The Daily Grace - Thanking the Lord

January, according to many US calendars, is National Thank You Month. This, of course, is easily transferable everywhere, so perhaps it should be Global Thank You Month. In order to make the best use of this celebration of gratitude, let's begin by seeing what Scripture says about thankfulness. Once place to start is Psalm 136, which begins and ends with the words, "Oh give thanks" (vv. 1, 26). Again and again in this chapter, we are reminded of a single, overriding reason to bestow our gratitude on our great God: "His mercy endures forever". We could spend the whole month learning about gratitude from Psalm 136.

The psalmist reminds us of God's "great wonders" (v. 4). He tells us of God's creative work brought on by His wisdom (v. 5). He moves on to rehearse the great exodus of His people (vv. 10-22). As we think through these pictures of creation and deliverance found in Psalm 136, we can easily find something to thank God for every day of this Thank You Month.

What better way to start off a new year than to concentrate on conveying gratitude to our Lord! "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever" (v. 1). When you think of all that's good, give thanks to God.

Today We Pray

Dear God, for this coming year, I have just one request to bring. I do not pray for happiness, or any earthly thing and I do not ask to understand the way You lead me, But this I ask: Teach me to do the thing that pleases You.

I want to know Your guiding voice, to walk with You each day. Make me swift to hear and ready to obey. And thus the year I now begin a happy year will be — if I am seeking just to do the thing that pleases You.

Make us to increase and abound in love one toward another and toward all men, even as we do toward You; to the end we may establish our hearts unblameable in holiness before You. Direct our way to You. May praise Your all holy Name forevermore.

Amen

New Years Message

New You

It’s a new year. The key here is that it is a ‘new’ year, not an ‘old’ year.

Looking back at the old has it’s purpose. as long as we don’t stay there.  

Looking back is helpful to understand, but not helpful if we dwell on past events and circumstances and relationships.

The bible reminds us that we are new creations in Christ. He tells us that the old has passed and the new has come.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

He also tells us that we are to put off the old and put on the new.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 

to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24

New health habits can be adopted by looking ahead and asking Christ to renew you by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in you. Remember,

 if you are a believer, the same power that rose Christ from the dead is available to you because God’s Spirit is in you. John 14:17 The more 

you surrender to him and depend on him – the more you put on Christ – the more his power is able to help you make changes in your life.

As you head into 2017, take the bible's instruction to heart. It’s a new year. Think new, not old. Put on Christ, not your old self. 

Look ahead and don’t dwell on the past.

Happy New Year! God Bless Us All.

The Daily Grace - Moving Forward

Sometimes, we will think that we can see the hand of God best in the rearview mirror. Looking back, it's easier to understand why He placed us in the home that He did; why He brought certain people and circumstances into and out of our lives; why He permitted difficulties and pain; why He took us to different places and put us in various jobs and careers. In spite of these, let us always remember that there is a wise and loving God. His ways are perfect. His works of His hands are perfect. See how often God has assisted, directed, and managed the outcomes so faithfully.

Looking ahead, though, is not always so clear. Have you ever had that lost feeling when the road ahead seems twisted, foggy and scary? Before you move into next year, stop and look in the rearview mirror of the year gone by, and joyfully realize that God meant it when He said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you". So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear" (Heb. 13:5-6).

With the promise of God's presence and help in mind, you can move ahead into 2017 with utmost confidence. God's guidance in the past gives courage for the future. Entrust your future to Him. Welcome 2017 with a thankful heart, trustin His Name.

Today We Pray

Dear God, as I come to you today, fill my heart and my whole being with the wonder of Your presence. Guide me always to do Your Holy will. knowing that your strength will carry me through.  Use me to tell others about You and what You have done.

Your undeserved favor has made it possible for us to be saved from our sin. You have shown us amazing grace. Thank You for the gift You gave.

