The Daily Grace - Heard by God

Like reading, prayer can be silent. Hannah, who longed for a child of her own, visited the temple and "spoke in her heart" as she prayed. Her lips were moving, but "her voice was not heard" (1 Sam. 1:13). Eli the priest saw but misunderstood what was happening. She explained, "I have poured out my soul before the Lord" (v. 15). God heard Hannah's silent prayer request and gave her a son (v. 20).

Since God searches our hearts and minds (Jer. 17:10), He sees and hears every prayer - even the ones that never escape our lips. His all-knowing nature makes it possible for us to pray with full confidence that He will hear and answer (Matt. 6: 8, 32). Because of this, we can continually praise God, ask Him for help, and thank Him for blessings - even when no one else can hear us. God fills our heart with peace when we pour out our heart to Him.

Today We Pray

Dear God, You are ushering in another day, untouched and freshly new, so here I come to ask You God for renewal. Forgive the many errors, that I made yesterday, and let me try again dear God, to walk closer in Thy way. But Father, I am well aware, I can't make it on my own, so take my hand and hold it tight, for I can't walk alone.

I was born a weak, defenseless child, but Your angel spread his wings over my cradle to defend me. From birth until now, Your love has illumined my path and has wondrously guided me towards the light of eternity; from birth until now the generous gifts of Your providence have been marvelously showered upon me. I give You thanks for every step of my life's journey, together with all who have come to know you, who call upon your name.

Support me all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes. And, the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over and my work is done. Then of Thy mercy, grant me a safe lodging, and a holy rest and a peace at last through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Jeremiah 17:10

“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”
content:

The Lord searches and examines the mind. He tests the heart. He is giving to each man according to his ways. And, according to the results of his deeds.


He gets to the heart of the human. He gets to the root of things. He treats them as they really are, not as they pretend to be. So let your heart be presentable in His presence, He examines it.

The Daily Grace - Spending Eternity with Him

Luke recorded a short yet powerful narrative that pictures two men about to go behind that curtain of death. When Jesus was being crucified, two thieves hung alongside Him. According to Mark, both men hurled insults at Jesus (15:32). One of the thieves, however, had a change of heart as he realized Jesus' innocence, his own sin, and his destiny. He rebuked the other thief and asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His Kingdom.

These words were a sign of repentance and simple faith. Jesus responded, "I say to you today, you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43). Salvation for the man was immediate. He knew that day where he would spend eternity.

Realizing that we are sinners and placing our trust in Jesus' death and resurrection assures us that we can immediately know where we will spend our eternal tomorrows when we slip behind the parted curtain. To prepare for tomorrow, trust Jesus today. Why not turn while yet you may? Too late, it soon will be. A glorious life you may posses throughout eternity.

Today We Pray

Dear God, all praise and glory to you. Make Your home with me today and every day of my life. Be with me in all I do.

Every life has its trials, and I have my share. Help me to see the challenges of life as opportunities to test my sincere and single-minded faith and to grow, and endure, and persist despite obstacles in my path. For people who have it easy in life develop no strength. 

So often it’s the little things in life that get to me, and there seem to be so many of them. Whenever I’m tempted to lose my temper, blame someone, or just give up, help me see You. Help us never lose sight of the unconditional love You have for us, and let us hold on to that hope when our labor—and the fruit of our labor—are gone.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Romans 8:38-39

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future. And, not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!

I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Continued to be convinced beyond any doubt about this Scripture. His unlimited love can never be separated from us, no matter how bad we are.

The Daily Grace - Better Than Planned

Interruptions are nothing new. Rarely does a day go by as planned. Life is filled with inconveniences. Our plans are constantly thwarted by forces beyond our control. The list is long and ever-changing: sickness, conflict, traffic jams, forgetfulness, appliance malfunctions, rudeness, laziness, impatience, incompetence.

What we cannot see, however, is the other side of inconvenience. We think it has no purpose other than to discourage us, make life more difficult, and thwart our plans. However, inconvenience could be God's way of protecting us from some unseen danger, or it could be an opportunity to demonstrate God's grace and forgiveness. It might be the start of something better than we had planned. Or it could be a test to see how we respond to adversity.

Whatever it is, even though we may not know God's reason, we can be assured of His motive. It is to make us more like Jesus and to further His Kingdom on earth. To say that God's followers throughout history have been "inconvenienced" would be an understatement. But God had a purpose. Knowing this, we can thank Him, being confident that He is giving us an opportunity to redeem the time (Eph. 5:16-20). What happens to us is not nearly as important as what God does in us and through us.

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. In the name of my Lord Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Luke 23:43

“Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Claim this promise by Jesus today. We will be in a wonderful place soon, which is in Heaven. It is filled with glory and praise. It is more beautiful than a palace!

How to get there soon? Acknowledge Him as your Savior. Praise Him everyday and in your whole life wholeheartedly. All of God's children will be united soon in His second coming. Wait and be excited for His return!

The Daily Grace - Running the Race

The apostle Paul used running a race as a picture of the Christian life. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, he challenged us not just to run but to run to win. It says, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it".

