Delmar answers, “come on in boys, the waters fine!"

[drmike]

Know One Thing

Today's Scripture

The very day I call for help, the tide of battle turns. My enemies flee! This one thing I know: God is for me! Psalm 56:9, TLB

You may feel like the underdog today, and that the odds seem like they’re against you. When the obstacles look bigger, stronger, and more powerful, don’t worry. Since God is for you, that means the odds are for you. Don’t go through life thinking, “I come from the wrong family. The odds are against me.” No, turn it around. “I’ve been born into a new family. My Heavenly Father controls the universe. He is a supernatural God. He parts Red Seas. He turns water into wine. He opens the eyes of the blind.”

You and God are a majority. You don’t need everyone to be for you. You don’t have to have all the support and encouragement. You have the One who matters. The Most High God is breathing in your direction. Don’t let the odds discourage you. Don’t let what you think is not going to happen talk you out of believing. Even if the odds are zero in a million, all God has to do is speak and the odds change in your favor. All through the day, say, “The odds are for me.”

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that I am not on my own, I am not an underdog, and I am equipped for whatever I am facing. Thank You that because You are with me, the odds that seem against me are actually for me. I declare that I know this one thing: You are for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at lesliea@cofausa.org or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at mikeb@cofausa.org or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at mikeb@cofausa.org with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878

[drmike]

Put Away the Excuse Bag

Today's Scripture

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. Ephesians 4:15, ESV

Sometimes we need somebody to speak the truth to us in love. Maybe you’re coasting along, thinking that you’ve reached your limits and you can’t step up to a new challenge, but you have gifts and talents that you haven’t tapped into yet. It’s time to put away your excuse bag and step up to that new level. Start learning something new. Start training for the next program. Start taking on more responsibility at work. Start writing that song, that book, or that business plan. Start managing your department. Start teaching that Bible study you’ve been thinking about for years. There is potential in you that is lying dormant. The enemy will make up excuses to try to keep it from ever coming out. But you have to stir up what God put inside. Quit telling yourself what you can’t do and how you don’t have the training, the education, or the discipline. Put away the excuse bag. You have everything you need. You are well able. You can do all things through Christ. God has already put it in you.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You for the power You have given me to release any old thinking, any old habits, and any excuses that are keeping me from being my best. Thank You that You have given me everything I need to step up to new levels. I declare that I am putting away the excuse bag. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at lesliea@cofausa.org or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at mikeb@cofausa.org or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at mikeb@cofausa.org with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878

[drmike]

Immovable

Today's Scripture

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy.” Acts 20:24, NKJV

It’s great when feelings assist us, when we feel hopeful, positive, encouraged. But you can’t depend on those feelings because they come and go. Feelings can lead you astray. If you’re only going to have a good mood if things go your way, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. That’s surface living. You have to go deeper and say as Paul did, “None of these things move me. I’m not going to let other people, delays, or what doesn’t work out to sour my day.” In other words, turn it over to God.

You’re not supposed to go through life carrying around worries, stress, disappointments, and discouragement. Yes, you have some negative feelings, but you don’t have to let the feelings have you. You may feel upset, but you don’t have to act on it. You may feel offended, but you don’t have to take in the offense. You may feel discouraged, but you can override it with thoughts that are full of faith, hope, and expectancy. Get your mind going in a new direction and choose to have a good mood.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that I can shut the door on the negative feelings that come against me and keep what You have promised and said about me close to my heart. Thank You that none of these things need move me. I declare that my hope and expectancy is in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at lesliea@cofausa.org or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at mikeb@cofausa.org or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at mikeb@cofausa.org with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878

COFA Tips will resume on September 25th; the staff is at a conference in Minnesota

[drmike]

Doors of Bronze

Today's Scripture

“I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron.” Isaiah 45:2, ESV

Just because a door is shut in your life doesn’t mean that it’s permanent. You may not have seen what you’re believing for yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. A door may have been closed for a long time, and it seems as though it’s never going to happen. But God breaks in pieces closed doors, and He can do it in a supernatural way. You don’t have to struggle and try to make it happen on your own. You just keep honoring God, being your best, and doors of bronze will open for you. Trust His timing. Don’t be impatient because the door hasn’t opened yet. God knows what He’s doing. He sees every injustice, every time you are treated wrong, every person who is playing politics and trying to hold you down. Stay in peace. Your time is coming. The right people are coming. Problems that look permanent are about to turn around. You’re going to see vindication, promotion, healing, breakthroughs, opportunity, and new levels of your destiny. Closed doors can’t keep you from your purpose.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that You are the God who breaks the doors of bronze that have held me back. Thank You for all the great things You have done for me and for all the new breakthroughs You are about to give me. I believe that my time is coming and the doors will open. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, administrative work, IT, National Women's Director, National Men's Director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at lesliea@cofausa.org or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at mikeb@cofausa.org or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at mikeb@cofausa.org with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878

[drmike]

Contentment

Today's Scripture

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6, NIV

Healthy people are content people. They’re grateful to be alive, grateful to have a job, grateful for their family and friends. Sometimes it’s the subtle things that can plant seeds of discontentment. It starts when we make the mistake of comparing our life to somebody else’s. What they seem to have may look like they’re ahead of you, that they’re better off, that you got shortchanged and are at a disadvantage. Comparing will cause you to be disgruntled. But we forget that somebody else has it worse than us. Somebody would gladly take that spouse of yours who you’ve gotten sour on. Somebody would love to have your house, your job, your children. Don’t let what someone else has stir you into being sour, ungrateful, and upset. Run your own race. You have to put your foot down and say, “I will not let seeds of discontentment take root in my life. I will not let that poison get in my spirit. I am grateful and blessed to have what God has given me, and I have what I need to fulfill my destiny.”