You did the most wondrous of all things, You made us in Your image and You breathed life into us. I join those praying with me today in thanking you for our lives, and we pray that You continue to sustain us each day. From Your heavenly place accept our prayers and our praise.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Colossians 3:13

Be willing to forgive others without grudge. No matter how hard they abused you or something, still learn how to forgive. Just like God forgave you on your sins, when you sinned big time or small time, God will openly forgive you. He is glad to forgive you and purify you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

This is also one way of portraying a Christ-like character. When you want to follow Christ and obey His Word, we must also learn how to forgive. Forgiveness also means releasing everything in His own hands, letting Him take control of the situation. Let it go to God's hands, my friends. Forgive and forget.

The Daily Grace - We are God's Special People

We ask ourselves, what on earth am I here for? What is my purpose? Peter in the Bible is known to identify people, especially the Christians. This is how he identified us: We are a Chosen Race, We are Pitied, We are God's Possession, We are Holy and We are the Holy Priests. This can be found in 1 Peter 2:9-10.

How did he came up this identity? It is through Christ. We got it from Him. We are chosen by GOD. We are pitied by GOD. We are possessed by GOD. We are set apart as holy by GOD. We are invested as royal priests by GOD. We are called from darkness into His light.

We are God's Special People. We are precious and special in His eyes. Do not mind what other people will say or feel about you. If you are not special in their lives, well, you are special in God's eyes. You have a purpose, you are a treasure.

Today We Pray

Father, You are the craftsman who carved me, You are the one who knows what shape my life should take. Thank You for molding me into the image that You have planned. Help me to trust that the pieces and parts that You formed from me are the right ones.

Help me to go about the tasks and duties of this day and the week to come with the remembrance that I am your servant. Make me an honest, painstaking, and cheerful person. Let that all I do and say may bring good to others and glory to your Holy Name.

Support me all the day long of this life, until the evening comes, the busy world is silenced, the fever of life is over and my work is done. Grant me a safe lodging, and a holy rest and a peace. This is all we ask in Your most precious name.

Amen.

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 119:11

In order for you to keep from sinning, treasure and store His Word in your hearts everyday. "Read your Bible, pray everyday, and you will grow". It is true. Once you start to savor His Word, it will become a habit. Not just a mere habit, but your lifestyle. Have a good and godly lifestyle by reading on His Word.

Once you are filled with His Spirit by having His Words in your heart, sin will live no more in your lives. You are free in the Name of Christ. No weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Keep and remember His Word wherever you will go. His promises never fails.

The Daily Grace - Tell His Story

Let's be thankful for the assurance we can have that we will be with Jesus after we die if we have trusted in Him to forgive our sin. There is no greater hope. It is now our privilege to share that hope with as many as we can. 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us: "... always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."

We have the opportunity from God, as David said, to "call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples" (1 Chron. 6:18). The stories of so many people we love are not yet ended. And, the privilege to tell them about the love of Jesus is a gift most precious. Let our days be filled with a longing - and the opportunities - to tell our story of Jesus.

Today We Pray

Dear God, let Your Holy Spirit be powerful to direct my thinking today, so that it be empty of self pity, dishonesty, self-will, self-seeking and fear. Inspire my thinking, decisions and intuitions. Help me to relax and take it easy. Free me from doubt and indecision.

Guide me through this day and show me my next step. Show me what I need to do to take care of any problems. I ask all these things that I may be of maximum service to You and my fellow man. 

Give me the wisdom to seek you, a light to guide me to you, the courage and persistence to search until I find you, the graciousness to worship you and the generosity to lay my gift before you, who is my King and my God for ever and ever. Lead us to Your glory in heaven by the light of faith. 

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 1 Chronicles 16:8

Let His Name be famous to the world. God is great and good, so let it be known among the nations. Thank God for everything. Call out his Name. Tell the whole world who He is and what He’s done.

Broadcast all His wonders. Revel His Holy Name. Seek His presence day and night. Remember all the wonders He performed, the miracles and judgments that came out of his mouth.

The Daily Grace - The Year in Review

During the last week of December, newscasters often look back at the significant events of the past year - the triumphs and failures of prominent people, natural disasters, economic challenges and the deaths of celebrities and leaders. The most surprising events usually receive top billing. If you reviewed the past year of your life, what would appear on the list? Has an unexpected event caused you to question God or to more deeply experience His goodness?

