July 17, 2021
Help for a Dark Night
On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.—Psalm 63:6 (NIV)
As David hid from his enemies, he praised God for His limitless power. Even though David would endure many challenges and long nights, he still was able to rejoice and know that he was safe in God’s care.
Lord, in the words of Psalm 139:12 (NIV), “Even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to You.”
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Live in Amazement
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”—Mark 6:30–31 (NIV)
Today, be mindful when you rest. Take time to notice the simple blessings around you. The sounds of nature outside, the wind, the birds singing. At night, look up at the stars in the sky. Fuel your spirit by being still and paying attention to the gifts of life that so often go unnoticed.
Lord, today I will pay attention to the many ways You grace me with Your beauty.
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The Source of All Peace
I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore I obey your instructions.—Psalm 119:55 (NLT)
A perfect way to calm your mind is to focus on God. Write down a few favorite Bible verses that help you think about who God really is. Quiet your mind and ask Him to help you get to know Him better. Your love and appreciation will deepen as you put effort into truly knowing God.
Lord, I want to know You personally, as my closest friend.
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Receive God’s Forgiveness
Jesus said to Simon Peter… “Do you love me more than these?”—John 21:15 (NIV)
Jesus forgave Peter and offered him three chances to correct his wrongdoing. Jesus offers you the same love and forgiveness. No matter how many times we doubt or turn away from Him, He welcomes us with acceptance and open arms.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your endless grace and forgiveness that helps me to grow closer to You.
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Streamline Your Life
He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.”—Luke 9:3 (NIV)
Jesus told his disciples not to bring anything with them on the journey. To leave their belongings—all the outward trappings of life—and come with Him. Perhaps He wanted to show that He was a responsible provider and nothing was necessary and at the same time teach them that their faith journey would be easier without worldly possessions.
Lord, guide me to see how easy life can be when I let go of things that I don’t need. Help me to streamline my life.
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Build on the Cornerstone
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.—Psalm 118:22 (NIV)
In the above verse, Jesus is “the stone the builders rejected,” and yet he became the cornerstone of faith. He served with peace and love—and with dignity—strengthening the very structure of our belief system, despite having been rejected.
Merciful Father, when I am faced with rejection, help me to continue and to respond with a loving heart.
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Be Specific
What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”—Mark 10:51 (NIV)
In the above verse the blind man doesn’t simply say, “I want you to help me,” or “I want to feel better,” he says, “I want to see.” Being specific is important when you ask God to fulfill a need. When you share exactly what you want, it shows that you trust Him and that you believe He can help you.
Dear Lord, I know that you are listening—and that you hear my prayers.
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Live to Serve
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.—Psalm 119:9 (NIV)
Scripture is a tool to renew your mind and life. When you make it a point to study the Bible, to read and understand the messages, God is already working and transforming you. He is guiding you to understand that when you serve others, you serve Him.
Lord, I treasure that I can feed my soul simply by helping others.
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Master Your Battles
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.—Epehsians 6:12 (NIV)
If you are experiencing a spiritual struggle, a dark night of the soul, turn to prayer. When you feel that life has kicked you down, your faith can help you get back on your feet. Know that the power and provision of God flows into your life.
Heavenly Father, guide me to master life’s battles, whether they be of my own spirit against flesh, or larger powers that be.
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Take Refuge in the Lord
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.—Psalm 118:8 (NIV)
Relationships with family and friends are wonderful, but you can be let down if you rely on them to fill and satisfy your soul. The more you grow your relationship with God, the more you recognize that He completely fills your spiritual needs.
Infinite and Ever-Present Lord, You are my refuge. You are my strength. You fill me with your perfect peace.
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Honor Our Shepherd
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.—Matthew 9:36 (NIV)
Matthew describes a life without Christ as one that is harassed and helpless, a sheep without a shepherd. Christ will lead you down the right path and protect you. When you follow Him, your life will be graced with peace and security.
Heavenly Father, I look to You, the overseer of my life and soul.
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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)