The Theme for today’s daily devotional by Pastor Joel Osteen is ”Be Real”
Today’s Scripture
“Everything they do is for show.”
Today’s Word
It’s easy to go through life making decisions based on what other people will think. Jesus said that the problem with the Pharisees was that everything they did was for show—what they wore, the money they gave, the seats of honor they took. They were doing it all to impress people, to build their own egos. The problem with living image-driven is that we can’t be authentic. We have to hide our weaknesses or others may think less of us. We have to play up to others to stay in their favor. We have to drive this, wear this, and be seen with these people. It’s great to look good, be successful, and carry yourself with confidence. But it crosses the line when you become driven by your image and run everything through the filter of how it’s going to make you look.
Don’t live under the pressure of trying to impress others, hiding how you feel, and acting as though everything’s okay. Get off that treadmill that will wear you out, stop your creativity, and steal your joy. Be real.
Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that You are looking for the real me, for me to be honest about my struggles, my weaknesses, and my fears. Thank You that I can be free from living image-driven and be the person You created me to be. I have nothing to hide. Make me, mold me, and change me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Today’s Words
Take the limits off God and take the limits off yourself. Who says you can’t do something great, who says you can’t start your own business, who says you can’t get well? God is calling you to be a trendsetter, a difference-maker, a barrier-breaker.
Is your thinking limiting your life? Are you missing out, hoping for change, when God wants to show you the surpassing greatness of His favor? Don’t go into the new year with low expectations. Have a bigger vision. Get your hopes up. Prepare for God’s blessings.
When your vision is limited, your life will be limited. It’s amazing what happens when you enlarge your vision, when you believe big, when you pray bold prayers, when you dream great dreams.
When thoughts tell you, “It’s just going to be another average year; nothing good is in store for me.” Tell the discouragement and low expectations, “This is going to be a blessed year, a bountiful year, a productive year, a favor-filled year.”
You have to get a new mindset. Start believing bigger, dreaming bigger, expecting bigger. You’re not limited by your circumstances, by the economy, by your boss, by how you were raised, by your past. One touch of God’s favor will catapult you ahead.
You can also check out this inspiring message by Joel Osteen ”Transfers in Your Future”
Source: Joel Osteen Ministries website and Joel Osteen Youtube