Psalm 77 chronicles the lament of a person in distress who felt as if God no longer cared (vv. 7-9). "Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore?" (v. 8). Yet, even in anguish, the psalmist said, "I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old" (v. 11). The result was a renewal of trust and hope: "You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples" (v. 14).

As you think back over this past year, why not write down the significant events in your life. Don't be afraid to include your difficulties and disappointments, but remember to consider all the ways God has been with you. During every difficulty, we can always find the faithfulness of God. Difficulties in our lives give us the opportunity to experience the faithfulness of God.

Today We Pray

Dear God, as we look back and contemplate what we’ve been through this year, how can we say thanks for the things that you’ve done for us? We’ll praise You, Lord, for all You’ve done. Your faithfulness is clear.

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Help us do today the things that matter, not to waste the time we have. The moments we have are precious, Lord, see that we count them dear.

Fill us this day with Your kindness, that we may be glad and rejoice all the days of my life. I pray that You may lift up the light of Your countenance upon me, and give me peace. Through Christ, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 77:11

As 2016 is about to end, remember what God had done in your lives for the past months. Have you been faithful to Him? Were you able to live on His promises? Were you able to follow His voice in order for you to discern His will for your lives?

God has been faithful to us, even in our ancestors long ago. Solemnly remember the deeds of the Lord. Remember wholeheartedly His wonders even long time ago. As we read the Bible from the Old Testament up to New, see how faithful He is to His servants. Be also faithful to God as He is also faithful to us even the old times.

The Daily Grace - Significant Surrender

Throughout history, Mary the mother of Jesus has been held in high esteem. And rightly so! She was singled out by God to deliver the long-awaited Messiah. But before we get lost in the significance of her life, let's take a look at what it meant for her to surrender to the assignment.

Living in a small backwater Galilean village where everyone knew everyone else's business, she would have to live with the perceived shame of her premarital pregnancy. Explaining to her mother the visits of the angel and the Holy Spirit probably didn't calm things down. To say nothing of the devastating interruption that her pregnancy would bring to her plans to marry Joseph. And while we are thinking about Joseph, what would she tell him? Would he believe her?

In light of these personal ramifications, her response to the angel who told her the news about her role as Jesus' mother is amazing: "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Her words remind us that a life of significance is most often preceded by a heart eager to surrender to God's will regardless of the cost. Surrender to God precedes His significant work in your life. What significant experience does God have in store for you? It starts with surrender to Him.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for my life and everything You have bestowed upon me and upon all people, this day and every day. I thank You for the good and bad, the understanding of forgiveness, and Your holy power, without which we would have nothing. I thank you this day for all Your blessings, Your gifts, Your never ending love for us.

Although we all are sinners, I ask You to forgive me every day for what I might have done wrong, that I might not have noticed. Even though we all come short of the glory of God, I thank You for the sacrifice of Your only son Jesus Christ for all our sins. You and only You know us Father and You know if our hearts are true.

I confess that I become impatient and discouraged, wanting answers to prayer in my own time and on my schedule. Help me to wait patiently for Your timing in all things. I know You all make things beautiful in Your time.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Luke 1:38

This was the words of Mary when she met the angel that told her that she will about to give birth to a baby. We all know her story. She's not been married to Joseph and yet, she is about to give birth. But, she followed the will of God for her life and she entrusted it to Him alone. And now, her son, Jesus, is famous in the world because He is our Savior, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Mary's born child Jesus Christ is a blessing to the nations from generation to generation.

Like Mary, if you don't know what's happening in your life, trust in the Lord. He has better plans for your life even if you don't know His ways. Remember, His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Let go and let God. Let His will be done according to His Words. Uphold His promises to your lives.

The Daily Grace - Jesus Understands

A stable? What a place to give birth to the Messiah! The smells and sounds of a barnyard were our Savior's first human experience. Like other babies, He may even have cried at the sounds of the animals and the strangers parading around His temporary crib.

