December 17, 2021
The Heart of Christmas
And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.—Luke 2:7
Some Christmases are more modest and lean than others. But lavish gifts and expensive treats are not what truly matters; the heart of Christmas is humble. The only thing that matters is your worship and devotion to God.
Lord, I recognize that your many blessings float down from above like the beautiful snow. Because of my faith, I have all that I need to be happy.
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A Change of Heart
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.—Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)
Do you want to make a change in your life? Perhaps you want to give up a bad habit or release a grudge. Only Jesus can transform your heart to be more like His. He can bring blessings to your life.
Lord, when I feel upset and know I need to make a change, guide me to Your Word. Put a new spirit in me.
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Heal One Another
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.—2 Corinthians 1:10-11 (NIV)
It has been said that pain is the great human connector. When we experience pain we are linked with all others who are also going through heartache, grief and discomfort, and in that shared experience we can pray and heal one another.
Great Comforter, how strongly I feel Your love helping and healing me as I open my heart to pray for others.
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Anchored by Faith
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.—Psalm 84:1-2 (NLT)
A balanced life comes from having faith and trusting God. When you let go of doubt and fear and give yourself fully to the moment, you can relax in the present. You can appreciate what you are going through—even if it is not what you had in mind.
Lord, I am ready to live a balanced life by accepting all of Your promises, which are anchored in faith.
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Divine Insight
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord.—Isaiah 11:2 (NIV)
Life is a journey of experiences and countless gifts, but sometimes problems overshadow the goodness in the world. The practice of prayer helps to heal challenging situations and reveals light, love and forgiveness in even the most difficult times. When we turn to God, we experience His divine insight.
Dear Lord, your wisdom guides me to make decisions now that will benefit me in the future.
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Seek the Spiritual This Season
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.—Psalm 90:2 (ESV)
If you find yourself crunched for time this holiday season, focus on what is eternal. Draw close to God. Make time for quiet worship and reflection. Make Jesus the focus of your day and the rest will fall into place.
Father God, I will seek You this season and be sure to focus on what is important and lasting—my relationship with You.
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Joyful Surprise
Jesus’ first miracle served an ordinary purpose and possibly one many can relate to even today—the wine had run out at a party. Only the servants were aware that the best wine had actually come from water. The miracle was a fitting end to a wedding, but of course as we all now know, it was just the beginning.
Heavenly Father, guide me to see the many small miracles You grace my life with; help me to always recognize Your acts of love.
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Divine Timing
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.—Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
Jesus puts an idea in our hearts for a reason. Yet what does this mean when no matter how hard we try, it feels like the doors of opportunity are closing rather than opening? Perhaps God is helping you grow in patience and faith as you wait until He opens a different door in His perfect time.
Lord, help me to be patient and grateful knowing that when my life seems frustrating I am actually growing.
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Advent Awakening
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.—Romans 15:13 (NIV)
Christmas is a time to renew your faith, a time to align your ways with God’s will. Pause and ask yourself, how am I doing on my faith journey? Answer honestly and ask God to help you dedicate your heart to becoming your best self.
Lord, God, today I will let go of any resistance that is hindering my faith.
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God Is Working 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)
Whatever is weighing on your heart, God invites you to pour out your problems to Him and let His love in. Quiet your mind and listen for His guidance as He fills you with the warmth and radiance of divine love. Know that God will somehow work things out for the best.
Dear Lord, prayer is the doorway through which I recognize that each day is a gift; help me to see the good.
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Lose Yourself in Prayer
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.—Matthew 6:6 (ESV)
When you are having a rough time, invite God’s glorious presence into your heart. As you shift your focus beyond your personal problems, you’ll find yourself capable of not only handling your own circumstances, but able to support others who also face similar struggles.
Dear Lord, You are the source of all good! When I lose myself in prayer, I find abundant blessings.
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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)