profess themselves as Christians and present themselves in a fashion that makes you question everything you perceived them to be in the first place.

Hypocrisy is the state of pretending to have beliefs, opinions, virtues, ideals, thoughts, feelings, qualities, or standards that one does not actually have.  The word hypocrisy comes from the Greek word, hypokrisis, which means “jealous”, “play-acting”, “cowardly” and “dissembling”.  Hypocrisy involves the deception of others and is thus a kind of lie.  Hypocrites create havoc and wretchedness in lives…..their own lives and the lives of others.  You will see this is a very common attribute of people that are jealous and envious of things that you may have in your life.  They will mimic your life, the true Christian, in order to gain respect or notoriety.  You can choose to let this anger you or you can do as I do.  I choose to consider it a compliment.  For, I know that I am a God-fearing Christian that reads the word of God and follows the word of God on a daily basis.  You have this choice as well.  This is what God would have you choose.  It is very difficult sometimes to withstand such people in your life, but in the end….the very best thing you can do is pray for these people.  They are only corroding themselves in the eyes of the people they envy.  They will also corrode themselves with our Lord.  He knows their heart and their every thought.  And, he knows yours.



100 Ways and 100 Days To Love Your Spouse

Remember.....you have the weekend to perfect all that you've practiced all week!  Talk to y'all on Monday....we are up 75 more followers today!!!  Let's refer this blog to others and help all the marriages we can!!!!

100 Ways and 100 Days To Love Your Spouse

Day 8- Protect his/her dignity on a daily basis.  You are one with your spouse and it your duty to protect them every day.  Help them with their pride and self-respect as well.  Let them know they are worthy of respect, esteem and above all, honor.  Boost their confidence in all their endeavors! 

Becca Smith & I at Center Pointe Church, Madison. 2011

TODAY'S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

TODAY'S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction”
(Psalm 119:92, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD

If it had not been for the goodness of God, where would you be? Some wouldn’t be alive today. Some would still be addicted. If it had not been for God’s favor some would still be struggling, barely making it. You may say, “Well Maria, I’ve got a long way to go.” And that may be true, but I want you to take a moment and look back over your life and realize how far you’ve come. The same God that brought you this far, the same God that has kept you alive is going to carry you through any difficulty you may be facing. The key is to just start praising and thanking Him for His goodness. Thank Him for His favor and blessing upon you. Praise precedes the victory. Praise brings the walls of opposition down. Praise is the invitation for God to intervene on your behalf!

Today, I declare that the goodness of God is all over you! He is directing your steps, and you are following His leading. I declare that your best days are ahead, and as you praise Him and thank Him, you will move forward into the victory and blessing He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You so much for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. I know that Your hand of favor is upon me. I know that You are leading me and guiding me in victory. Keep me close to You as I surrender every area of my heart and mind to You in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Jules & I at Greg Malcom's wedding reception 2010

100 Ways and 100 Days To Love Your Spouse

Day 7- Either show interest in his hobbies or allow him space to participate freely. Find something you both enjoy doing together and let him know you want to learn more about his hobby.  If you absolutely cannot find anything to do together, respect his desire to want to participate in a hobby.  Support his “alone” time and you will get it back ten-fold!

TODAY'S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

TODAY’S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen...”
(Romans 1:20, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD

All around you, God’s goodness is on display. The question is do you see it? The scripture talks about how God was in the midst of people, but they knew Him not. Too many times, God is working in our lives, showing us favor, protecting us, sending us healing, but we don’t recognize His goodness. For example, if you’re in a crowded parking lot and a car backs out so you can get a front row space, that’s the goodness of God. If you’re going through a difficult time and a friend stops by out of the blue and cheers you up, that’s the goodness of God.

We have to remember not to take the little things for granted. All through the day we should be saying, “Thank You, Lord, for Your goodness. Thank You for my health. Thank You for my spouse. Thank You for the opportunity that You have given me.”

Today, be on the lookout for His goodness. Remember, what you seek you will find. Seek Him and thank Him for His faithfulness and blessing upon every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, thank You for every good and perfect gift that You have given me. Thank You for ordering my steps and guiding me with Your Word. I love You and praise You today for Your faithfulness and look forward to the good things You have in store for my future in Jesus’ name. Amen.

My sweet babies at church.

Ladies: Do you ever wish you had a key to "unlock" your husband's heart?

First, you must understand his core need and you, as his wife, must WANT to help fill this need. Success is most men's first, most important need in their life. It isn't that men don't want to be secure, it is just that they will sacrifice security in order to achieve what they consider "success" in life. The need to feel successful is the need men feel most often and it determines the quality of everything else in their lives.