Not only did Paul teach this but he lived it out. In his final epistle, he said, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7). Having finished his race, Paul joyfully anticipated receiving the victory crown from the King of Heaven. Like Paul, run your earthly race to win and to please Your King. The Christian's race is not a sprint - it's a marathon.

As we run this race, as our best effort we bring, we are spurred on by the fact that we must win for the King. The prize that we will receive will be more than gold. It will be eternal. Run your race well!

Today We Pray

Dear God, who pours out the spirit of grace and of supplication to all who ask for it. Deliver me, when I draw near to You, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind. So that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections, I may worship You in spirit and in truth.

I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbors as myself; and I sorrow for these wrongful acts and omissions from the bottom of my heart. I humbly and fully repent all of my misdeeds, and pray that for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, you will have mercy on me and forgive me, not by my merits, but by that grace that He has granted those who confess his name.

Today I celebrate the resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, the supreme victory over death that belongs to you alone. I pray that I may, today and in the coming week, act in appreciation of the ultimate gift you have given to me and to all who confess the name of Christ. I pray that You will be in my heart and walk with me, that I might sin no more.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - James 3:17

Receive God's wisdom today. God is not selfish to give you wisdom that comes from Him. In fact, He is the one who initiated to give us wisdom when we need it. He promised that if any of us need wisdom, we should ask God and it will be given to us. God is generous and won’t correct us for asking (James 1:5).

The wisdom that comes from God is first pure, morally and spiritually undefiled. Then, peace-loving, courteous and considerate. It is also gentle, reasonable and willing to listen. It is full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without self-righteous hypocrisy and self-serving guile. Ask and receive that wisdom today.

The Daily Grace - God Restores

God specializes in restoration like an artist.. In Paul's letter to the Christians at Colosse, he described a restoration process that is impossible in the world of art. It's a restoration of God's people. Paul wrote, "You have put off the old man with His deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created Him" (Col. 3:9-10).

This is no attempt at renovating the work of a certain artist. It is a spiritual renewal from the living God who created us and gave us new life in His Son, Jesus Christ. His forgiveness brightens the colors of our lives. While, His grace sharpens the lines of His purpose for us.

The canvas of our lives is in the skilled hands of our Lord, who knows who and what He designed us to be. No matter how sin-damaged and dirty we may be, there is hope for renewal and restoration. The Master Artist is alive and at work within us. Let God be the artist of your life.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, purify my soul today. Let Your Holy Spirit empower me throughout this day, to be obedient to the truth at every moment. So, that I might love my brothers and sisters earnestly, from a pure heart.

And let me always remember that I have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable. And if I am confused or do not know what to think or do, let me think of your Son, Jesus Christ, and ask myself what He would have done. For I will follow him even to the point of suffering and death, confident in his resurrection and the eternal reward for those that do follow him in sincere belief.

Hold me in the palm of Your hand. I pray that You will mold me into what You want me to be. May I joyfully fill the role You have given to me and feel Your peace deep in my soul, today and always.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Ephesians 5:20

"And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Always be thankful to our Lord Jesus Christ. It is Him who causes us to triumph in His Name and causes us to win. It is Him that we have overcome. It is by the power of His Holy Name. He made a way for us to triumph in His Name.

He always showers us with blessing, so let us be thankful to Him. Acknowledge His Name everyday. He is the reason why we still live. Don't forget to thank our Creator everyday!

The Daily Grace - The Wonder of the Cross

The Scriptures tell us of a magnificent cross - the cross of Christ. When we look at the stars, we see the handiwork of the creator. But when we look at the cross, we see the Creator dying for His creation. Hebrews 12:2 calls us to "look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God".

The wonder of Calvary's cross is that while we were still in our sins, our Savior died for us (Rom. 5:8). Those who place their trust in Christ are now reconciled to God. And, He navigates them through life (2 Cor. 1:8-10). Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the greatest of all wonders!

Christ cross provides the only safe crossing into eternity. When we survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, our richest gain we count but loss, and pour contempt on all our pride. The Cross is indeed a magnificent sight. It is the portrait of "true love", which is His death just to save us from our sins.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, we bring our struggles to You because You know all about them, yet You love us anyway. Teach us to rely on Your Holy Spirit. Make us more like Your Son each day.

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, to 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, 

I pray that you direct my way unto You. And, make me and all of us to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward You. So that, to the end that we may establish our hearts unblameable in holiness before You.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Hebrews 12:2

"We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne."

Look away from all that will distract us in serving our Lord and fulfilling His commands. Let us focus our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith. 

The Daily Grace - Let His Face Shine

What are the things that you want God to smile on you? You really want to do a lot of good things to make Him smile. Let His face shine on you with a smile. Even though life does not always gives us a reason to smile, let God smile on you instead. Let Him shine on your life so that you can put a smile on other's faces, too.

Today, remember that you are loved by God. And, that He is pleased to be gracious to You and shine His face upon you. Remember that He will always bless and protect you. He will show you mercy and kindness. And the Lord will always be good to you and give you peace.

