December 10, 2020
The God of Hope
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.—Romans 15:13 (NIV)
Catherine Marshall said, “God is the only one who can make the valley of trouble a door of hope.” It’s difficult to celebrate the wonder of the season if you are plagued by adversity. Read the above Scripture and remind yourself that God can turn problems into possibilities. Let your heart overflow with hope.
Dear Lord, help me to let go of passing challenges so that I can fill my heart with the joy of Christmas.
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Radiate God’s Love
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.—John 3:16 (NIV)
This Christmas, nurture the spark of His love in your life and in the lives of those around you. Pray. Read the Bible. Be kind and compassionate to others. Smile at strangers. Have gratitude for your life and all its wonders and you’ll discover that the more you share His love, the greater it will grow.
Merciful Father, though mountains may vanish Your undying love will never leave me.
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God Is with Us
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.—ISAIAH 7:14 (NIV)
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, “If, beginning this Christmas, you say to yourself ‘God, through Jesus Christ, is with me’ and repeat it daily through the long days and weeks, in happiness and discouragement, that is the greatest gift you can give the Christ Child.” On this second Sunday of Advent, reflect on the miracle that God is here. God is with us!
How comforting to know that You are here. Praise You, Jesus!
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No Comparisons
If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.—Galatians 6:3-5 (NIV)
You spend time on social media and see idealized photographs and posts of others, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing and feeling as if you’re not good enough. God wants you to know that you are special— exactly as He created you. Your family, your home, everything you are is not only good enough, it is perfect in His eyes.
Father God, when I look down on myself and feel that I am not good enough, direct my attention where it belongs, looking up to You and Your many blessings.
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Say Yes to Christmas
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.—Luke 2:14 (KJV)
If you feel overwhelmed by the pressure of the holiday season, prioritize your commitments. Instead of turning this special time of year into expanding lists of must-dos, make your Christmas happy and holy by selectively saying “yes” only to what is truly important to you.
Dear Lord, help me make this Christmas a season of devotion, a time to love You even more.
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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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Follow His Instructions
The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.—Exodus 1:17 (NIV)
When the King of Egypt instructed the midwives to kill all infant boys as soon as they were born, the caring women instead listened to their hearts and let the boys live. Of course, they were afraid of disobeying the king, but their fear of disobeying God was much greater and God blessed them and helped them deliver His children.
Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with the ability to hear Your guidance and callings, and to have the courage to rise above fear to follow Your lead.
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Experience His Grace
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.—1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Is there something in your past that weighs on your heart? Maybe something you said or didn’t say, a mistake or misunderstanding that still nags at your conscience? Turn to God and ask for His grace to forgive and cleanse you. Ask Him to lift this burden so that it no longer pulls you down and keeps you from experiencing His pure and beautiful love.
Dear Lord, when I put my full faith in You, I release the burden of sin and experience Your grace.
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You Have Already Won
And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city.—Joshua 6:16 (KJV)
In the above verse, the Israelites were given instructions to march around the city blowing horns for days in order to win Jericho. Most likely, they were confused by the orders and yet, they obeyed and trusted Him. When you are up against defeat, express your faith, loudly. Even in the face of doubt and confusion, triumph will be yours.
Heavenly Father, when I face seemingly impossible obstacles, I will shout Your praises knowing that because of You, I have already won.
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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)