Free for All

SCRIPTURE

“...God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right”
(Acts 10:34–35, NIV)

WORD

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom — and God’s freedom is free for everyone! It doesn’t matter what your nationality or heritage is, or who your family is. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or don’t have. God wants you free from everything that would hold you back from having a personal relationship with Him. God longs to pour out His goodness and blessing on all who honor Him and do what is right. In fact, the Bible says in Galatians that in Christ, there is no Jew or Greek or even male or female. That means God’s not judging you based on physical conditions. He’s looking at your heart. He’s looking at the gifts He’s placed inside of you. He’s responding to your faith in Him.

Don’t let the enemy lie to you and tell you that God is blessing everyone else but you. Look for the ways He is pouring out blessing in your life. Thank Him for His acceptance, love and freedom. Focus on honoring Him and doing what is right, and you’ll find freedom and blessing in Him.

PRAYER

Father in heaven, thank You for loving and accepting me. I choose to do what is right and honor You with my attitude, words and actions. Holy Spirit, show me if there is anything in my life that isn’t pleasing to You and help me live as an example of Your goodness all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Nick Evans

Let the Encouragement Flow

SCRIPTURE

“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up”
(Proverbs 12:25, NLT)

WORD

When you see someone who is struggling, a co-worker who is discouraged, a friend who is not up to par, how do you respond? Our words can be what keeps a person going; our compliments can put a spring back into their step. Now more than ever, we need to automatically let the encouragement flow. We need to tell others how much we love them, how we value them, and tell them that they are talented and creative. Always remember, with your words you carry life-giving water. You carry hope, healing, encouragement and new beginnings, and you can pour it out everywhere you go.

Today, choose to speak encouragement. Choose to speak victory and faith. Instead of telling people what they’re doing wrong, instead of pointing out all their faults, find what they are doing right. Focus on the good. There are already enough critical, judgmental people in the world. Let’s be people who lift up others and restore them. Let’s be the light of Jesus in the world.

PRAYER

Father God, thank You for speaking through me. Thank You for using me to be a blessing to others. Thank You for encouraging my heart as I find ways to encourage the people around me. I love You and bless Your holy Name. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Nick Evans

Speak as the Oracles of God

SCRIPTURE

“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God...”
(1 Peter 4:11, NKJV)

WORD

When God wants to speak to people on earth, do you know how He does it? Most often, He speaks through His people. He uses our voice to bring life, healing and hope to others. When you reach out to someone, when you’re kind and speak encouragement, God’s voice is blended with your voice. Your words become His words. The natural takes on a supernatural. That’s why you can say something ordinary, something simple like “You look beautiful” or “You can make it,” and it’s life changing to the other person. To you it’s nothing, but when God takes your natural and puts His super with it, it can impact that person’s destiny.

Today, remember, you are God’s voice in the earth. When you speak to others, declare what God would say about them. Let your words be used to bring life, hope and blessing. Speak as the oracles of God and be His mouthpiece everywhere you go.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing and using me. I surrender every area of my being to You. Use me to be a blessing to others. Give me Your peace, strength and joy as I keep my mind stayed on You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Nick Evans

You Have the Power

SCRIPTURE

“The tongue has the power of life and death...”
(Proverbs 18:21, NIV)

WORD

Our words have the power to lift people up or push people down. We can say something to make others feel better about themselves or make them feel worse. It’s amazing what a simple compliment will do. When you tell someone “You look nice today,” or “Great job on that presentation at the office,” or “I really enjoy working with you,” those simple words will put a spring in their step and brighten their day. It doesn’t take much time and doesn’t cost you anything, yet with your words, you can bless their life.

That’s the power God has given each one of us. Every day we should have a goal of finding at least one person that we can encourage. Let’s be free with our compliments. Point out what somebody is doing right, not what they are doing wrong. There is already enough pushing people down. Let’s make it our business to lift people up, to brighten their day, to make them feel better about themselves. Remember, your words are seeds. When you deposit life and blessing into others, that’s what you’ll reap in your own life in return!

PRAYER

Father God, thank You for filling me with Your life-giving power. I choose to use my words to bless others and glorify You. Show me ways to sow seeds of life into others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Nick Evans

God’s Deep Secrets

SCRIPTURE

“That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’ But it was to us that God revealed these things by His Spirit. For His Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets”
(1 Corinthians 2:9–10, NLT)

WORD

Who in your life do you share your deepest secrets with? Most people only share their inner thoughts with those who are closest to them; people they trust or people they’ve gone through experiences with. Do you know who God shares His secrets with? The people who are closest to Him.

