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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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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Discover Unsearchable Things
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.—Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)
Sometimes life can be too complicated to understand. When you feel knocked down or confused by a situation call upon God and He will bless you with His infinite wisdom. He offers a way to discover “unsearchable things” that can only be known by knowing Him. Only He has answers to indecipherable problems.
Heavenly Father, thank You for helping me discover unsearchable things.
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Improve Your Mood
For I will satisfy the weary soul,
and every languishing soul I will replenish.—Jeremiah 31:25 (ESV)
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Leap for Joy
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.—ISAIAH 35:5–6 ESV
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Caregivers Need Care, Too
“‘I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord…. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.’”—EZEKIEL 34:15–16 NIV
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Keep Moving
Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly…—1 CORINTHIANS 9:26 (NIV)
The Way to Happiness
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.—Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)
The Importance of Being There
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
The Power of Personal Experience
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
Reward Yourself
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)
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In Perfect Alignment
Jesus spoke about the dangers of serving your ego rather than God. When you are faced with a choice, reflect on your motivation. Focus on serving God. Align your will with His and you will set yourself up for success!
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A Great Start
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.—Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
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The Peace of His Presence
For I am the Lord your God who takes
hold of your right hand and says to
you, Do not fear; I will help you.—Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
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Too Big for This World
Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.—John 21:25 (NLT)
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Prayer for Memorial Day
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.—John 15:13 (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)
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Respond with Love
But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.—Luke 6:27-28 (NIV)
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Accept One Another
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”—Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
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A Village
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.—John 15:12 (ESV)
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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)