January 18, 2021
God’s Goals for You
I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be.—Philippians 3:12 (TLB)
Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Even if you’re someone who shies away from setting goals, it’s not too late to take a moment and ask God what special things He would like you to do in the coming year.
Dear God, I know that a resolution is a commitment. Help me rise to a new life. Guide me to set and keep goals that will make me be my best.
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Choose Better!
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.—Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
There are many sayings about how we handle loss and difficult situations. That our reaction to devastating experiences can either make one bitter or better; our personal tragedies can either define or refine. Reflect on your life and your way of handling adversity. Ask God to help you release the pain and hard feelings that linger after loss and turn those feelings into something positive.
Dear Lord, when I feel broken hold me close and comfort me with Your perfect peace.
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Embrace Uncertainty
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.—Habakkuk 3:17-18, (NIV)
Author Bob Goff said, “Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.” Very few people have mastered the art of embracing change. If you struggle with new situations ask God for help in feeling more secure. Know that He is always the same and He is always there.
Heavenly Father, help me release my fear of change and recognize that the only way I can grow is by living life fully and completely.
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The Key to More Energy
He must become greater; I must become less.—John 3:30 (NIV)
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, “the more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.” If your life is lacking enthusiasm look for ways to expand your thinking beyond yourself and your needs. Repeat “More God, less me.”
Heavenly Father, when my thoughts and deeds are set on serving myself, right my thinking. Guide me to serve You.
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Draw Your Attention to God
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”—Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
Are you at a crossroads and finding it difficult to decide what to do, which goal to pursue, or how to spend your time? Sometimes too many opportunities can cause confusion and worry about making a mistake. When you feel overwhelmed by options, draw your attention back to God. Ask Him to help you choose the right path.
Heavenly Father, I trust Your guidance and know that You always provide what I need when I need it.
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Give God Control
God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.—2 Samuel 22:33 (KJV)
It’s easy to fall into the illusion of believing that you can control everything. But the fact is that circumstances arise that are completely beyond your power. Instead of feeling overwhelmed and defeated, trust the greatest power in the world. Give the situation and the outcome to God.
Heavenly Father, I surrender my desire to control what is outside of my grasp. Guide me to concentrate on what I can control: my thoughts, my actions and growing my faith to trust You.
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A Prayer for When Life is Hard
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.—Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Devotional author Julia Attaway writes that there is one question you can ask God when you are in the midst of a problem. Instead of dwelling on your feelings, ask God, “Lord, what do you want me to learn?” Perhaps His lesson is patience or trust. Listen for His answer.
Lord, help me to stay calm when trouble arises, guide me to find purpose in every situation.
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Live Fearlessly
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.—Proverbs 31:25 (NASB)
Imagine living a life free from fear. Wearing strength and dignity and smiling at the future. Anxiety about the unknown, or getting lost, driving in traffic, heights, public speaking, fear itself can all be overcome through the power of God. You can live fearlessly, right now. All you have to do is trust His guidance and protection.
Heavenly Father, clothe me with Your protection so that I can approach the unknown with a smile on my face.
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Who Directs the Weather?
For to the snow He says, “Fall on the earth.”—Job 37:6 (ESV)
Lord, I am filled with awe and adoration at the wonders of Your creation.
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Build a Foundation of Hope
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.—Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
In the above verse hope is believing without a doubt that God always keeps His promises. Strong faith is the foundation for a hope-filled future. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, “Practice hope. As hopefulness becomes a habit, you can achieve a permanently happy spirit.”
Merciful Savior, I have no doubt that Your Word is true. When I need a boost of hope, I will lift my mind up to You and let faith pour down on me.
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Praise the Moment
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.—1 Chronicles 16:11 (NIV)
Some days seem too busy to pray, yet prayer is possible anywhere and anytime. When you have a spare moment, turn your attention to God. Praise Him for the blessing of right now. Praise the beauty of the ordinary: the warmth of the sun, the beauty of the snow. Breathe in His grace and breathe out gratitude.
Dear Lord, today I will pause and notice Your blessings. I will eagerly and graciously receive Your gifts.
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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)