If so, they would have been the first of many tears. Jesus would come to know human loss and sorrow, the doubts his brothers and family had about Him, and the pain His mother experience as she saw Him tortured and killed. All these hardships - and so much more - awaited the baby trying to sleep that first night. Yet from His very first moments, Jesus was "God with us" (Matt. 1:23), and He knew what it meant to be human. This would continue for over three decades, ending at His death on the cross.

Because of His love for you and me, Jesus became fully human. And being human allows Him to identify with us. Never again can we say that no one understands us, Jesus does. May the Light that entered the world that night cast its brilliance into the deepest corners of our souls this Christmas, giving us the peace on Earth of which the angels spoke so long ago.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, we love You. Give us eyes to see people of all nations as recipients of Your grace and joy. Help our hearts to know the love of Christ and to honor Him with our unyielding devotion in this and every season.

We find hope and strength in knowing that Your light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. I gather in all the goodness and light, in gratitude. I attend to the shadows and what they say to me, seeking healing, courage, forgiveness.

Teach me to live in the knowledge that you who care for me today, will care for me tomorrow and all the days of my life. Continue to create me, guide me and shape me. This is all I ask, in Your Name, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Matthew 1:23

Let us rejoice today because a King is born! And, He shall be called "Immanuel". It means, "God with us". He will be with us until the very age.

Let us commemorate His birth today. Be joyful. Have that joy in your hearts that He will be with us forevermore. Receive Jesus in your hearts and lives. Receive that salvation that only comes from Him, which leads to eternal life. Indeed, through that eternal life, He will be with us.

Merry Christmas my brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Daily Grace - The Great Physician

If your physician called you and in a serious voice said, "Please come in as soon as you can. I have something to discuss with you", you would know he has bad news! Your first response might be, "No, I don't want to know". But you go because it is only when you know the diagnosis that you can learn the cure.

God, our Great Physician, also has some bad news - about man's spiritual condition. When against His expressed warning Adam and Eve at the forbidden fruit, God told Adam that all mankind would die spiritually and physically, that's the bad news. But He also gave the solution. He promised a savior (Gen. 3:15). The apostle John tells us, "Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). But how does that help?

Jesus came that first Christmas to bring God's grace, something that none of us deserve because like Adam, we have all sinned. But Jesus also came to reverse what sin brought. He came to be the truth (John 14:6) that would bring us back to God. He came to "save His people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21). Listen to what the Great Physician has to say in the Bible about your spiritual condition. Then accept the cure He has provided - the gift of salvation through Christ. Spiritual blindness can be cured only by the Great Physician.

Merry Christmas everyone and may the spirit of Christ heal us all.

Today We Pray

Almighty God and Father of light, a child is born for us and a son is given to us. Your eternal Word streamed down from heaven in the silent watches of the night. And now, Your Church is filled with wonder at the nearness of her God.

Open our hearts to receive His life and increase our vision with the rising of dawn. May our lives may be filled with his glory and his peace, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Give us eyes to see people of all nations as recipients of Your grace and joy.

Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children. And, Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder: John 1:17

"Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ"

This Christmas Season, let us always remember the true meaning of this. It is commemorating Jesus' birth. God sent Him to save us. Grace and truth are here because of Him. We have these things now for free because of Jesus. Receive these gifts that only comes from Him this Christmas. This is the greatest gift that we can ever receive.

The Daily Grace - Peace on Earth

For the last two thousand years, peace on our planet has been at best a rare commodity. Wars continue to ravage innocent lives, domestic violence is a growing calamity, divorce rates soar, churches split, and peace in our restless and wayward heart seems to be an elusive dream. Where is the promised peace? Actually, we can see that Jesus brought all that is needed for peace in our world.

Jesus taught the principles of peace, calling for people to love their neighbors as they love themselves. And as He was leaving this planet, He promised, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). He told us to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, forgive offenses, reject greed, tolerate each other's weaknesses, live to serve and love one another as He has loved us.

It seems that in large part, peace is up to us. Paul verifies that in Romans 12:18, "As much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." This Christmas, let's make peace our gift to the world in which we live as we reflect the Prince of Peace. When conflict drops into our lives, let's solve it peacefully. When we experience peace with God, we can share His peace with others,

Today We Pray

Dear Jesus, You are the light of the world. As Christmas grows closer day by day, help us to be ready to welcome You now. We celebrate Your birth with all our hearts.