Success in most mens' lives, therefore, includes:

• Discovering what they are good at and what they are not
• Men then have a need to spend time achieving those things they are good at
• Evaluating their "self worth" conncected to those things they do well
• Being totally committed to those things they do well
• Men pray for relationships that "work" on their own
• Men typically avoid the areas of life that don't "work"
• Pressure when they have to work on areas of life in which they lack confidence
• Men actually do desire to make all their relationships as simple as possible to insure success
• Confusion when things are not "working" the way they think they should

Doesn't it seem a wise decision on our part as their wives to give the gift of believing in, admiring, and encouraging the men most important to us. Instead of focusing on your husband's shortcomings, this month try something new, every day. Compliment your husband. Tell him the things you value, you admire, you appreciate. Make time in your life to help him be busy at things he feels successful at. Thank him for the things he has achieved. Compliment his best traits.

Soon you will begin to see his desire to improve in the areas that are also important to you. The biggest question on your husband's heart and mind is this....."Will I succeed at making her happy?"

100 Ways and 100 Days To Love Your Spouse

Darrell's 39th Birthday Dinner with all of our best friends. January 2011.

Day 6- Tell him/her you both love him/her AND like him/her. It is important, moreso for men I think, that you LIKE him.  Everyone needs to be best friends with their spouse before all others.  I truly, truly say to you today…..Darrell is my very best friend on Earth.  He knows all there is to know about me.  Cheryl, Mandy, Carol, Cindy and Julie…..you know a lot!  I mean, a lot!  But, Darrell is my soulmate and knows me like the back of his hand.  He is my best friend and it is important to me that he “likes” me.  I already know he loves me with all of his heart.  But, to know that he really likes me is an amazing feeling.  We laugh at each other’s corny jokes.  We can just “chill” on the sofa watching TV together.  We can ride in the car or truck together and never speak a word and fully enjoy just “being” together.  Tell your spouse today how much you just like being their friend.

TODAY'S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

TODAY’S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ”
(Philemon 1:6, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD

As believers, we are called to work together to build His kingdom. We are partners together and heirs of His precious promises. In biblical partnership, we operate as one in the eyes of God. That means, when you pray for others and invest time and resources into all ministry, you will be credited in heaven for every life touched and changed by the work of all ministry. At the same time, we are all standing with you, praying for you and believing for God’s very best in your life. As partners, we are in this together!

I want to say thank you for standing with us all and laboring with us in the kingdom of God. Millions of lives around the world have been forever changed because of your partnership with us. Just as you reap benefits in the natural when you labor physically, you will receive supernatural blessings when you invest your time, talent and resources in the kingdom of God. We love you and believe your best days are ahead!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for the gift of partnership. Thank You that we can stand together stronger and more effective in building Your kingdom. Your Word says that when we dwell together in unity, You command blessing. Today I receive that blessing as I follow Your commands in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sandra Self praising and worshipping!!!  Love this lady!

100 Ways and 100 Days To Love Your Spouse

Day 5- Let go of the small stuff. We all have annoying habits and preferences that are different from our spouse’s. I know I do anyway. Darrell does little things that annoy me.  But, at the same time, it would be strange if he didn’t do these things too.  They are “who” he is.  I guess the thing that gets on my nerves most is the constant “pickin” on people.  It’s fun, most of the time.  But, sometimes, it’s just down right annoying!  But, it could be soooo much worse, right? What are some annoying habit your spouse has that drive you bananas?

TODAY'S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

TODAY’S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go”
(Joshua 1:9, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD

When you look out into your future, what do you see? What are the dreams and desires that you hold close to your heart?

So many people start with bold dreams, but then opposition comes. Life doesn’t turn out the way they planned. They lose a loved one or encounter difficulty they didn’t anticipate. Today, if that’s you, I want to remind you that the Creator of the universe designed you with specific gifts and talents that no one else has. He has you on this planet for a specific purpose. When you commit your life to Him, He promises to be with you wherever you go. Even though some things in life may have caught you by surprise, they didn’t catch God by surprise. His good plan for your life remains. You can trust Him because He loves you with an everlasting love, and He doesn’t want to see you settling for anything less than His very best.

I want to encourage you to be bold, be strong and be courageous. Put aside the past and lift up your eyes to Jesus. He is the Author and Finisher of your faith. Live boldly and dream boldly so you can embrace the good things He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, today I come boldly to You. I open my heart and mind to Your Word. Fill me with Your strength today; fill me with Your hope, and keep me close to You always as I put You first in everything I do in Jesus’ name. Amen.

100 Ways and 100 Days To Love Your Spouse

100 WAYS AND 100 DAYS....BACK ON MONDAY MORNING! HOW WAS THE WEEKEND. DID YOU REPEAT DAYS 1-3?  I DID!  AMAZING WEEKEND FOR US.  WE WON OUR FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL GAME AND OUR TEAM WAS ON HIGH 5 SPORTS....MY BOY DALTON WAS IN THE FOOTAGE DANCING AND GRINNIN' FROM EAR TO EAR!  SATURDAY, WE PLACED 2ND IN OUR CHEER COMP.  REAGAN ALSO DID GREAT IN HER JUMP-OFF!    ENJOY YOUR DAY AND GET BUSY ON DAY 4!

