What of Today’s Verse…

Forgiveness! What a sweet and precious gift. What we were powerless to fix, make up or pay for, God did for us in Jesus. With him, each day is a fresh start and rebirth of Springtime. But my, such a terrible cost he paid to give it to us!

Let us Pray:

Thank you, Father, for your anguish and cost to forgive my sins by the blood of your Son. I refuse to take lightly the cost of my sin and will live for your glory in appreciation of your grace. In the name of him who sacrificed all for my salvation I pray. Amen.

Words of Wisdom
Something New

I experience life in a new way.

When I feel challenged by a situation, I look upon it as an opportunity to move beyond old ways of thinking. I dare to try something new.

Before I move ahead, I prepare myself in prayer. Prayer is the foundation for right action. Rather than taking hasty action, I pray my way to a divine solution.

In the stillness, I share my concerns with God. Then I release them. I spend some time here in the silence where I am open to receive guidance and direction on the next steps to take. Now I am ready to move forward with clarity, confidence and courage.

With God’s help, I welcome the opportunity to experience life in a new way.

“Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.” —Isaiah 42:9

What of Today’s Verse…

One thing the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) make clear, Jesus’ death on the cross was no accident. Jesus knew the challenge that awaited him in Jerusalem and he walked into it to deliver us from the same fate. If only we will face our challenges with a faith that God will lead us to triumph beyond our pain!

Let us Pray:

Holy God and Loving Father, thank you for your plan to cover my sin with your grace by the death of your Son. May I live today aware of his sacrifice and confident of his victory over sin and death, so my life may reflect your victory. In the name of Jesus, my precious Saviour, I pray. Amen.

Words of Wisdom
My Song

I choose to express the song in my heart.

This God-given day is filled with opportunity. But how I experience the day is up to me. My experiences will reflect the song I choose to sing.

I can perceive my day as being like a broken record, filled with the same activities and expectations. If I expect nothing different, if I sing that same old song, that is what I will experience.

On the other hand, I can choose to create a day that expresses the unique song in my heart. This song is one of love for both myself and others. It is a song of anticipation and an affirmation of the good I perceive and create in the world and in myself.

Rejoicing in the life of God within and around me, I let my heart sing!

” Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” —Psalm 96:1

What of Today’s Verse…

At one time or another, most of us raised an angry fist to fate and cursed the darkness. Each of these actions is about as equally effective. But to deny there is a God is something else altogether. To rob heaven of God is to rob ourselves of grace, hope, and future. How foolish indeed to forget that behind a Creation of wonder, order, variety, beauty, power, and pattern is the Creator. He is far greater than his handiwork and we dare not ignore, deny, or dismiss him.

Let us Pray:

O Lord God Almighty, Creator and Sustainer, thank you for not only being there, but being with me today. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Words of Wisdom
Inner Peace

I am one with God. I am one with infinite peace.

A sleeping infant is a picture of peace, a precious creation of God. We are all God’s precious creations, designed with unlimited capacity to express peace.

In a difficult or unsettling time, I may become distracted, forgetting who I really am. If I am focused on worries or anxious about tomorrow, I may feel restless and uneasy.

Yet the indwelling peace of God has not left me. In a moment of prayer or meditation, I may return to my true nature. As I turn to the spirit of God within, I rediscover my inner strength and my innate centre of peace.

As an expression of God, I find that I can be calm, serene and secure in every circumstance. I am one with infinite peace.

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things and the God of peace will be with you.” —Philippians 4:9

What of Today’s Verse…

Isn’t it incredible how huge trees grow out of tiny seeds! This principle runs throughout all of life. We can never completely get away from the seeds we sow. So let’s don’t try to fool ourselves while we’re trying to do a “snow job” on God. Let’s make sure the seeds we sow are the ones we want sprouting up!

Let us Pray:

O Eternal God, who lived before time began and who will be the Great I AM when time is no more, bless the seeds I sow that they may bear fruit to you and bless those I love. Through Jesus, the grain of wheat who died and was buried so that true life may flower forth. Amen.

Words of Wisdom
Quiet Time

I take time to replenish my mind, body and spirit.

Like plants that need sunshine and nutrients to flourish, I, too, need to replenish my mind, body and spirit. If my energy seems to fade or a healing challenge arises, I welcome the opportunity for physical and spiritual renewal.

In quiet time, I acknowledge God as the source of healing life. As I relax, my connection with the spirit of God within grows stronger. I visualize my cells and tissues expressing new energy and my entire being revitalized.

I come away from this time of reflection refreshed, giving thanks for the renewal of my mind, body and spirit.

“In all your ways acknowledge him … It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body.”–Proverbs 3:6, 8

What of Today’s Verse…

“It’s just a little harmless gossip.” The Wise Teacher reminds us that gossip is neither little or harmless. Its consequences are huge and its damage horrible. Instead, it is much better to be a peacemaker and an offense mender.