As we celebrate Your birth, may we begin to see the world in the light of the understanding You give us. As You chose the lowly, the outcasts, and the poor to receive the greatest news the world had ever known, so may we worship you in meekness of heart. May we also remember our brothers and sisters less fortunate than ourselves in this season of giving.

Teach me, Father, what it means to run to You. Let me have You as my sanctuary. Help me not to worry about the words I say, but just to express my heart to You and to nestle down close to You.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 27:8

When God said, seek His face, it means to pray earnestly. It requires His presence as our greatest need. Prayer is a communication to God. Once we pray, our faith and trust in Him will increase. Never stop praying. Seek His face. Once you will seek Him, you will find Him.

The Daily Grace - Keep Sowing

Jesus used many farming metaphors to explain the kingdom of God. In the parable of the sower (Mark 4), He compared the Word of God to seeds sown in different types of soil. As the parable indicates, the sower sows indiscriminately, knowing that some seed will fall in places where it will not grow.

Like Jesus, we are to sow good seed in all places at all times. God is responsible for where it lands and how it grows. The important thing is that we sow. God does not want us to reap destruction, so He wants us to sow what is good and right (Prov. 11:18). 

The apostle Paul elaborated on the metaphor when he warned believers not to sow seeds of corruption. Instead, we are to sow seeds that will reap eternal life (Gal. 6:8). Sow what you want to reap. To reap a good harvest in your life, start sowing seeds of goodness. A buried seed brings fruit; a selfless life reaps an eternal harvest.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, like Your reluctant prophet, we are inclined to love only those who love us. Yet You loved us even when we cared only for ourselves. Please give us the grace to be more like Jesus.

Take away from me the spirit of laziness, cowardliness, lust for power, and malicious and idle speech. But rather give me, throughout the day to come, an ample spirit of vitality and force in your service. This is for the benefit of your glory and the good of my fellow man.

Let me act in humility, patience, and decency at all times, seeing my own error and overlooking the faults of others. And let me always know the presence of Your Holy Spirit, to remind me of what I have asked. This is all I ask, in the name of my savior Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Today's Godly Reminder - Proverbs 11:18

The wicked man earns deceptive wages. But he who sows righteousness and lives his life with integrity will have a true reward that is both permanent and satisfying. Bad work gets paid with a bad check. Good work gets solid pay. This is a challenge for us to work hard. We need to work hard to earn a living. But, always be reminded to work for the Lord, not for men. 

The Daily Grace - More of Him, Less of Me

Will we live to draw attention to ourselves? Or will we focus on the privilege of knowing and experiencing Jesus more intimately? Do our choices bring honor to God or to us? Our desire for recognition wouldn't be such a problem if it didn't tend to replace Jesus as the focus of our attention. But being absorbed with ourselves crowds Him out of the picture.

Life cannot be all about us and all about Jesus at the same time. This makes Paul's statement that he counted "everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ" (Phil. 3:8) strategically important. Faced with a choice between himself and Jesus, Paul intentionally discarded the things that would draw attention to himself so he could concentrate on knowing and experiencing Jesus. For us, the decision is the same.

In everything, acknowledge His presence, acknowledge His Name. Make His Name famous. It should be more of Him, less of us. This is an act of humbleness that God wants us to have. Always bring honor to His Name.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, thank You for Your love. Thank You for reminding me of the value of knowing You more intimately. Help me to keep myself out of the way as I pursue a deeper walk with You. 

Give us grace to cast away the works of darkness. Let us put on the armor of light, now in the time of this life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility. So that, at the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal.

May the Passion of Christ be ever in my heart. May Your law and your goodness guide my every thought, O Lord. And may the power of your Holy Spirit flow through my words and my actions today, and always.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Philippians 3:8

Our highest ambition is the excellence of the knowledge of Christ. It is growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled. The word “excellence” is a verb which means to be held over or beyond. It means to be superior, to excel. The Greek indicates that his superiority is the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord. This knowledge is constantly superior. Nothing else is worth living for in the light of his superiority.

