May 20, 2020
Pray Away Unbelief
“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”—Mark 9:23–24 (NLT)
The man in the above verse trusted Jesus enough to admit that he wrestled with doubts, even though he believed in Jesus’ healing power. He asked Jesus to strengthen his faith. Like this man, your faith will not always be perfect. Jesus understands your weaknesses. He invites you to share your doubts and ask for help to overcome them.
Heavenly Father, when I have trouble believing Your promises, help me overcome my unbelief.
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Sunlight for Your Spirit
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.—Psalm 24:1 (NIV)
Norman Vincent Peale said, “There is no power in the world equal to spiritual power.” He asked us to think about the sight of spring sunshine streaming through a window and how the earth awakens this time of year with fresh green grass and fragrant flowers covering the earth. Your spirit is the same. It will bloom through the Bible.
Our Heavenly Father, guide me to live on the teachings of Jesus that have the power to change my thinking, to change everything.
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Renewed Vision
Later, as Jesus left the town, He saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow Me and be My disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him.—Luke 5:27–28 (NLT)
Jesus saw something in people that others overlooked. He knew no one was beyond redemption. Consider this verse as an invitation to see others as Christ sees them, with their full potential. Avoid judging by their history or appearance, instead look to their heart.
Heavenly Father, Transformer of Lives, renew my vision so that I may see others as You see them.
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Lord, Stretch My Faith
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.—1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
Is the Lord prompting your heart to do something that is out of your comfort zone? Ask Him to give you the courage and strength to obey His calling. Rejoice in being close enough to Him to know His will and thank Him for His mercy.
Heavenly Father, thank You for caring enough to stretch my faith.
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The Salt of the Earth
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.—Matthew 5:13 (NIV)
While preaching the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus proclaimed, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). On the simplest level, Christ’s words are about salt as a flavor enhancer. He is telling us that as Christians, we are here to season the world with grace and the results of knowing Him.
Lord Jesus today and every day help me be full of grace and salt.
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Enhance Your Spiritual Sight
Then Jesus placed His hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly.—Mark 8:25 (NLT)
When you read the Bible, Jesus is improving your spiritual eyesight. He is opening your understanding to know Him better and to apply His spiritual principles to your life. If you are struggling with a challenging verse or passage, ask for His help in growing your faith so that you may see how to apply His Word to your life.
Heavenly Father, heal and open my spiritual eyes so that I may see You more clearly.
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Press on Ahead
Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV)
Memories are great places to visit, but don’t dwell there. Follow the Apostle Paul’s advice in the above verse. Growing and aging is one of God’s greatest gifts. Thank Him for every new day and then get on with the work that lies ahead.
Heavenly Father, help me to let go of yesterday and press toward new and beautiful tomorrows ahead.
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Live in God’s Presence
If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.—Psalm 139:8–10 (NIV)
God is a never-ending presence in Your life. At this very moment, you can draw near to Him simply by recognizing He is with you. Talk to Him throughout your day—ask Him about decisions, praise Him for your blessings. Staying connected with Him throughout the day keeps you in tune with His grace.
Heavenly Father, Your faithfulness never falls short. Your love never fails. Your mercy endures forever.
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Bless Mothers Everywhere
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”—Luke 1:46-47 (NIV)
Mary, the mother of Jesus is a role model for motherhood, holiness, obedience and humility. Today, on Mother’s Day, remember the woman who gave you life, who assured you, nurtured you and made a significant and lasting difference in your life.
Dear Lord, today bless mothers everywhere with Your love.
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The Straight Path
Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.—Hebrews 12:13 (NLT)
In the above verse, straight paths prevent physical injury, but the same can be said about faith, certain “crooked” situations can trip up your thinking and cause you to go against God’s Word. Is there a habit, relationship or negative way of thinking that might be leading you spiritually astray? Straight paths lead you on the right track.
Dear Lord, help me to follow Your guidance and stay on the course You’ve charted for me.
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When You Revert to Self-Reliance
Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence. It’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence.—1 Corinthians 10:12 (MSG)
At one time or another, we are all guilty of making the mistake of trusting ourselves instead of God. Perhaps you make it when you hold onto a worry, or try to answer your own prayers. When you find yourself relying on yourself instead of Him, shift your focus and place your cares in His capable hands.
Lord Jesus, help me to believe and trust that You have everything under control.
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Keep Moving
Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly…—1 CORINTHIANS 9:26 (NIV)
I’m Just Fine
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.—PROVERBS 12:25 (NIV
Take Care of Your Whole Self
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God— this is your true and proper worship.—Romans 12:1 (NIV)
Free Yourself from Sin
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.—Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Bless the Animals
So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.—Genesis 1:21 (NIV)
You Deserve the Best
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.—Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
Renew Your Mind
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.—Romans 12:2 (ESV)
The World Needs Your Light
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.—Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
Sing a New Song
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.—Psalm 96:1 (NIV)
Trust His Plan
Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant my desire.—Job 6:8 (NIV)
Release Old Hurts
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.—Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)
Be Kind to the Unkind
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.—Romans 12:21 (NIV)
Celebrate Our Freedom
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.—Psalm 119:30–32 (NIV)
Arbor Day Prayer
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.—Psalm 1:3 (KJV)
Prayer for Earth Day
But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.—Jeremiah 10:12 (NIV)
Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen!
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?—John 11:25–26 (NIV)
Accept One Another
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”—Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
A Village
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.—John 15:12 (ESV)
Four-Legged Love
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.—2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
With a Song in My Heart
My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.—Psalm 108:1 (NIV)