September 5, 2020
Listen for God
Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.—1 Samuel 3:9 (NIV)
If you’re facing decisions in your life—big or small—and you need to hear from God, turn to Samuel’s prayer in today’s verse. Quiet your mind and wait for His wisdom. Consider whether you’re listening for God’s voice in your life.
Heavenly Father, help me to tune into Your voice. I am listening.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
Only God Can Truly Satisfy
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.—Luke 1:53 (NIV)
Things of this world, no matter how lovely and desirable will never fill the void in your heart. Only God satisfies the spirit. If you seek a life of goodness, make your faith your first priority. Read God’s Word, spend time in prayer and praise Him for the peace and contentment He provides.
I give thanks to You Lord, for You are good and Your steadfast love endures forever!
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
Faith Beyond Understanding
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is— His good, pleasing and perfect will.—Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Some things in life are beyond understanding. If you find yourself asking God, “Why did this happen?” Instead of straining to see meaning or look for answers, recognize that wisdom and growth take time. Have faith and trust God’s plan.
Heavenly Father, help me to let go of needing to understand everything. Help me to stop asking why and just accept what is.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
Keep It Simple
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.—Matthew 6:8 (ESV)
Jesus told his followers to keep prayer simple. Your Father knows what you need before you ask, so you don’t have use formal words or rehearsed language. Pray simply with the understanding that God wants to help solve your problems.
God, I am here. I have a lot to tell You.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
Take This Lesson to Heart
I was angry, good and angry, because of Israel’s sins. I struck him hard and turned away in anger, while he kept at his stubborn, willful ways. When I looked again and saw what he was doing, I decided to heal him, lead him, and comfort him.—Isaiah 57:17-18 (MSG)
The Old Testament has many instances of God’s followers experiencing hardship and learning life lessons the hard way. However, today’s verse shows that God is merciful. His teaching is clear and simple: sin leads to pain and obedience leads to blessing. When you take this lesson to heart, you spare yourself difficulties and experience His grace.
Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding me on the path that leads me closer to You.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
Refresh Your Spirit
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?—Psalm 42:1–2 (NIV)
Just as a cool glass of water refreshes you on a hot summer day, Jesus the Living Water is the One who satisfies your spirit. When you feel drained, or out of sorts, reach out to Him. Ask Him to quench your spiritual thirst with His life-giving Spirit.
Heavenly Father, when I am weary or feel empty and afraid, refresh my spirit with Your healing streams.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
Joy-Filled Living
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.—John 15:11 (ESV)
One of God’S greatest gifts is joy. Norman Vincent Peale said, “There is a human tendency to always think that we are going to begin being happy sometime in the future. The right time is now.” With faith in the Lord, your life can be full of joy.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of joy that lifts me up and keeps me going.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
When You Need a Boost
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.—Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
When you are facing new responsibilities or are in need of feeling God’s powerful support, turn to the above verse. Be assured that God makes this promise to you when you commit your all to Him.
Lord, grow my faith. Guide me to be strong and brave when facing change.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
Celebrate 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)
Today, as we celebrate Independence Day, reflect on the many blessings God has showered upon us as a nation. Give thanks for those who have sacrificed in the past and serve in the present to protect freedom, and pray for peace among nations and all people.
Lord, make us worthy of Your gift of freedom.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
Achieve Your Goals
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.—Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale used the above verse as a key to achieving your dreams. He advised repeating this daily and then focusing on the outcome of your goal. See success in your mind’s eye as if you have already achieved it.
Heavenly Father, give me insight to see the purpose and meaning in my life through You.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
In Jesus’ Name
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.—John 14:13-14 (NIV)
When you pray in Jesus’ name, center your awareness on Him and do your best to align your will with His. Think of the prayer as if it is coming from God and shape your petition so that you are praying for His will and not your own.
Heavenly Father, align my desires with Your will and let Your will be done through me.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
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)