Sufficient

14 08 2020

“Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me;
but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.”

Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].”
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 AMP





This is the Day

13 08 2020

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalms 118:24

My heart is full of gratitude for this day.  Today is designed and made by God, so I can approach it with anticipation and hope.  My Heavenly Father loves me and has created another 24 hours of opportunities to experience His love for me.  Grace and mercy surround my journey and I am thankful.   The Holy Spirit provides guidance and strength to make good decisions about every aspect of my life.  I will listen for His direction with an open heart and mind.  I am yielded to the Lord’s higher ground for my steps and thinking.  He is leading me toward my purpose and I am thankful.

This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be happy today! Psalms 118:24 ESV





Together

12 08 2020

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

Things are working together for my good. What happened yesterday, what is happening today and what will happen tomorrow is working together to bless my life. Along my journey, I experience things that bring both joy and pain. Some things have clear meaning. Others are shrouded in mystery. But God knows all. God’s love and mercy surround my life and my circumstance. Grace transforms the happenings of my life not to cause harm but to bring goodness and purpose. I am trusting and so thankful that things are working together for my good.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11





One foot in front of the Other

11 08 2020

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31

 I have to keep stepping in this marathon of life. Putting one foot in front of the other, I can make progress moving forward to my purpose.  Both little steps and great strides help me to reach my goal as long as I am moving forward.  At times, I feel tired and just want to rest.  And seeking respite and rejuvenation has its essential place along the journey.  We need a renewed mind with fresh energy and a new resolve to move onto the next leg of our trip.  I could use some fresh energy today.  I need a renewed spirit from the top of my head to the soles of my feet.  I am thankful that we go to our Heavenly Father, who meets all of our needs.  He can provide perfect strength in every area of weakness.  He can give us the strength that we need to put one foot in front of the other with power and direction into our purpose.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.  Romans 12:2





Focus on Him

10 08 2020

“You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].”  Isaiah 26:3 AMP

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank you for this day and this season.  Peace abides in us as we stay focused on you.  We can live in confident expectation each day because our trust is in you. When life is uncertain, help us to refocus our sight to restore our peace. With our eyes on you, we are reminded of your steadfast love and that we are never alone.  You will keep us in perfect and constant peace when we focus with our whole heart on you.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.





Producing Endurance

7 08 2020

“Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace].”
James 1:2-3 AMP

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the blessing of this day, this time and this season.  Your Word reminds us that we can seek joy, even in times of change and challenge.  This season is stretching and building our faith muscles. Each day is increasing our endurance.  Our experiences are reminders of your unfailing faithfulness in our lives.  Your Holy Spirit helps us to nurture strength with the added blessing of peace each day.  We thank you for the gift of endurance.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.





Fresh Start

6 08 2020

It is because of the Lord’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed,
Because His [tender] compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.  Lamentations 3:22-23

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am so thankful for the mercies that come with each day. The renewed supply gives me a fresh start each morning.  I continue to benefit from your grace that makes each day possible.  My heart is full of gratitude as I navigate a season of change and challenge. I am thankful that you go before me, making a way that leads me to purpose. Help me to hear your voice clearly and to see the next step vividly.  Without you, I am lost. I am thankful for a fresh start today. 

In Jesus name,

Amen





Each Step of the Way

5 08 2020

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”
Psalms 119:105 AMP

Dear Heavenly Father,

I’m so grateful for another day and for your word that guides each step on my journey. It reminds me of the more excellent way to approach life and its challenges. The precepts of love and integrity serve as a foundation for each decision. We pray for your continued guidance today and every step as we move forward in purpose.

In Jesus name, Amen





Stay the Course

4 08 2020

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am thankful for another day on this course of life.  Lately, I have experienced unexpected twists and turns but I have confidence that you are working everything together for my good.  I will continue to press forward and to stay the course.  I can greet today with expectation and curiosity about how you will show yourself strong in every situation.  I am pressing with my eyes wide open for the manifestation of your glory.  I will stay the course.

In Jesus name, Amen





God is Love

3 08 2020

We have come to know [by personal observation and experience],and have believed [with deep, consistent faith] the love which God has for us. 

God is love,

and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides continually in him.

I John 4:16