The Daily Grace - Praise His Name!

I wonder how many of us could honestly say, “Praising God characterizes my life”? The extent to which we cannot say that reflects the extent to which we are not God-centered. We’re not to be praise-centered, but God-centered. A God-centered person will be a person of praise. As God’s people, we should be focused on Him in every situation, and therefore we should be people of praise.

Psalm 150 gives us the where, why, how, and who of praise. It does not give us, per se, the what of praise. Just so we’re clear at the outset, when we’re talking about praising God we are not talking about repeating “Praise the Lord” over and over. We are talking about thinking and/or speaking well of God’s perfect attributes or great acts. Praise can be expressed through singing and music (including clapping, dancing, lifting our hands, kneeling, lying prostrate, etc.), through testimony and thanksgiving, prayer, sacrificial service, and giving.

Praise to God comes naturally when you count your blessings. No matter how bad you have been through, praise His Name. All things work together for good for those who loves Him and are called according to His purpose. He deserves all the praise and adoration that comes from us.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, I don’t know what will come this day or farther into the future. But, I’m grateful that You’re by my side. Grant me a spirit of praise and thanksgiving in whatever lies ahead.

Help me to go about the tasks and duties of this day with the remembrance that I am Your servant therein. Make me honest, painstaking, and cheerful. And, grant that all I do and say may bring good to others and glory to your Holy Name.

Grant that in my earthly pilgrimage I may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer. And, know myself to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. I ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Amen.

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 150:6

Let every breathe of life will praise His Name. Every living creature will shout praises to the Lord. Everything that breathes will give glory to His Name. And, that includes us, His people.

Praise His mighty Name, today. Let His Name be known. Let His Name be glorified among the earth. Give glory to His Name, forevermore.

The Daily Grace - Live in the Light

“The darkness is passing and the true light is already shining” (1 John 2:8). The apostle John wrote these words to believers as a message of encouragement. He went on to say, “Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble” (v. 10). By contrast, he equated hating people with roaming around in darkness. Hatred is disorienting; it takes away our sense of moral direction.

Loving people is not always easy. Yet, let us be reminded that frustration, forgiveness, and faithfulness are all part of maintaining a deep connection with the love and light of God. When we choose love instead of hate, we are showing our relationship with Him and reflecting His radiance to the world around us. “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).

Choosing to love people well shows the world what God is like. The authentic walk of faith is not a sinless walk, but one in which the believer feels uncomfortable with sin and reaches out to God for forgiveness and change. Let your light shine before men. Live in the light.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, the skies are telling of Your glory and the wonders of Your love. Thank You for making the sacrifice that has secured my freedom, salvation and eternal life. I look with hope to the day when my knowledge of your glory will never be hidden by the concerns of the world.

Forgive me for all the time I spend with my face bent to the things of earth, Your Spirit ignored and forgotten. May I learn to love You in a way that honors the love You have shown me. Let me know you every moment of time, forever.

I thank You for you are always there, willing to show yourself to me and guide me and comfort me. Burn your love on my heart. Let me be on fire in serving You and loving You.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Even if you are already immune to temptations, like you always surpass them with the help of our Lord, still be careful not to fall. Make sure that you don't also fall into sin and condemnation. No matter how strong you are, we are still at risk for fall. Everyone of us! Stand on guard always.

Regardless of the source of temptation, it will not be overtaken beyond human resistance. God will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. Every temptation has its way out. That is how God is faithful to us, He knows every detail. He knows what's for your good. You just have to come boldly into His presence for help and guidance in everything that you do.

The Daily Grace - God Is Never Late

To Habakkuk, God seemed indifferent to the evil permeating Judah. And, he was greatly disturbed when God said He would use the wicked Babylonians to judge His people (1:5-11). God responded to Habakkuk's complaints (1:12-21) without explaining why He chose to use the Babylonians. Instead, He gave Habakkuk a divine perspective.

Habakkuk 2:2-20 reminds us that God is all about righteousness. He might choose to use wicked people to further His purposes. But, that doesn't mean He approves of their sin. No, God will ultimately punish the wicked for the evil they've committed. It's reassuring to know that the sinful deeds of men can't thwart the purposes of God.

