October 20, 2020
The Perfect Pattern
Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.—Philippians 3:17 (NLT)
When you allow and pattern your life after Jesus, you bring godliness and righteous living to your life. Follow the principles laid down by Him. The more you look to Him for guidance, the more you will grow in strength and faith.
Heavenly Father, I expect the best and with Your guidance and help, I will attain it.
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Free Yourself of Pride
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.—James 4:10 (NIV)
Pride is a great obstacle to faith. As humans we long to believe we are self-sufficient, able to handle anything and everything alone. Once we let down our defenses and openly admit that we need His help and accept His infinite gift of salvation, we are forever changed. We become free!
Lord and Savior, I need Your help. I will not pretend that I’m doing this by myself.
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A Man After God’s Own Heart
I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.—Acts 13:22 (KJV)
Despite King David’s flaws he is described in the Bible as “a man after God’s own heart.” Although David was not perfect, his mind, will and soul were in accord with God. David serves as an example of how to live a humble, respectful, faithful, obedient and devoted life.
Merciful God, though my actions and thoughts may not always be perfect, I long for you to say, “You are truly after my own heart!”
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Release What You No Longer Need
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.—Ephesians 4:31 (ESV)
Look to the and the falling leaves and be inspired to let go of the weight of past hurts and disappointments. Release any feelings of jealousy and worry, bitterness and defeat that block you from God’s presence. Breathe—and let go.
Heavenly Father, I don’t know why I insist on holding onto things that block me from fully experiencing Your love. Today I vow to embrace Your grace.
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Get in God’s Groove
I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.—Matthew 11:28 (MSG)
Jesus taught that we should value people over tasks. When you give as He gave—sharing your time with others, caring for people and offering comfort where needed—you can experience life in an unhurried, calm and peaceful way. It’s the perfect way to understand the “unforced rhythms of grace.”
Heavenly Father, when I make the time to get away with You, walk with You and work with You, I experience the divine groove of stress-free, faith-filled living.
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One Grateful Leper
Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?”—Luke 17:17 (NIV)
In the above Scripture, Jesus healed ten lepers but only one threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him. Gratitude is an important part of faith, a spiritual discipline that opens our hearts to His love. What are you thankful for? Share your praise with Him.
Heavenly Father, thank You!
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Are You the One?
Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?—Matthew 11:3 (NIV)
Have there been moments in your life when you questioned, “Jesus, are you the One?” Times when you feel off-balance by an opportunity or situation and doubt that this is the turn your life should take? In these moments, trust that it is God at work in your life and you will not only stretch the boundaries of what you are capable of, you will develop greater faith.
Lord, You continue to do miraculous, amazing things in my life! You are the One!
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Breathe Prayer
Into your hands I commit my spirit.—Psalm 31:5 (NIV)
When you feel frustrated about a situation, pray the above verse. Feel God’s peace calming you. Ask Him to help you let go of difficult emotions. Breathe His Spirit into you and see this trying moment as an exercise in faith—of stretching your love and patience—and growing deeper and closer to Him.
Gracious God, help me let go of control as I breathe in Your strength and grace.
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Life’s Unexpected Detours
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.—Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
This verse is a reminder that that no matter how much you plan or set your heart on an outcome, sometimes things don’t go your way. When your life goes off the beaten track, try to be flexible and accept that God’s ways aren’t always what we hoped or planned for, but ultimately they are for the best.
God Almighty, help me relinquish my controlling grip when things take a major turn. Help me to align my will with Yours.
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Live Life to the Fullest
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.—Psalm 37:4 (ESV)
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, “Don’t be satisfied with a half life. God never said, ‘I’ll give you a half life, I’ll give you a desultory life.’ He said, ‘I give you life!’ ” What’s holding you back from living your best life? Jesus gave everything so that you can live your life to the fullest. The time is now.
Dear Lord, I vow to make the most of all my days—to live fully, with joy and love.
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Patience…God’s Promise Takes Time
Learning to wait is a necessary part of being prepared to receive God’s promise. It’s not a matter of time, but a matter of trust. When you open your heart to faithfully waiting, you pave the way for His promises to work in your life.
Lord God, help me to learn to appreciate the waiting periods and experience every moment in the fullness of Your love.
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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)