December 4, 2020
Experience the Joy
Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy…—Psalm 47:1 (NIV)
Feel the joy of Christmas by spending more time with God. Carve out prayerful moments while on your daily walk, preparing dinner or right before bed. The more you make time for His presence, the more joy enters your heart. It might sound too easy but all you need to do is receive His joy and blessings.
Father Almighty, I am devoted to nurturing Your presence in my life. Fill me with Your love and joy.
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Your Guardian Angel
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.—Psalm 91:11 (NIV)
A study some years ago showed that more than half of Americans believe they had been helped by a guardian angel. Do you believe God’s messengers protect and help you? Think about the above Scripture and reflect on your life. Can you name a time when you felt guided or protected in mysterious and comforting ways?
Heavenly Father, thank You and Your messengers for guarding, guiding and showering me with Your heavenly care.
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Trust Him More
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.—Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Sometimes life’s challenges leave you doubtful about your future; in the worst cases you may even question your faith. During difficult times, when you feel as if God has let you down, turn to this verse. Read it slowly and take His Word deeply into your heart.
Lord, I need help letting go of my disappointment. I trust Your plan and know that You bring victory in my life.
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Have Mercy on Me
Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”—Mark 10:48 (NIV)
In the above verse, Blind Bartimaeus asked Jesus for mercy and his vision was restored. Bartimaeus’ testimony opened the eyes of countless others who grew in faith and started following Jesus. So many beautiful transformations were made possible simply because Bartimaeus had faith and asked for mercy.
Gracious God, have mercy on me.
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The Importance of Forgiveness
For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.—Hebrews 8:12 (NIV)
Dwight L. Moody said, “When you go into God’s Kingdom, you go through the door of forgiveness.” Are you getting in your own way of growing spiritually by holding bitterness in your heart? Reflect on your past and any hard feelings you are harboring. Give yourself a great gift and release them.
Heavenly Father, help me move forward and let go of my hard feelings. Heal my wounded spirit.
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Spur-of-the-Moment Prayers
Pray continually.—1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
As you know, God is always with you, not just at a planned prayer time, but anytime and every time you need Him. You can pray out of the depths of your soul, thank Him for the simple pleasures, or simply say, “I know You’re here. I know You’re with me.”
Lord, I thank You for the peace of Your presence, the daily guidance and moments like this where I recognize all You mean to me.
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Let There Be Light
So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.—Romans 13:12 (NIV)
This time of year we begin to notice the change of season, the change in light. One of the best ways to counteract the darkness is to pick up your Bible. Take His Word into your heart and ask Him to reveal Himself to you.
Heavenly Father, You are the Source of wisdom and light. Your Word is a lamp for my feet.
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Maker of Great Endings
Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you.—Luke 8:39 (NASB)
Some of life’s worst experiences serve as our greatest lessons. Through our struggles, we learn to trust, to have faith and to recognize God’s touch in our lives. Every Christian has a faith story—that “Aha!” moment when they first experienced God’s divine love. When we share how our faith has helped us through tough times, we share His love and offer comfort to those who need a boost of hope.
Maker of Miracles and Great Endings, may my testimony be a beacon of light to someone in the darkness.
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Don’t Focus on Fleeting Things
Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of His approval.—John 6:27
Jesus tells us not to worry about things that won’t last, but to focus our energy and concentrate on what is truly important, like living a life of faith. When we turn our eyes away from temporary things like money or fame, we open our hearts to the spiritual sustenance Jesus offers.
Heavenly Father, You fulfill all my needs—You are the Bread of Life!
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Spiritual Security
And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.—John 6:39 (NIV)
Life inevitably has its share of ups and downs and unknowns. But when you trust in Jesus, and believe that He is attentively keeping watch and taking care of you, you develop a strong sense that no matter what is happening, everything will be okay. Your faith will calmly steer you through life’s storms.
Dear Lord, You are my Rock, my Savior, my Strength! Thank You for the peace of knowing that everything will be okay.
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Glorious October
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.—1 Timothy 4:4 (NIV)
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers,” wrote L.M. Montgomery in Anne of Green Gables. This time of year, evidence of God’s majesty surrounds us. The stunning fall foliage invites you to look around and take notice of the changing landscape. Be still in the moment and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.
Lord, October is filled with beauty and blessings. May I never take the wonder of Your creation for granted.
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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)