April 3, 2021
Good Friday: The Message of the Cross
Forgive, and you will be forgiven.—Luke 6:37 (NIV)
Today, on Good Friday, reflect on Jesus on the cross. Despite all He had been through, He asked for mercy and forgiveness for those who crucified Him. Are you able to pray for the people who cause you pain? A true pathway to a peaceful heart is to ask God for help in showing compassion to your adversaries.
Lord, thank You for Your infinite love expressed through Christ on the cross. Lead me to be a vessel of Your healing in this hurting world.
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Don’t Be an April Fool
But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?”—Luke 12:20 (NIV)
The parable about a farmer who selfishly stored his treasure is a lesson to teach us that we should never hoard God’s gifts. Don’t fall into the trap of being a materialistic fool. Focus your attention on your relationship with God, knowing His kingdom is built on more lasting things.
Give me wisdom, Lord, to fix my heart on You, for You are my greatest treasure.
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Life without Limits
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”—John 14:6 (NIV)
Jesus wants you to follow Him, to use His teachings and example to influence your decisions and actions. When you look to God’s Word and align your behavior and goals with His goodness, anything is possible!
Heavenly Father, You are always with me and always will be, to the end of my life here into eternity.
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Stay on the Right Road
And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. Isaiah 35:8 (NIV)
You are progressing on the Way of Holiness. Reflect on how you feel as you move toward being more fully centered on God’s will. Take a moment and praise God for the positive changes happening in your faith and your life.
God of Truth, thank You for showing me the Highway of Holiness.
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God Will Rescue You
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.—2 Samuel 22:17 (NIV)
Unexpected problems and everyday stresses can pull you into a place of darkness and deep trouble. If you find yourself drowning in difficulties, reach out to God. Offer Him your worries and challenges. Let Him rescue you.
Merciful Father, thank You for bringing me safely into Your arms where I can relax, breathe and know I will be okay.
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God’s Little Instructions
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)
God’s Instructions aren’t always big, momentous life-changing moments. Often He gives us seemingly small instructions, little nudges to point us in the right direction. God is speaking to you all the time. Incline your ear and heart to His words.
Dear Lord, I want to hear and follow Your instructions big and small. Fulfill Your work in my life.
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Overflowing Blessings
That you will do us no harm, just as we did not harm you but always treated you well and sent you away peacefully. And now you are blessed by the Lord.—Genesis 26:29 (NIV)
Nurture your connection with God by taking a moment to say a prayer that blesses someone or something. Start your morning with a blessing prayer and you’ll receive His gifts throughout the day.
Heavenly Father, every day is a blessing because You are beside me, leading me to my best life.
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Share Your Progress
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.—Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
Begin each morning discussing your goals and sharing your progress with God. Thank Him for your successes and ask for help to overcome the challenges and difficulties you face. Think of each day as an opportunity to get closer to your goal and to God.
Lord, when I feel tempted to go against my resolutions, guide me to Your Word. Help me keep my promises to myself and to You.
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God Is Faithful
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.—Psalm 118:8 (KJV)
It happens in life. People let us down. They break promises and make mistakes. The good news is that God will never fail you. He is always faithful. Your connection to Him grows through prayer. When you are thinking about the future, be sure to plan more time for your spiritual life. The more energy you put into your relationship with Him the easier it is to discern His will and recognize His presence.
Heavenly Father, I don’t know what this new year will bring—but You do. Awaken me to Your possibilities, each and every day.
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Start the New Year with God
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!—2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale wrote, “Since the new year will not be any newer than you are, make up your mind that you are going to be new.” Today is a glorious beginning. A time to focus on a future filled with prayer and praise, service to God and mankind; a future filled with God’s presence, guided by His wisdom and empowered by His strength.
Father Almighty, this is Your New Year. Shine Your love into my life, fill me with Your peace and encourage me with Your promises.
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See God’s Good Plan
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.—Psalm 46:1 (KJV)
Challenges and obstacles are valuable tools for your spiritual growth. The winds of change help shape your faith; define your character and give you the opportunity to rise to life’s challenges with fortitude. Of course, when you’re in the eye of the storm, it can be difficult to see your many blessings… until you trust God’s plan.
In times of trouble, help me to recognize that I am truly free and blessed when I allow You to be in control.
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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)