God wants to share His deepest secrets with you. He wants you to know what He thinks about you. He wants you to know about the plans He has for you. He wants to show you things you’ve never seen, heard about or even imagined. When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, not only are you His child, but you are also His friend. You are His closest companion. He wants to walk with you, talk with you and share with you.

This passage goes on to say, “Who can know a man’s thoughts except his own spirit?” As believers, God’s Spirit lives inside of us, revealing to us His very own heart. What a wonderful, amazing thought — we can know God’s thoughts because we are one with Him. Open your heart and allow Him to share His deep secrets with you today!

PRAYER

Father in heaven, I am so humbled that You call me friend. I am honored to be connected with You and invite You to share Your heart with me. I surrender all that I am to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Nick Evans

Draw Closer to God

SCRIPTURE

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you...”
(James 4:8, NLT)

WORD

God promises that He will draw close to you when you draw close to Him. How do we draw close to Him? First of all, this verse goes on to say that we must turn away from sin because sin separates us from God. When we turn away from the things that displease Him, we are turning toward Him. That’s the first step. Then, the Bible tells us to come into His presence with thanksgiving in our hearts and give Him praise. When you have a thankful heart, you are drawing closer to Him. Thirdly, scripture tells us that God opposes the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. When you live with an attitude of humility, you are drawing closer to Him.

Friend, there’s nothing more important in life than drawing close to God the Father. Seek Him with your whole heart, and you will find Him. Let Him speak to your heart by reading your Bible, praying and meditating on His promises every single day. Worship Him with a humble and open heart because when you seek Him, you will find Him, and He will fill you with His peace, comfort and joy all the days of your life!

PRAYER

Father in heaven, I choose to draw near to You. I open my heart and turn from anything that displeases You. Fill me with Your power to live the good life You have planned for me as I draw close to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Nick Evans

Put it into Action

SCRIPTURE

“And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ”
(Philemon 1:6, NLT)

WORD

The Bible tells us that faith without works is dead. If we don’t put our faith into action, it’s not really faith; it’s just nice ideas. You see, when God truly does a work in our lives, it affects everything about us. It affects our words, our thoughts and our actions. How do you know someone is generous? By their generous actions. How do you know someone is kind? By their kind actions. How do you know someone is gentle? By their gentle actions. How do you know someone is a follower of Christ? By their Christ-like actions.

Can people tell by your actions that you belong to God? We all have areas where we can come up higher, but as believers in Jesus, we can be confident that God is at work in us. He is faithful and will complete what He started. As we invite Him to search our hearts and minds, as we surrender every area of our heart to Him and put our faith into action, He will finish His perfect work in us!

PRAYER

Father in heaven, thank You for changing me, for making me more like You. I invite Your love to do a work in my heart so that You are reflected in everything I say and do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Nick Evans

Esteem One Another

SCRIPTURE

“And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us...”
(Ephesians 5:2, AMP)

WORD

In today’s culture, we don’t often hear the word esteem used very much, yet, scripture tells us to esteem and delight in one another. One definition of esteem is to hold in high regard. That means we are to honor and value one another. Even if we don’t always agree with one another, even if they don’t necessarily act honorably, we are to honor and esteem others because they are valuable in the eyes of God.

Think of it this way: if you had a costly and valuable piece of jewelry, you wouldn’t just wear it to the gym or leave it on the kitchen sink. No, you would treat it carefully. You would put it in a safe place and protect it. Well, when we see others as valuable the way God sees them, we will treat them carefully as well. We should be careful in the way we talk to others. We should look for the good in them and honor them for who God made them to be.

The Bible tells us that the way we treat others is like sowing seed, and it will come back to you. Choose to esteem and delight in one another. Sow good seeds, and you will see a harvest of blessing in your own life in return!

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, today I choose love. I choose to honor the people around me. Help me to see the value in others the way You see the value in me. Help me to esteem and delight in others with my actions and words so that I can be an example of Your love and light. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Nick Evans

What Pleases God

SCRIPTURE

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him”
(Hebrews 11:6, NIV)

WORD

Do you know what pleases God? He’s not impressed by how much knowledge we have. He isn’t influenced by how many possessions we have. He’s not moved by our accomplishments, He is moved simply by our faith in Him.

