Joel's thoughts

We must learn to regard people less in light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer "So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself…be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes…" (II Timothy 2:21). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Are there people or activities in your life that you know you need to separate yourself from? The Bible says that bad company will corrupt good morals. God wants you to constantly be growing and rising higher in life. That's why this verse encourages us to separate ourselves from corrupting influences. And those influences are more than just the people in your everyday life. The influences are anything that influence your thinking. Be careful about what you are allowing into your mind. Be careful about what you read and what you watch. Don't give your attention to things that are going to drag you down. Choose to separate yourself today. Remember. God wants you to live an abundant life. He wants you be separate so that He can work through you and fulfill his purposes in you life. As you cleanse yourself God will work in and through you so that you can live as an over comer the way God intends! A Prayer for Today Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word which is the Truth that sets me free. Give me strength to separate myself from anything that does not honor You. In Jesus Name. Amen. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Everyone has times when they feel weak or discouraged in life. But you don't have to live that way! You can be strong in the Lord and in His power. You don't have to walk around defeated and depressed. You can have joy today! In fact, the Bible tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. God's joy isn't based on circumstances. It isn't based on the news, the stock market or the housing economy. God's joy is based on Him. When you think about what He's done for you—that He's given you life, that He's cast your sins as far as the east is from the west—you can't help but get happy! You can't help but have joy inside of you. That supernatural joy on the inside of you is supernatural strength. The enemy can't take away what God has given you deep on the inside. So put a smile on your face today and rejoice in the Lord no matter what battles you may be facing. The joy of the Lord will give you strength, and you'll live the life of victory God has promised you! A Prayer for Today Heavenly Father, thank You for joy which strengthens! Thank you for empowering me today no matter what I may be facing. Fill my heart with Your supernatural joy so I can stand strong in all things. In Jesus' Name. Amen.