Encouragement

"Wise words satisfy like a good meal."
Proverbs 18:20

Think of your favorite meal. It might be a white-tablecloth dinner of grilled salmon or steak. Or a casual setting with hamburger and french fries. Maybe vegetarian fare is your style. Whatever you prefer, it's a satisfying experience when you see, smell, and taste your favorite feast. Likewise, encouraging words of approval, support, gratitude, hope, and commendation - mixed with supportive actions - satisfy the soul . . . yours and the souls of your loved ones. How will you encourage someone today?

Dear Lord, help me to find people in my life today that need encouragement. Not only the people that are apart of my daily life, but also those that I may just walk by and never see again. Help me to give them that smile and a hello. It may be the only smile they get today. In Your Name, Amen.

Everyday Blessings

Why we don't have to try so hard

I felt inadequate in a certain area of my life.

"God," I whispered, "Why am I not better at this?"

And it seemed I heard a whisper in response...

"It's not on My to-do list for your life."

I smiled and leaned into that grace with a happy sigh.

That's right!

This would take time, energy and effort -- all things I was supposed to use elsewhere.

I don't have to be good at everything and I already have all I need for God's to-do list for my life.

So do you.

Whew.

Dear Lord, as I sit here on a Monday morning, making and looking at my to-do list for the day, for the week or maybe for the next month, allow me to see what You want me to do and let me release those things on my to-do list that are not mine to worry about. I can do all things that You have for me to do, with Your help. In Your Name, Amen.

Look at your to-do list for the day. What can you take off of it that shouldn't be there? Is there anything that should be there that you know God is whispering to you to do? If you are silent and listen.... he will help you make your to-do list for the day. These daily devotions are God's assignment from Him for my to-do list. I am so blessed by being able to be sending these to you each day. And now . . . I can mark this off my list for today's list :O)

Everyday Blessings

Even More

 

Close your eyes for a moment...

Think of the wildest dream.
The biggest hope.
The more you long for.
And then open your heart to this...

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory." Ephesians 3:20-21

You can't out-dream, out-hope, out-do God.
And how does it happen?
Through his power within us.
Within you.
We want God to hand us what we want
He says instead, "Take my hand and watch what we can do together."
It may not be what we have in mind.
But it's guaranteed to blow our minds.
With goodness. With grace.
With more than we ever thought possible.

Are you ready?

 

Dear Lord, I am ready! Bring it on!! :O)
In Your Name, Amen

Righteousness

"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining over brighter till the full light of day."
Proverbs 4:18

God knows where you're going. As you journey on the road toward God's purpose and plan for your life, the light of God's love grows brighter with each step, bringing you closer and closer to Him. The more you know Him, the more quickly you know His will and His ways and can more assuredly step out in faith toward His righteous cause. Your steps are sure because your path is well lit with the goodness of God. You're on the right path.

Dear Lord, help me to see the light you are putting in my path and not be afraid to follow that light. I want to trust You and what You have for me. Keep my eyes on my path and not the path of others around me. You have something that is just for me and I look forward to seeing what it is. Thank You Lord, for always taking care of me. In Your Name, Amen.

Wonderful!

"Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed."
Proverbs 16:3

Just because we want something to happen, doesn't mean it will, no matter how hard we pray. We've all found that out (often to our sorrow!) But when we truly commit everything we do to God, praying only for His grace to be given free rein in our lives, then we will be surprised by what comes about. It may not be what we imagined - but it will be wonderful!

Dear Lord, show me how to pray and ask you to rein in my life, I want to be committed to You and let yo decide what comes and goes into my life. I am ready for anything and I can hardly wait to see what only You can do. In Your Name, Amen.

The Journey

The Joyful Sound

"Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk. O Lord, in the light of thy countenance."
Psalm 89:15

Imagine a dimly lit room. You can barely make out the shapes of things around you. Somewhere in that room, your Father is waiting for you. Suddenly His voice rings out and joyous relief floods your soul. Even though you cannot see where you are going, the sound of His voice guides you directly into His arms. Allow yourself to tune in to that precious voice today.

Dear Father, allow me to hear You today and feel the comfort of Your love You have for me. Especially in the busyness of the day, I want to feel Your presence. In Your Name, Amen.

Life

"The Fear-of-God expands your life."
Proverbs 10:27

 

People seem hungry for something to give their lives meaning. If you listen to current hit songs, you'd think that meaning comes from having another human being love you more than anyone else in the world. But what happens when that love interest gets mad, disappoints you, or finds someone else? Life becomes a drag. Only developing a relationship with God through Jesus Christ will fill that hole in your heart. Let Him give your life fresh meaning.

Dear Lord, looking at love and fear from a human perspective, it doesn't seem like love and fear are remotely connected. Yet we are admonished many times to love and fear You. It's a little hard to comprehend, but when I really consider who You are and what You have done for me, how can I not both fear and love You? Help me Lord to understand this more and to love You more. In Your Name, Amen.

Protection

"No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday's just around the corner, because God will be right there with you; he'll keep you safe and sound." Proverbs 3:25-26

Everyone feels fearful at times. What if I lose my job? What if the terrorists strike again? What if I get sick and can't take care of my family? None of us want these things to happen. Yet when we focus on the what-ifs, rationality and common sense often go out the window. God, the wisdom giver, is also your protector. He is right beside you always. You can trust Him with this moment - and with your future.

