August 31, 2021
The Power of Surrender
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.—James 1:22 (NIV)
Sometimes we must surrender to become strong. When we recognize our weakness and turn to God for His strength, we discover the power of prayer. Because of God, there is nothing we can’t face. The secret is surrender.
Dear Lord, I know I can’t face this alone. Fill me with your strength. Your will be done.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
An Extra Hour a Day
Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.—Ephesians 5:16 (ESV)
If you feel that there is never enough time, ask yourself if you had one extra hour today what would you have spent it doing? Tomorrow, make that the first thing that you get done. When you realize that you can shift priorities and manage time, you can begin to have more control over how you spend your day.
Heavenly Father, guide me to use my time wisely. Help me to make the changes I need to make so that I feel better at the end of the day.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
All Things for Your Good
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.—Romans 8:28 (NIV)
When you feel upset about a situation, put your faith in knowing that God is working silently to help you. Even in stressful times, when you trust God’s power, you can steady your mind and heart and feel secure knowing that with His help you will get through tough times.
Dear Lord, in darkness and in light, I can go ahead because I know that You are working to make all things good.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
When God Whispers
I hear this most gentle whisper from One I never guessed would speak to me.—Psalm 81:5 (MSG)
When you experience a nudge from above to help someone, to do a good deed, listen! Being able to hear God’s whispers is a gift. If you are being guided to make a difference, rather than push it aside, be grateful and act.
Heavenly Father, thank You for trusting me with Your work.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
Release What You Do Not Need
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!—2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Summer is starting to come to an end. Often when we enter into the end of something, we reflect on our own mortality. When you leave this Earth, you will let go of your material possessions. Ask yourself, am I holding on to my belongings too tightly? Now is a good time to focus on your faith and loosen your grip on things of this world.
All-Knowing Father, thank You for the reminder that material things, are just that—things—and that my spirit and my spiritual life are most important.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
Second Chances
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.—2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)
Have you done something that you can’t forgive? Perhaps it’s something that you should have done but didn’t—a regret of inaction. Talk to God, Tell Him you are sorry. Ask for His forgiveness.
Heavenly Father, please forgive me and help me let go of regret so that I can live today and tomorrow fully with a clear conscience and an open heart.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
Live from Your Heart
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”—John 21:17 (NIV)
The apostle Peter lived a remarkable and full life—he walked beside and followed Jesus, sometimes letting his flaws, his doubt and fear guide his actions. Yet it’s undeniable that he lived with passion. He passionately followed Jesus. He loved Him with all his heart.
Dear Lord, I want to live my life fully—to experience it with passion, and wholeheartedly welcome every moment.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
Born of Water
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.—John 3:5 (NIV)
Dear Lord, wash away my sins and guilt. Wash me and I will be clean.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
Make Things Right
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.—Romans 15:5 (NIV)
Do you ever wonder how you wound up in the life that you have? Maybe you feel like you’re in the wrong place or the wrong job? Perhaps a better question to ask is: how can I change myself or my attitude to make things better?
Dear Lord, I truly believe that my life is unfolding as it should and I am where I am supposed to be—right here, right now.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
No Proof, No Doubt
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”—John 20:29 (NIV)
Thomas had his doubts resolved by a personal visit from Jesus. Yet for most of us, when we face a dark night of the soul we must forge ahead with less dramatic proof. Through faith we can surpass our doubts and with confidence we can know that when we seek God we find Him.
My Lord and My God, help my unbelief! When my faith falters, help me believe.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
What’s Your Spiritual Age?
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.—2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)
Your spiritual growth continues until you enter into eternity. Regardless of your chronological age your spiritual age depends on your dedication to your faith. And unlike the negative connotation of old age, having an old spiritual age is a precious gift!
Loving Father, I long to be led by Your heart. It is my deepest desire to grow spiritually each and every day.
Share this story
Daily devotion calendar
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)