Let us Pray:

Father of Glory, I confess that I am often more a peace lover than a peacemaker. Give me the character not to repeat gossip and instead have the wisdom and strength to be an offense mender. Through the Prince of Peace I pray. Amen.

Words of Wisdom
Divine Order

I see God’s higher order unfolding in every situation.

As young children learn their alphabet and numbers, they become excited about what they’ve learned. They are joyful as they begin to understand more about the world around them and how it works.

I look forward to learning new ways of thinking and being that enrich my life. I look with childlike eyes at all that is happening and see God’s higher order unfolding in every situation. I strive for deeper understanding based on Truth rather than appearances.

Like A-B-C and 1-2-3, I know that in all life’s situations, divine order is operating. Today’s challenges will lead to new meaning and purpose. I remain open and receptive to life’s lessons, gaining a new level of understanding and awareness.

“Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.”–2 Timothy 2:7

What of Today’s Verse…

The Golden Rule — golden because it’s genuine, lasting, and valuable. Imagine how different our world would be if we practiced this principle — not just in our “church life,” but in our daily life … with our family, with our co-workers and employer, with the people we manage, with the folks on the freeway and in the neighbourhoods where we drive, … toward the waiters and waitresses who serve us. What a wonderfully different world it would be if the Golden Rule were to be practiced. I think I’ll start changing my world with it today! How about you?

Let us Pray:

Generous Father, you have blessed me with so many rich and wonderful gifts. I can never ever adequately express to you the thanks you deserve. One thing I want you to know, dear Father, is that I especially appreciate the way you have treated me with grace and not with justice or judgment. Give me the power to do the same with the people my life touches this week. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Words of Wisdom
Employment

I joyfully serve God and others.

As a spiritual being, I am not defined by my work, but my work is an important aspect of my life’s expression. Every service I provide is a service to God and to others. I live in integrity by fulfilling my commitments. God blesses me with all I need to complete my work and to be prosperous and fulfilled.

I am grateful for my employers and co-workers, for my customers and clients, and for anyone with whom I interact. Each is an expression of God in my life.

By giving and receiving joyfully in the workplace, I become a powerful expression of God in service to the world.

“Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not to men and women, knowing that whatever good we do, we will receive the same again from the Lord.”–Ephesians 6:7-8

What of Today’s Verse…

How we long for this to be our true confession. We are not yet gold, but long to be. We are not yet fully following his steps, but are trying. We have tried to not turn aside, but we sometimes falter. Thank God for his grace until our intentions and desires are fulfilled in our discipleship!

Let us Pray:

Magnificent Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, I confess my sin and my inadequacy in following your paths. Forgive me as I recommit my life to serve you in holiness and joy. Thank you for your grace which covers my sin and perfects in me the character of Jesus. Through him I pray. Amen.

Words of Wisdom
Prosperity

I accept the abundance of God flowing to me and through me now.

The biblical land flowing with milk and honey represents spiritual abundance and freedom. It portrays a life overflowing with blessings, a life full of divine potential.

The truth is that I am living in a “land flowing with milk and honey” right here and right now. There is a constant flow of good in my life. My prosperity includes the assurance that wholeness, wisdom and strength are mine. Knowing this, I am bold in spirit. I am aware of my own divine potential for living the life of my dreams.

I accept the abundance of God that is always flowing to me and through me. I give and receive joyously and gratefully.

“He brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.” –Deuteronomy 26:9

What of Today’s Verse…

What can truly fulfil and sustain us? Maybe the best way to answer that question is by asking another: What can we keep when our bodies are placed silently in their graves at death? Only our relationship with God and his people lasts beyond the grave. If he is what lasts, then how can we displace him for anything that doesn’t?

Let us Pray:

Mighty Yahweh, Strength of Israel, Keeper of the Covenant and Fulfilment Maker of every prophecy, you are my hope, my strength and my future. I live this day in wide open amazement that the Keeper of the Universe knows my name, here’s my voice, and cares for me. Thank you for being my past, my present, and my future, the Great I Am. Through my Saviour I pray. Amen.

Words of Wisdom
Fulfilled

Thank You, God, for dreams come true.

Fulfilling a dream and accomplishing a goal have their own rewards. It is often the journey to the fulfilment and accomplishment; however that satisfies the yearning to learn more and to expand one’s horizons.

Whatever journey I am on today, I enjoy every moment of it. Every turning point is a change of direction that enriches my experiences.

I thank God for everything–every lesson learned, every dream come true. I am making the most of my time and my efforts. I give back to God by contributing my creativity and skills, my ideas and time, to enhance the lives of others.