 

Dear Lord, I know you are always with me. Help me to understand and be at peace with the daily things that come my way. I am not alone. In Your Name, Amen.

Understanding

"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
Proverbs 2:6

Some believe wisdom comes from schooling. Some believe wisdom comes from common sense. Some believe wisdom means understanding an object, event, or idea. Some believe you must be born with the wisdom gene. Some believe wisdom is somehow learned. Proverbs tells us the truth. Wisdom is from the Lord. When we are weak in faith, wisdom eludes us. When we are strong in faith, wisdom is within our grasp.

Dear Lord, I want to have that wisdom that I can only achieve from You by having a strong faith. Please show me how to grow my faith and wisdom with your guidance. In Your Name, Amen.

Work

"Committed and persistent work pays off."
Proverbs 28:20
Make beds, pack lunch boxes, drive to work, answer phones and e-mails, shuttle kids, fix dinner, review homework, and start all over tomorrow. Whether you - or others - consider your work mundane or glamorous, at times it can feel boring or even insignificant. Yet satisfaction seeps into your soul when you whisper encouraging words to yourself. Try this truth-telling: God works. Jesus worked. I work. Even creation works. Well-done work reaps God-given rewards. He values my everyday work so I will, too.

Dear Lord, thank You for giving me work to do whether it be in my house, or my office or my community. I know You value what I do and I thank You for that. Help me to keep working today and give my all to that work, whether I am making the third bed, answering the tenth phone call or making a supper nobody wants to eat. Thank You for being here with me everyday. In Your Name, Amen.

Listening

"Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish."
Proverbs 18:13

How do you feel when someone listens to you without telling you what to do? Research indicates that this type of interaction helps people find their own answers and take intentional action. Most women (men and children, too) long to be heard and understood. Yet it's difficult to hear another's bewilderment, pain, or joy when you interject your own thoughts and opinions. You may long to provide solutions, but it's wise to listen to the whole story before giving advice. Listening encourages mutual growth.

Dear Lord, give me the wisdom to know when to listen. Give me discernment to know when to give advice or sometimes to remain silent. I truly want to be a good listener to those around me and give encouragement or a shoulder when needed. In Your Name, Amen.

Gratitude

"Ears to hear and eyes to see - both are gifts from the Lord."
Proverbs 20:12

 

Everything you have is a gift from God: the air you breathe, the sunset you enjoy, the rain that nourishes your garden, your work, love of family and friends, your taste buds, freedom, music, a bird's song, art, the creativity to design. All things are God's, and He shares them with you, to bring you pleasure. What are you grateful for today? Pause for a moment and thank Him for all His gifts.

 

Dear Lord, thank You for what You have done for me. For all the things you place in my life everyday. Help me to pay attention and actually see, feel, touch, hear and taste all You have given me. Thank You. In Your name, Amen.

 

I challenge you to take a few moments to just be grateful today.

 

I am grateful for the sunrise I saw when I was riding the bike at the gym this morning.
I am grateful for my house, my hot water, my clothes, my car.

I am grateful for family.

I am grateful for friends coming to Bible study today and sharing a hug and smile.

I am grateful that YOU are at the other end of this blog

Intentionality

"She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden."
Proverbs 31:16

 

You've heard it before: Be proactive. But what does it mean? In part it means to initiate wise change instead of merely reacting to problems. For example, you set a goal to eat healthier. You pray about it, make a plan, research options, and visualize the outcome. But that's not enough. You need to act on your plan to see it come to fruition. You and your goals are important to God. Ask Him to help you act intentionally.

Dear Lord, help me with my plans. I want to reach the goal I have set for myself. Give me the desire I need to complete a goal. Allow people in my life to give me the encouragement I need to keep going and not give up. I want to succeed. In Your Name, Amen.

A Joyous Stand

"May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God." Psalm 20:4-5

It's hard to have a vision for tomorrow if you're not excited about today! Each day is a gift, after all, and an opportunity to live for Christ. Today, take a stand for the things you believe in. Lift high His name. Not only will you bring joy to His heart (and your own), you will find yourself looking forward to a joy-filled tomorrow.

Dear Lord, help me to be excited about the day I am living right now. Help me to show others in my actions and words today that I follow You. Help me see the joy that You have given me today and not worry about tomorrow. In Your Name, Amen.

Prayer

Prayer - Give and Receive

 

"Brothers, pray for us."
1 Thessalonians 5:25

 

Do you find it hard to ask others to pray for you? Don't be afraid to take that step into humility. Paul wasn't, when he asked the Thessalonians to pray for his ministry. Being part of the church requires an interdependence of prayers given and received. As a congregation prays for each other, their spirits connect in a new, caring way. Choose carefully those with whom you share private concerns, but never fear to ask a mature Christian to pray for you.

 

Dear Lord, help me to reach out to others and ask for their prayers for me, my family, my job - anything! Also, help me to look for ways to prayer for others. Ask them if they have any prayer needs. In Your Name, Amen.