Day 4- Show interest in his/her friends giving him/her some time with them if they the friends are trust-worthy.  He/she needs their own “me” time every now and again. 

MY BEST FRIEND (FROM HIGH SCHOL), CAROL, AND I

TODAY'S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

TODAY’S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

SCRIPTURE

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”
(Philippians 1:6, NIV)

THOUGHTS FROM MARIA

Learning to walk in the destiny God has for you is a process. The first step is to get a vision, a clear picture from God that you can see. The next step is to trust Him — to believe in faith that it will happen. And then finally, you take a step of faith and live out what God has promised no matter what your circumstances or people around you have to say.

First you dream it, than you believe it, and then you live it. Every dream I’ve ever received from God has followed this same pattern. We see in scripture that even the great men and women of the Bible walked through this process. They had to overcome doubts, they struggled on their journey, but they held fast to what God said knowing that He is faithful to complete what He started in us!

Today, if you are having a hard time believing what God has promised will come to pass, understand that you are in a process. Don’t empower doubt with your words. Instead, keep declaring that He who promised is faithful! Keep the vision in front of you knowing that it is for an appointed time. Dream it and believe it because it won’t be long until you are living the blessed life God has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for choosing and equipping me to fulfill my destiny. I receive Your promises by faith knowing that You who began a good work will be faithful to complete it in my life. Thank You for Your peace and guidance every step of the way in Jesus’ name. Amen.

OUR FAMILY VACATION DESTIN 2010

100 Ways and 100 Days To Love Your Spouse

We are on Day 3 and you get the weekend off so make today a great one!  Well, you sorta' ge the weekend off.  On Saturday and Sunday, repeat Days 1-3 throughout the weekend.  Before you know it, these things will be second nature to you.

Day 3- Purposefully try to understand his/her feelings—even when you disagree with him/her.  Agree to disagree really does work.  Try it.  You’ll see how well if you just try.  It doesn’t mean you are “backing down” on how you feel about things.  It just means that you acknowledge how he/she feels too.

TODAY'S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

TODAY’S WORD WITH MARIA FULCHER

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...”
(Romans 12:2, NIV)

If you watch television for any length of time, it won’t be long before you see products and pills advertised to make you thinner, smarter, younger looking, more successful and ultimately claim to change your life. But the truth is all you need in order to change your life is already in your hand. God has given you the ability and the power to be transformed into the person He created you to be.

 “Sight has to do with what we can see, but vision has to do with what we can be.” The reason some people are stuck at the same level is because their vision is limited. They don’t see themselves growing, increasing, being promoted or getting healthier. All they see is more of the same. More lack. More struggle. More defeat. They’re producing what they’re seeing.

Friend, don’t let that be you! Instead, let the Word of God wash over you and renew your thinking. See yourself the way God sees you. See yourself rising higher. See yourself becoming stronger, healthier and wiser. Change the picture you have of your life, and you will change your life. See yourself the way God sees you and receive the wonderful blessings He has in store for your future!

My Prayer for you Today:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the seed of the Word which will not return void in my life. I receive Your truth which sets me free. Help me to see my life the way You see it so I can boldly embrace the blessings You have in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

100 Ways and 100 Days To Love Your Spouse

How was Day 1?  We are now on Day 2!  This one is easy.  If you truly love your spouse, this one will be a cinch!

Day 2- Let him/her know he/she is important to you.  You can do this by texting him, emailing him, a random call in the middle of the day. Or, just a simple gesture showing your love such as buying him his favorite candy bar, making him a cup of coffee or giving up the remote for the night. J

Today's Word with Maria Fulcher

Today’s Word with Maria Fulcher

“Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith will it be done to you’ ”
(Matthew 9:29, NIV)

God created us as visual beings. He is a creative God, and He’s given us the ability to create as well. It all starts with what you see in your mind’s eye. Everyone has their own mental picture of the way they see themselves, their family and their future. This picture determines what kind of life you live. If you have an image of success, victory, health, happiness and abundance, you will naturally gravitate toward that. But if you have an image of lack, defeat and mediocrity, that negative mental picture will keep you from God’s best.

Remember, if you’re going to be successful, you have to first see yourself as successful — the way God sees you. According to your faith, it will be done to you.

Faith comes by hearing the Word. That’s why it’s so important to take time every day to study and meditate on God’s promises. Let His truth sink down deeply into your heart. Open your eyes of faith so you can see yourself rising higher. Choose to have a vision of victory and be all that you can see!

My Prayer for you today:

Father God, I pray today that You would open the eyes of my heart and reveal Yourself to me. Show me Your ways. Show me Your love. Help me to see myself the way You see me so that I can be all that You have created me to be in Jesus’ name. Amen.