June 30, 2020
When the Bible Is Hard to Understand
Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.—Luke 24:25–27 (NLT)
Are there parts of the Bible you’ve been avoiding because they seem too difficult to understand? Instead of skipping Scripture that has you puzzled, turn to a confusing passage and ask God to reveal His truth to you. Pray for Him to show Himself in the words.
Heavenly Father, I know You want to explain Yourself to me. Speak to my heart. Reveal Your truth.
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But God…
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.—Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
Throughout the Bible, there are dozens of verses with the words, “but God.” Each is a testament of His power to intervene and make the impossible, possible, to give strength where there was weakness. If you find yourself making excuses in your life, thinking, I want to do this, but… add God to your statement invite His power to overcome your doubt.
Lord, sometimes I feel powerless, but then I remember You are with me. You make all things possible.
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Guard Your Mind
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
If you find yourself thinking negatively or being pessimistic about a situation, say this verse slowly. Take each word into your heart. Contemplate the vast peace of God, flowing through you, guarding your heart, replacing negative thoughts with positive ones and leaving you calm and relaxed.
Heavenly Father, because of You and Your word, unhealthy thoughts lose the power to control me.
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Safe Travels
The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.—Psalm 121:8 (NIV)
We are quickly approaching the season for time off and summer vacations. Whether you’re going on a business trip or even commuting to and from work, don’t let stress steal your joy. Relax with this verse and know that God will guide your journey.
Dear Lord, keep me safely sheltered in Your protecting arms.
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Lean on God
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.—Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
At one time or another, we are all guilty of trusting ourselves and pleading a case for why we want what we want instead of surrendering to God’s will. If you find yourself in this situation remind yourself that you don’t always know what is best for you, but God does.
Heavenly Father, I trust Your vision, Your wisdom and Your plan is always best for me.
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Nurture Peace in Your Heart
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”—Hebrews 13:6 (NIV)
Are you still struggling with trusting God with your worries? Be patient. It can take self-discipline and practice in recognizing fear and focusing on your faith instead. Build up your belief in knowing that God will take care of you. No matter what happens, God will help you. Everything will be okay.
Lord, help me to grow my faith, nurture my sense of well-being and know deep in my heart that You will take care of me.
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A Small Simple Gift
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17 (NIV)
Some days, despite being aware of God’s many blessings—health, family, a roof over your head—you might still feel a little down. The remedy is simple. Look for a simple gift: the sunrise, someone’s laughter, a flower peeking out from the sidewalk and let yourself feel truly grateful for having noticed it.
Heavenly Father, Giver of all good gifts, thank You for the many ways You bless me.
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Happy Father’s Day
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.—Matthew 6:13 (KJV)
Today, as you celebrate Father’s Day, thank God for always supporting you and being there to help and comfort you. Know that by the power of His Spirit, all things are possible—and with Him on your side you will always be fine.
Heavenly Father, on this special day, bless all fathers on earth and give them the grace to look to You for guidance.
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Joy in Uncertain Times
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.—Psalm 4:7 (ESV)
Uncertainty, like change, is a word that makes most people uncomfortable. We want to know what is coming and often make the mistake of thinking we can’t relax or be joyful if we don’t know what tomorrow brings. Trusting God is the cure to fearing the unknown. When your faith is strong you can celebrate right now, trusting the future is in His hands.
Heavenly Father, my joy doesn’t depend on my circumstances, it depends on You.
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Instruments of Grace
They were helped in fighting them, and God delivered the Hagrites and all their allies into their hands, because they cried out to Him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in Him.—1 Chronicles 5:20 (NIV)
God has given you instruments of faith: prayer, unselfishness and love that will guide you through any problem. When you live your life guided by faith and doing what is best for a greater purpose, then everything else falls into place. You will no longer struggle with what to do, or what to believe—you will simple live in God’s grace.
Dear God, when I let go of myself and see my life from a spiritual perspective, I live fully and freely.
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The Blessing of Loneliness
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness.—Malachi 3:3 (NIV)
When you feel alone, turn to God. Use your loneliness as a tool to refine your spirit. Allow God to help you let go of self-centered thoughts and look toward His grace. Forgive whatever circumstance has you feeling lonely and reach out to experience the blessing of His love.
Dear Lord, You are love; when I concentrate on building my relationship with You, all my worldly relationships fall into place.
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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)