What’s interesting is that faith is a gift. It’s not something we have to contrive or work up. The scripture tells us that everyone has been given a measure of faith and that faith grows as we hear the Word of God. That’s why it’s so important to stay connected to a Bible-based church where you can hear the Word of God taught. That’s why we have to make time every day to read and study His Word because you’re feeding your faith. The more you feed your faith, the more you know Him and understand His goodness.

Today, take time to feed your faith. Meditate on His Word and ask Him to illuminate your heart with His truth. Trust that He is good and has good things in store for your future because that is faith that pleases God.

PRAYER

Father in heaven, thank You for giving me faith so that I can be pleasing to You. Fill my heart and mind with Your truth. Transform me into Your image and let everything I do bring glory to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Nick Evans

Look for Opportunity

SCRIPTURE

“Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about His mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains”
(Colossians 4:3, NLT)

WORD

When Paul wrote today’s verse, he was in chains in prison. He had been arrested for preaching the gospel. Everything in his surroundings shouted “limitations,” but instead of looking at his surroundings, Paul kept his eyes on the limitless God. He kept looking for the open door of opportunity that God would have for him next.

No matter what “chains” you may feel like you are in today, remember, we serve a God who’s in the business of setting people free. When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, He fills you with His power. He promises to walk with you all the days of your life.

When doors look closed all around you, when your surroundings look limited, when you feel like you’re in chains, remember, God is still at work in your life. Like Paul, keep your hopes up. Keep expecting. Keep believing. Pray for those opportunities to be opened to you. If you fall, get back up and press forward with even greater determination to accomplish the dream that God has planted in your heart. The prayer of the righteous avails much, so keep praying because He promises to break the chains and open doors of opportunity in your life!

PRAYER

Father in heaven, I choose to take my eyes off my surroundings and focus on You. I choose to focus on the passion and dream You’ve planted in my heart. I trust that You are working behind the scenes, opening doors of opportunity. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Nick Evans

Let His Love Show

SCRIPTURE

“We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people”
(1 Thessalonians 1:4, NLT)

WORD

When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, he began his letter with a compliment about how well they were living. He could see God’s love in them and he could see God’s love shining through them. Because they were faithful to honor God, He was pleased with them and it showed.

The question we need to ask ourselves today is: When others look at us, do they see God’s love? Can they see the change He’s made? Do they know that we are followers of His? The evidence shows up in our words and actions. When we receive God’s love, it changes us. It empowers us. His love takes us to new levels and becomes clear to the people around us. Best of all, when His love shows through us, it draws others to God, too! Today, open your heart fully to receive His love. Let His love show through you by following His commands and showing love to others.

PRAYER

Father in Heaven, thank You for loving me. Thank you for empowering me and changing me to be more like You. Have Your way in my heart so that Your love will shine through me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Nick Evans

At All Times

SCRIPTURE

“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises”
(Psalm 34:1, NLT)

WORD

When you woke up this morning, what was the first thing that you thought of? Did you start the day expecting God’s goodness, or is there a circumstance that is overwhelming you and consuming your thoughts?

Today, I want to encourage you that no matter what you are facing, choose to praise to the Lord. Choose to declare His goodness. Your words have tremendous power, and they open the door for either God to work in your life or the enemy to work in your life. Don’t magnify your problems today, magnify your God!

Scripture says that God inhabits the praises of His people. When you praise Him, He shows up and all the forces of the enemy have to flee! There’s no foe that can stand against you in the presence of Almighty God!

Why don’t you take a few moments right now and set the tone for the day by praising God and speaking words of faith over your future. Thank Him for His goodness, faithfulness and love. Praise Him at all times because He is good and worthy, and watch how He transforms every area of your life!

PRAYER

Father in heaven, I choose to bless You at all times. I choose to set the tone to receive Your favor, grace and mercy. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me at all times! In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

— Nick Evans

Far and Beyond

SCRIPTURE

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever”
(Ephesians 3:20–21, NAS)

WORD

God wants to do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond all you can imagine! He wants to pour out His favor on you and open up opportunities that will boggle your mind!

Notice this verse says that He will do it “according to the power that works in us.” How does His power work in us? When we yield ourselves to Him, when we obey His Word and do what pleases Him, more of His power is activated in our lives. When we put Him first in everything that we do, when we choose love, we are allowing more of Him to work in and through us. When we choose God’s way, we get God’s results: peace, favor, blessing and increase.