God is sovereign. He will work things out in our lives for His purposes. His plans will be completed and on His schedule. As humans, our perspective is limited. We can't view the whole picture from our "cab ride" through life; only God can see it all from His holy temple. Thins may seem chaotic in your life. But take heart, for the Sovereign Lord is our strength.

Today We Pray

Dear Jesus, as I spend these days waiting to celebrate Your birth, give me the grace to greet You without suppressed sighs of weariness. Grant me the spirit of generosity. Let me open my front door to You, without any thought of inconvenience.

Let me work every teaching and commandment You gave us. Let me know Your love and share it abundantly with all I may meet, remembering throughout this time Your message and example of long-suffering love and infinite patience. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, renew me afresh in Your Word and power, today and every day, energizing me in Your great commission. 

Thank You for dying on the cross for me and covering my sins so that I can have a relationship with You. I love the life You’ve given to me, Lord, yet I wonder what it will be like to see You personally. Help me to trust You with the future. I look forward to that day when I meet You.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Habakkuk 2:3

Are you waiting for something to happen? Do you feel any delay in your requests? Even though it delays, wait patiently for it. God is just practicing your patience.

Your requests will certainly be granted. It will certainly come; it will not delay. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time. 

The Daily Grace - Watch and Wait for God

Psalm 5 begins with a straightforward request: "O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning" (v. 1). The psalmist, King David, was in a gloomy place. We don't know his situation, but David was experiencing some measure of loss, sorrow or torment. He was in pain, "groaning". And in his difficult place, David wanted God to hear his agony. He needed God to listen to his "cry for help" (v. 2).

David didn't run to his advisers or his wife or the many wise sages of his court for aid. None of them could help him. He didn't roll up his sleeves and pore over documents, figuring out some solution to his predicament. David knew he couldn't help himself. He went directly to the only One who could meet him in his darkness.

"I pray to no one but You", David said (v. 2). David waited, watching for God. David's only work was not to work. He decided to bring his heart and his hope to God and then to "wait expectantly" (v. 3).

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, give ear to my prayer. Attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me.

Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; and no works like those You have done. All nations whom You have made will come and worship before You, O Lord; and will glorify Your name. For You are great, and do wondrous things: You are God alone.

Teach me Your way, Lord, and I will walk in Your truth. Unite my heart to fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart. I will glorify Your name forever.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 5:3

Always prepare Him a prayer and sacrifice. God loves those things. First thing in the morning, He loves that we will talk to Him first before doing our daily tasks. Prayer is a powerful armor.

Wait for Him as He speak into your hearts. Wait expectantly. He'll make it happen. He'll make all things beautiful in His time.

The Daily Grace - Hope To Continue On

The solar-powered airplane Solar Impulse can fly day and night without fuel. Inventors Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg hope to fly it around the world. While the plane flies all day by solar power, it gathers enough energy to be able to fly all night. When the sun rises, Piccard says, "It brings the hope again that you can continue".

The idea of sunrise bringing us hope can relate to Lamentations 3:21-23, "This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassion fail not. They are new every morning". Even when God's people were in the depths of despair while the city of Jerusalem was being invaded by the Babylonians, the prophet Jeremiah said they had reason to hope - they still had the Lord's mercies and compassion.

Sometimes our struggles seem worse at night, but when sunrise comes it brings hope again that we can continue. "Weeping may endure for a night," the psalmist says, "but joy comes in the morning" (Ps. 30:5). His mercies and compassion are new every morning. Each new day gives us new reasons to praise the Lord.

Today We Pray

                                      

Dear Heavenly Father, I know that prayer isn’t a good-luck charm. But, I come to You now because there’s no one better to talk to. Let my heart become one with yours.

Help me to be fully alive to your Holy presence. Enfold me in your love everyday, Lord. Inspire me to live in the freedom you intended, with a heart untroubled and with complete trust in You.

Lord, I know that when I turn to you there is no need for words. You can see into my heart, You know my desires and you know my needs. I place myself into Your loving hands.



Amen