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that Your favor, Your blessings, and Your grace are unique to my life. Thank You that I have exactly what I need for the race You’ve called me to run and thank You for the privilege of making the most of what You’ve given me. I will be content and enjoy it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at lesliea@cofausa.org or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at mikeb@cofausa.org or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at mikeb@cofausa.org with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878

[drmike]

You’re Already Counted In

Today's Scripture

Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” 1 Samuel 16:10, NIV

When the prophet Samuel came to Jesse’s house to pick out one of his sons as the next king of Israel, Jesse lined up seven of his sons and said, “All right, Samuel, take your pick.” He hadn’t bothered to bring his youngest son, David, in from the shepherds’ fields. He had already ruled David out, thinking, “He’s too small, too young, not talented. He’s not king material.” This would have been a problem if people have the final say. But when people leave you out, it may be hurtful but it doesn’t stop your purpose. People may have counted you out, but don’t worry. God has already counted you in. He overrides what people say. He overrides the injustice. Samuel said, “Jesse, I don’t see the king in these seven sons. Do you have any other sons?” Like with David, you’re going to be called into the house and be anointed. God hasn’t forgotten about you. Stay in peace, keep doing the right thing, and what He promised you will come to you. God has the final say.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that no matter what others may be saying about my life, You have the final say. Thank You that I can stay in peace, keep doing what’s right, and choose to not dwell on negative reports. I believe that all that You promised is going to come to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at lesliea@cofausa.org or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at mikeb@cofausa.org or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at mikeb@cofausa.org with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878

[drmike]

Your Faith Journey

Today's Scripture

The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation.” Genesis 12:1–2, NIV

The way God leads us always requires faith. For Abram to reach his destiny meant he had to leave his comfort zone of family, friends, and blessing and take steps of faith into the unknown. Our God is a moving God. He’s taking you on a journey. The place of blessing is going to move. It may not always be physical as it was for Abram; sometimes it’s your thinking. You have to leave limited mindsets. You have to quit telling yourself you’re not qualified and take that new position at work, teach that class, or volunteer at the church. Quit thinking about what didn’t work out, who did you wrong, the relationship that didn’t make it. God is in control. He knows when it’s time for you to move forward. That’s why He’s commanded another place for you to be blessed.

Now be sensitive to what He’s saying and quick to obey. You have to leave where God was and go to where God is. It is a place strategically orchestrated to get you prepared for the fullness of your destiny.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You for calling me to follow You and Your direction in my life. Thank You that You are a moving God and that to journey with You always means taking steps of faith into the unknown. I look forward to the new places of blessing that You have for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at lesliea@cofausa.org or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at mikeb@cofausa.org or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at mikeb@cofausa.org with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878

[drmike]

Your Tree Is Already Planted

Today's Scripture

Zacchaeus tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. Luke 19:3–4, NLT

Sycamore trees can live for hundreds of years. Here’s how strategic God is. Long before Zacchaeus was born, God said, “I have to plant a tree here, because in a few hundred years, a crooked tax collector who needs My mercy will come here. This tree is going to be necessary for him to meet My Son who will bring him into his purpose.” That tree didn’t happen overnight. Generations back, God was thinking about Zacchaeus. It was from that vantage point that salvation came to Zacchaeus that very day.

There are blessings you’re going to come into that God has been working on for generations. You don’t have to worry about the right doors opening, the right people showing up, or how you’ll overcome that heartache. God has already planted your tree. He’s already lined up what you need for your purpose and been working on what looks impossible to you. You’re going to come into something that you couldn’t make happen. It’s the hand of God moving you into your purpose. Rest in faith, knowing that God has it all lined up.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You for the trees You’ve planted for me long ago and the blessings You’ve already lined up. Thank You for the people, the favor, and the promotion You’ve ordained to come across my path. I believe that You are directing my steps and orchestrating everything around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

COFA-Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America needs your help. COFA is looking for volunteers to help our growing ministry reach out to the unchurched outdoor enthusiast (locally and nationally). If you're retired or have extra time on your hands and can spare a few hours a week, we need you. Areas we need volunteers: Prayer team, Social media, church outreach, accounting, administrative work, IT, National women's director, National men's director, webpage design. If you have an interest in serving the Lord with your talents, we'd love to hear from you. You can email Leslie at lesliea@cofausa.org or call her at 303.909.3707 or Mike at mikeb@cofausa.org or call him at 303.880.9878

Mike Brooks is COFA's prayer coordinator. Please feel free to contact him anytime for prayer, and with your permission, pass it on to COFA's prayer team. You can contact Mike at 303.880.9878 or email him at mikeb@cofausa.org with your requests. Guidelines for all prayer requests, last names must be withheld due to privacy issues, no gossip, or slandering of people you want prayer for. If you have immediate prayer needs, you can call Mike at 303.880.9878