September 8, 2021
Are You Happy?
Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!—Psalm 144:15 (NKJV)
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, “Give thanks daily for your blessings. Get in the habit of thinking happy thoughts. Go out of your way to make other people happy. There is your formula for real happiness and enthusiasm.”
Lord God, guide my thoughts away from my problems and onto my blessings. Focus my actions on bringing others joy.
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Eyes Fixed on Jesus
… Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas which means “son of encouragement.”—Acts 4:36 (NIV)
Barnabas helped new believers by encouraging them to keep the faith during difficult times. When you are in need of encouragement, follow Barnabas’ instructions and have unshakable confidence by keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus.
Merciful Father, because of Your love I have hope for the future.
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You Are Blessed!
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.—John 10:10 (NIV)
Jesus promises you an abundant life. His endless blessings flow to you, filling you with His light. No matter what circumstances you face, trust that all is unfolding in the perfect way for you. Have faith!
Dear Lord, when I’m tired and overwhelmed, help me look to You and You alone to find an abundant life.
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Right Your Wrongs
The appetite of the lazy craves, and gets nothing, while the appetite of the diligent is richly supplied.”—Proverbs 13:4 (NRSV)
God’s Word has a way of honing in to your weaknesses and helping you strengthen your resolve. He knows that change can be uncomfortable, and it takes bravery and strength to overcome cravings and do the right thing.
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me right now as I am and guiding me to make good and important changes in my life.
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Be an Encourager
“Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the Lord heard this.—Numbers 12:2 (NIV)
In the above verse, when Miriam and Aaron witnessed God using Moses, they were jealous. Praising others and being truly happy for another’s spiritual or natural gifts can be difficult. But when you recognize that your work and your relationship with God is equally important, you can truly appreciate the blessings of others and be positive about their achievements.
Dear Lord, when I feel envious of another, please guide my focus back to You and the work that You have given me to do.
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Rest Your Weary Soul
Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me.—Jeremiah 31:26 (KJV)
God invites you to come to Him and He will restore and replenish your energy. He will refocus your mind and heart. He will satiate your weary soul and you will awake feeling comforted and loved.
Dear God, help me to release my burdens and worries to You. Fill my weary soul with your perfect peace.
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You Are Capable of Change
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.—1 Corinthians 15:51 (KJV)
Pastor A. W. Tozer wrote, “Human nature is not fixed, and for this we should thank God day and night! We are still capable of change. We can become something other than what we are.” Because of God, we can change our thinking, change our actions and change our lives.
Dear Lord, thank You for the circumstances that have led me to become a better person, to grow my love for others and my love for You.
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Build Sandcastles
On a good day, enjoy yourself; On a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days so that we won’t take anything for granted.—Ecclesiastes 7:14 (MSG)
Building sandcastles is sometimes used as a metaphor for wasting your time. Yet sandcastles serve an important purpose; they allow us to create something that we know will not last; they encourage us to savor the present moment.
Heavenly Father, remind me that it is never a waste to be playful and to enjoy the day.
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Direct My Steps
Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God.—Psalm 86:2 (NIV)
All-Knowing God, I invite you to direct my steps right now. I trust that You know what is best for me.
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Resist Fear
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”—Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
How do you react when worry enters your mind? What do you do when you can’t seem to ignore or rationalize your fear away? If this happens, take a deep breath and pray. Ask God to fill you with His peace so that you can rest in His presence.
God of Peace, worry is a thief that steals my joy. Help me grow my faith so that it guards my heart and allows me to manage my emotions.
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Know When to Say No
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.—2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
Knowing when to say no or when to ask for help is an important part of life. When your cup runneth over, perhaps it’s time to say no or to look for how you might downsize your responsibilities. When you empty your cup of what you cannot hold, you make room for new blessings.
Great and Awesome God, help me find rest when I’m stressed. Give me the courage to say no and to ask for help. Remind me that the best use of my time is serving You.
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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)