July 5, 2022
Celebrate 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)
Today, as we celebrate Independence Day, reflect on the many blessings God has showered on our nation. Give thanks for those who have sacrificed to protect our freedom and pray for peace for all people around the world.
Lord, make me worthy of Your gift of freedom.
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One Verse at a Time
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”—Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)
Select a verse and hold it in your mind when you do the dishes, take a walk or drive to the store. Repeat it throughout the day. Reflect on His Word as you take it into your heart. Ask God to fill you with His wisdom and understanding.
All-knowing God, teach me Your ways.
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Checking in with God
David said to God, “Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I, the shepherd have sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Lord my God, let your hand fall on me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.”—1 Chronicles 21:17 (NIV)
Wrongdoings often have a domino effect. David was forgiven by God, but there were consequences to his actions that had already caused damage. When you are at a crossroads and considering what to do, check in with God first. Ask for His guidance.
Dear Lord, when I am tempted to make poor choices, show me the way. Keep me upright.
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Pray Like Hezekiah
Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord.—2 Kings 19:14 (NIV)
Hezekiah immediately shared his bad news with God. Do you follow Hezekiah’s example and turn to Him first, bearing your troubles fully and passionately? Welcome God into your urgent situations and ask for His guidance. Be honest and real.
Lord, what should I do?
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Shift Your Focus
Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.—Acts 7:60 (NIV)
Stephen’s last words are a final prayer of complete selflessness. Examine your prayer life—does it center on your own needs or reflect the needs of those around you? Fill your heart with compassion and pray on behalf of those who need it.
Heavenly Father, guide me to pray selflessly with Your mercy in mind.
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His Love Endures
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.—Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
Joseph’s brothers were fueled by jealousy when they threw him in the deep pit and sold him into slavery. Yet ultimately, Joseph’s tremendous misfortune was transformed into victory. When bad things happen to you, turn to your faith and rest in the promises of God. Trust that He will bring good out of bad.
Lord, help me remember that what seems hopeless today can often be solved tomorrow.
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Live a Meaningful Life
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.—Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NIV)
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon shares that our efforts that are apart from God are pointless and meaningless. Take that truth to heart. When you leave God out of your life and exclude Him from your purpose, nothing will satisfy you.
Merciful God, You fill me with purpose. You are the reason.
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A New Way to Think of Distractions
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.—John 4:23 (NIV)
If your mind wanders while you are having quiet time with God, instead of getting upset or frustrated, take it as an opportunity to learn to let go of your distracting thought and give it to God. Release stray thoughts as they come and know that you are practicing being in His presence.
Heavenly Father, I release my distracting thoughts to You.
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Turn Despair into Prayer
I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.—Philemon 1:6 (NIV)
Current events and world news can leave you feeling powerless and discouraged. When you turn your attention to God and pray for what is happening in the news, your conversation with Him will lift you above the Earth’s problems and help ground you in His peace.
Lord, shine Your love on the world. Bring healing.
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In Good Faith
Rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.—Colossians 2:7 (NIV)
As you grow your faith, learn to see the bright side of dark moments. In times of stress and confusion, reach out to God. Thank Him for His understanding. Praise Him for His wisdom and guidance.
Heavenly Father, You are the peace that rests in my spirit. You are the hope that assures me all things are possible.
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Your Stress Response
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”—John 16:33 (NLT)
Jesus told us that problems and difficulties are part of life. The key to handling challenging times is to learn how to respond. Instead of becoming filled with stress, ask for help from the Holy spirit. You are not alone.
Lord, thank You for my faith, which gives me peace during turbulent times.
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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)