January 9, 2022
Simple Pleasures
There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God.—Ecclesiastes 2:24 (ESV)
What’s your favorite thing about winter? Is it the beautiful sunrises and the magical feeling when large snowflakes fall from the sky like a symphony? Warming up with a perfect cup of tea or hot chocolate? Snowmen with charcoal eyes and carrot noses made by children? Whatever your pleasure, treat yourself and relish in the beauty of life.
Dear Lord, I praise You for simple pleasures. A sunrise. A walk through the woods. Remind me to take the time to notice the aspects of Your handiwork that thrill my soul.
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Dare to Doubt
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!”—Mark 4:39 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, how wonderful that even my doubts lead me closer to You, and to understanding and believing in what I do not see.
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Quiet Time
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)
Sometimes, in order to hear God’s voice you must turn down the noise of your life and turn your attention to listening. Sitting in stillness can be a heavenly practice that brings you closer to Him. In moments of silence, He speaks to you heart-to-heart, and gives you clarity of mind.
Heavenly Father, help me silence my internal chatter. Open my heart to the whispers of Your voice.
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Look Ahead with Hope
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!—Psalm 42:11 (NLT)
January can feel bleak with midwinter weather, but don’t let it get you down. Treat yourself to things that make you feel good—including spending time with God. Look ahead with hope. God has great plans for you!
Heavenly Father, no matter what challenges I face, I can still rejoice in You. You are the Source of all hope. I trust Your plan.
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God’s Provision
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
With the holidays behind you, are you facing anxiety over paying your bills and making ends meet? If you’re experiencing financial problems, take a deep breath, let go of your stress and trust in God’s provision. God has taken care of you in the past, and He will take care of you today, too.
Heavenly Father, help me get my finances in order, to be smart in borrowing and diligent in paying what I owe. When bills overwhelm me, remind me that You are in control.
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Safe in the Shadow of the Almighty
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.—Psalm 91:1 (AKJV)
God’s light is infinitely brighter than any light on Earth; His shadow casts brilliance upon us. When you make God a conscious part of your daily life, you enter the secret place of the Almighty.
Almighty God, I know that no matter what happens, I am safe in Your shadow.
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Your Thoughts Shape Your Life
Be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life.—Proverbs 4:23 (ERV)
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale advised that how you think about your future shapes it. Whenever you find yourself worrying about tomorrow and what lies ahead, fill your mind with happy thoughts and positive goals. You will reap the benefits of a blessed future.
Dear Lord, help me develop a sense of joyful expectation about the future. Thank You for bright tomorrows.
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Who Directs the Weather?
For to the snow He says, “Fall on the earth.”—Job 37:6 (ESV)
Lord, I am filled with awe and adoration at the wonders of Your creation.
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Build a Foundation of Hope
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.—Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
In the above verse hope is believing without a doubt that God always keeps His promises. Strong faith is the foundation for a hope-filled future. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, “Practice hope. As hopefulness becomes a habit, you can achieve a permanently happy spirit.”
Merciful Savior, I have no doubt that Your Word is true. When I need a boost of hope, I will lift my mind up to You and let faith pour down on me.
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Praise the Moment
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.—1 Chronicles 16:11 (NIV)
Some days seem too busy to pray, yet prayer is possible anywhere and anytime. When you have a spare moment, turn your attention to God. Praise Him for the blessing of right now. Praise the beauty of the ordinary: the warmth of the sun, the beauty of the snow. Breathe in His grace and breathe out gratitude.
Dear Lord, today I will pause and notice Your blessings. I will eagerly and graciously receive Your gifts.
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New and Great Things
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?—Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
Reflect on your life and the person you want to be. Are there areas where you could do better? A change in attitude, a greater faith? Now is the time to make new choices, to think new and great thoughts. Every day is an opportunity to create the life you want.
Lord, help me to choose the right attitude and actions. Help me live a life that pleases 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)