Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!—2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Today is the first day of spring! Reflect on the above verse and ask God to breathe new life into your faith and give you a renewed spirit. As nature begins to bloom, know that God’s work is also budding in your life.
Dear God, nurture my spirit and help me grow into the person You intend me to be.
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Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.—Colossians 3:15 NIV
If you are feeling restless, fill your mind with God’s Word. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Let these verses sink deeply into your mind and spirit.
Heavenly Father, Your Word is a balm for my soul, a blessed oasis of rest and renewal.
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Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.—Matthew 11:29 NIV
Jesus invites you to join Him and continue growing, learning and following Him throughout your life. Center your prayer life by reading and rereading the Bible. Develop new skills that will help you to be ready for any challenge.
Lord Jesus, deepening my faith is a lifelong journey. Thank You for the exciting lessons that You are preparing for me.
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Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.—Ephesians 6:11 NIV
According to tradition, St. Patrick wore a breastplate adorned with a special prayer that began, “I arise today through the strength of Heaven.” He wore it as a shield of divine protection. Do you have a special prayer or verse that you hold dear to your heart?
Lord, in the words of St. Patrick’s prayer, “I arise today, through God’s strength to pilot me.”
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My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?—Psalm 42:2 ESV
As you reflect on your life, instead of being critical, be kind and recognize that you are a work in progress and are developing a better and deeper relationship with yourself and God. If you are struggling with a painful memory or a challenging problem, ask God to help you look ahead with hope.
Heavenly Father, help me truly grasp the divine gift of Your presence in my life. You are the Source of all hope.
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The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.—Proverbs 25:23 ESV
The next time someone is unkind to you, instead of reacting with anger, practice self-control and find peace. Ask God to help you respond as Jesus would. Exchange good for evil, and try to turn your enemy into your friend.
Lord, when resentment enters my life, guide me to redirect my thoughts and respond purposefully with kindness and patience.
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Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”—John 13:37 NIV
In the above verse Peter asks Jesus why he can’t follow Him. Sometimes, a period of waiting is exactly what we need to get to the next level spiritually. Just as a caterpillar must rest and transform in a chrysalis, we must be patient and trust Him on our faith journey.
Lord, even though I feel like I am in a cocoon of waiting, I trust that beautiful wings are forming to bring me to victory.
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Job suffered greatly, yet he never turned his back on God. Do you feel disappointed, betrayed or abandoned by God when bad things happen? Be assured that even in the midst of trials and sorrow, God’s plan is at work. With His help, you’ll be able to see your troubles as part of a bigger picture.
Dear God, when all seems dark, help me to put my faith in You. Help me be patient and trust Your plan.
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“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”—Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV
During this season of Lent, make it a daily practice to check your thoughts and actions for barriers that block you from having a closer relationship with God. Let go of what is impeding you from living your best full life and go forward on the path He clears for you.
My Heavenly Father, I invite You into the places of my life where temptation lives. Release me of thoughts and things that get in the way our relationship.
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The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field, the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.—Psalm 103:15-16 NIV
The Bible reminds us that our days on earth are, like grass, finite. Yet, if we spend our time wisely and faithfully there is a future life beyond this one, with God. Theologian John Piper said, “Life is short. Eternity is long. Live like it.” In the busyness of life it’s easy to forget that time is precious.
Heavenly Father, guide me to live each day for Your glory.
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But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.—John 14:26 NIV
If you are lacking a clear plan for your life, go before Jesus and pray. Let Him know that you want to make a difference in the world. Ask for the Holy Spirit to work in your life, to show you the path that you should take.
Come Holy Spirit and fill my heart with the knowledge of what is best for my life. I am open and committed to following Your guidance.
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Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.—Psalm 33:8 KJV
Living with the fear of God in your heart is a good thing. That may sound strange, but fear of God in the Bible means awe and respect. When you faithfully revere God, you always try to know His will and follow it.
Lord, I praise You! I long to be righteous and please You.
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Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly…—1 CORINTHIANS 9:26 (NIV)
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.—PROVERBS 12:25 (NIV
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)
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)
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)
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.—Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
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)
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 to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.—Psalm 96:1 (NIV)
Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant my desire.—Job 6:8 (NIV)
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)
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.—Romans 12:21 (NIV)
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)
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)
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)
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)
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”—Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.—John 15:12 (ESV)
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.—2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.—Psalm 108:1 (NIV)