“From there they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had completed.”–Acts 14:26

What of Today’s Verse…

We have seen that godly characteristics develop in our lives through the working of God’s grace within us. We now begin a closely related subject: a contrast between living by the old covenant or the new (by law or by grace). The ongoing choices we make here determine whether we will be living by man’s sufficiency or by God’s. Various contrasting terms that describe these significant choices are set forth in the third chapter of 2 Corinthians. Verses 6 and 14 set the basic context, differences between the new covenant and the old: “[God] also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant . . . For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament [old covenant].”

One of the drastic differences between living by the old covenant or the new is seen in verse 3: “You are manifestly an epistle of Christ . . . written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God” (2Co_3:3). People write letters on paper, using ink to record the message. God writes His message in people’s lives, using His Spirit as the instrument. What a vivid contrast, “ink” versus “the Spirit of the living God.” Ink is a natural resource. It is available to all humankind, regardless of their relationship with God. Ink is not a life-giving or life-developing entity. It is a mere element of the kingdom of man. When we chose to live by the old covenant (the law), the only resources we have to draw upon are natural human resources. We are writing our own letter of life, and we have selected man’s sufficiency, not God’s. Such resources are as spiritually powerless as ink.

On the other hand, those who live by the new covenant of grace have the Holy Spirit as their supplier to bring forth the mighty, heavenly, sufficiency of God. Think of the radical difference, ink versus the Holy Spirit. God wants us relying on His Spirit. He wants us living by God’s sufficiency, not ours.

Let us Pray:

Dear Lord, You know how I often rely upon that which has no more spiritual power than ink. I hope in my ingenuity, my resolve, my personality, my tenacity – - myself. Lord, I want to be in Your word regularly, learning to rely upon You to work powerfully in my life by Your Holy Spirit, Amen.

Words of Wisdom
Look for Good

I look for and claim divine possibilities.

The miracles of Jesus are awe-inspiring. Seeing past conditions of disease and lack, even death, He called forth the essential life and abundance that were there.

When I see the divine potential in a situation that appears to be negative, I help to transform the situation. My spiritual vision enables me to make the very best and highest of choices. My thoughts, words, and actions have an impact on others and on my own well-being.

By consistently looking for and claiming good, I help change the world around me and influence others to do the same. Divine possibilities are revealed in every life and circumstance.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”–Psalm 23:6

What of Today’s Verse…

In light of God being our sufficiency for the development of godly characteristics, this benedictory prayer in Ephesians 3 becomes an appropriate and instructive response.

It begins with the most critical issue for living the Christian life: the ability of God: “Now to Him who is able.” Natural religious thinking would consider the ability of man as the most vital matter in developing a godly life. Such an approach would leave us striving vainly under the law, attempting to live up to God’s perfect standards by our own inadequate resources. Praise is to God, there is a heavenly, effective option: relying upon God’s ability.

Think of the immeasurable ability of the Lord. “Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You” (Jer_32:17). He created the entire universe. Certainly, by His power He is able to strengthen us. “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? ” (Jer_32:27). Our Lord rules over all of humanity. Surely, He is able to manage our lives. Actually, our God is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Everything we could ask concerning His will, He is able to do far beyond that. Whatever we might, contemplate but hesitate to ask, He is able to surpass that.

The most amazing aspect of God exercising His ability on our behalf is that He unleashes His power within our lives: “according to the power that works in us.” This is exactly how the Lord wants to develop godliness in our lives. He Himself desires to work by the power of His grace deep within our hearts. “For it is good that the heart be established by grace” (Heb_13:9). Again, the Christian life is not affected from the outside in, hoping to modify our behavior by external religious pressures. Rather, it involves a true change of character within, affected by God Himself. This is how God is ultimately glorified in the lives of His people: “to Him be glory in the church.” He works a genuine transformation of life in and through us. Then, we give Him the glory for His exceedingly abundant ability.

Let us Pray:

Lord God of exceeding abundance, I worship You as the one who is able to do all things well. Forgive me for repeatedly turning to my ability. Lord, as I seek You in Your word, build my faith. Unleash the powerful life of Your Son within my heart, making me what You want me to be, through Christ I pray, Amen.

Words of Wisdom
Create Space

I am open to the good that enriches my life.

If I buy books but never take time to read them, my bookcase will soon be full. But if I read them, I have the pleasure of exploring other worlds, learning about the inspiring lives of real people, and enjoying the imaginary characters found within the pages. Then, as I pass these books along, I make room in my bookcase for new ones.

I also create space in my inner life. Clearing away the clutter in my thoughts and in my schedule, I make space for new ideas and new opportunities.

Do I want a new career or interesting hobby, a friend or companion, a degree or a vocation? I make space for whatever enriches my thoughts, my faith, and my heart.

“You shall eat old grain long stored, and you shall have to clear out the old to make way for the new.”–Leviticus 26:10