Today, no matter what you are facing, know that when you invite God into your circumstances, He will transform them! He will do more than you could ever imagine. Line yourself up with His Word in your thoughts, words and actions, and watch Him do exceedingly abundantly far and beyond what you could ever imagine!

PRAYER

Father, thank You for loving me and choosing me. I know that You are able to do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond anything I can imagine. I submit myself to You: spirit, soul and body. Search me and know me. Have Your way in me and keep my mind stayed on You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Nick Evans

Above and Beyond

SCRIPTURE

“Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours”
(Isaiah 61:7, NIV)

WORD

In the Old Testament when this scripture was written, God’s people were going through a very difficult time. They were being held captive against their will and mistreated by other nations. God sent this word to encourage them and give them hope for their future. When the time came, God was faithful to His Word!

Are you going through a difficult time today? Let this word bring you encouragement, too. We serve a God who goes above and beyond our expectations. He wants to give you double for your trouble. He wants to bring you restoration and make things even better than before.

If you are facing challenges today or going through a time of adversity, remember, it’s always darkest just before the dawn appears. Your days are destined to shine brighter because God is faithful. As you stay in faith and are obedient to His Word, you’ll receive double for your trouble and see God go above and beyond in every area of your life!

PRAYER

Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for directing and ordering my steps. I know that You will go above and beyond my expectations as I keep my heart and mind stayed on You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Nick Evans

Rise Higher

SCRIPTURE

“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm”
(Proverbs 13:20, NIV)

WORD

Sometimes in order to embrace the destiny God has in store, you have to be willing to make some difficult changes in your life. You have to be willing to examine where you are and what you need to do in order to move forward. This may mean that you need to change some friends you’re spending time with. Maybe they were fine for a season in your life, but you’ve outgrown them. This is a new season, and in order for you to rise higher, you have to break away from relationships that are limiting you. You have to develop some new friendships with people who are going to pull you up and inspire you to rise higher.

I’ve found that if you’re the smartest one in your group, your group is too small. Find people who are smarter than you, people who will challenge you to stretch to the next level. Remember, he who walks with the wise becomes wise. Choose your friends wisely so that you can rise higher and walk in the destiny God has for you.

PRAYER

Father God, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for the good plan You have for my life. Help me choose my friends and companions wisely so that I can continue to move forward in the destiny You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Nick Evans

New Levels

SCRIPTURE

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline”
(2 Timothy 1:7, NLT)

WORD

God’s desire is that we continually progress, that we reach higher heights and go to new levels. Oftentimes, as soon as we make the decision to step out in faith and obey God, the enemy brings in fear to try to stop us. He’ll bring thoughts like, “What if you fail? What are other people going to think? You don’t have what it takes.” He’ll do his best to use fear to try to convince us to shrink back and stay where we are.

The Bible says that fear is a spirit. It plays on our emotions and holds us back. But the good news is that we have power over fear! The Bible says that perfect love casts out all fear. When we receive God’s perfect love, we will have confidence about the future because we know His plans are for our good. I’ve heard it said that fear is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. Understand that fear is a lie. Today, choose to believe God’s Word and receive His love so that you can overcome fear and move forward into the good life He has prepared for you!

PRAYER

Father in heaven, thank You for taking me to new levels. I know You have equipped me with a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. Fill me with Your confidence and assurance to embrace everything You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Nick Evans

Give Your Faith a Target

SCRIPTURE

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see”
(Hebrews 11:1, NLT)

WORD

So many people today get down and discouraged because they only focus on their present circumstances. They’re constantly dwelling on their problems, what they don’t have, and what’s wrong with them. They don’t realize it, but they’re allowing the enemy to steal their hope. This negative frame of mind is what keeps people from moving forward in life.

Understand today that faith is confidence and assurance about the things we hope for according to the promises of God. Like an arrow, your faith points to the target of hope. If you don’t have hope, that arrow of faith has nothing to aim for. It won’t accomplish anything. But when you keep your hopes up, when you keep expecting and believing, it’s like making that target larger and larger and easier to hit!

Choose today to live with an attitude of expectancy. Don’t focus on your circumstances; focus on your God! Get your hopes up! Take captive every negative thought. As you focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness, you’ll feel that hope inside of you growing. Give your faith a target and move forward confidently in the direction of your dreams!

PRAYER

Father in heaven, today I surrender every thought to You. I choose to release my cares and concerns so I can focus on Your goodness. Thank You for the gift of faith to see the impossible become possible as I continue to place my hope and confidence in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

— Nick Evans