Today We Pray

Blessed are you, O Lord my God, King of the universe, who removes sleep from my eyes, that I may see the returning light of the your day. I thank You for all that You have done while I was asleep, watching over me and all your children while we slept unaware. And, I pray that my thoughts and acts this day may show forth my love and thanks for You and all You have done for me.

Help me through your Holy Spirit, that I may remember what you have taught me in the Bible and it may show forth in my every deed. Let me not wander into the hands of sin, nor into the hands of pride or perversity, nor into the hands of temptation, nor into the hands of shame. But, steer my inclinations towards goodness and charity this morning and all the day.

Now the God of patience and consolation grant to me, and to all who pray in the name of Christ, to be like minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus. That we may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the name of Christ I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Joel 2:13

"Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." - Joel 2:13

Rip your heart in sorrow and contrition and not your garments. Return in repentance to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving kindness and faithful to His covenant with His people. And, He relents His sentence of evil when His people genuinely repent.

Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here’s why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot, this most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel catastrophe.

The Daily Grace - Joy

You may be familiar with the list of seven deadly sins that was formulated during the sixth century: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, vengeance, envy and pride. But you may not know that the original list compiled during the fourth century also included the sin of sadness. Over the years, that emotion was omitted from the inventory. Some people are blessed with a cheerful disposition. They always seem to be happy. They wear a perpetual smile almost as if they were advertising toothpaste.

But, then there are others who seem to be chronically sad. They continually complain about life and its burdens. And, who can deny that afflictions are discouraging? While we acknowledge that not everybody is blessed with a bright outlook on life, we need to remember that joy is one of the gifts Jesus promised to His followers. And, we need to resist any tendency to let sadness dominate our emotional lives.

Jesus promised His disciples on the night Judas betrayed Him, "Your joy no one will take from you" (John 16:22). Remember that joy is the fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22). Let's ask the Lord to help us look beyond our sorrowful circumstances and encourage our hearts by the vision of joy that awaits us (Heb. 12:2). Joy is a fruit of the Spirit that's always in season.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, I offer to Your divine majesty my sincere praise and thanksgiving for all Your mercies towards me. You made me first and have ever since sustained the work of Your own hand. Thank You for giving me the assurance of salvation.

I have sinned and done very wickedly, be merciful to me, O God. Pardon me for Jesus Christ's sake; instruct me in the particulars of my duty. And, suffer me not to be tempted above what You give me strength to bear.

May my life be so pleasing to You that You are pleased to have Your face shine on me. As You graciously smile on my life, may I find someone today with whom I can share Your love through a smile. I ask you, Lord, to defend me this week from all evil, and do more for me than I can think or ask.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - John 16:22

"Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you."

For the meantime, you are in grief. And then, your hearts will rejoice. And, no one will take away from you your great joy. This will all be because of God. No one can snatch your joy that was given by our all powerful God!

The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain that you are feeling, but the coming joy is also similar. When God sees you again, you’ll be full of joy. And it will be a joy no one can rob from you. You will be so happy that no one will be able to change the way you feel.

The Daily Grace - A Powerful Word

The psalmist said of the Word of God, "Your precepts . . . have give me life" (Ps. 119:93). His Word is "powerful . . . and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12). God's Word shows us our sin and its consequences: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23); "the wages of sin is death" (6:23). It tells us of God's love and salvation: "God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, . . . made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)" (Eph. 2:4-5). And, it gives wisdom for daily living: "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 119:105).

The Bible stands like a rock undaunted. It's strength is so strong amidst the raging storms of time. Its pages burn with the truth eternal. And, they glow with a light sublime.

Many books inform, but only one transforms - the Bible. This is how powerful the Bible is. Although, it's only a printed paper that is hard bounded or soft bounded, or can be downloaded as apps in our cellphones, don't underestimate its power. It can change the world. It can change our lives, too. Don't forget to read Your Bible everyday, and You will grow and make a difference in this world.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I bless You for the day that You have made. Let me spend this day rejoicing in Your creation. Fill me with the joy of my salvation, so that Your light may shine through me into the world

Let Your honor and glory may be known to all people. Let me follow Your example to never inflate myself with pride of status, of opinion, or of any of the gifts You have bestowed upon me. Let me welcome good advice and sound rebuke, without defensiveness.

Grant me always to praise rather than criticize, sympathize rather than discourage, build rather than destroy. Help us to remember that we are all Your beloved children. Let my hope and glory be ever in you, and not in my own vanity.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Hebrews 4:12

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

What God has said isn’t only alive and active! It is sharper than any double-edged sword. His word can cut through our spirits and souls and through our joints and marrow, until it discovers the desires and thoughts of our hearts. The word of God is living and active and full of power, making it operative, energizing, and effective. His Word really penetrates the completeness of a person. It also touches the deepest parts of our nature. It exposes and judges the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.

God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what.

The Daily Grace - God Will Carry Our Burdens

Sometimes, our lives can seem overloaded with fears, struggles and heartaches. We can even feel that we are in danger of going under. In those times, however, it is reassuring to remember that we have a remarkable source. We have a Heavenly Father who stands ready to help us carry that load.

The apostle Peter said, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:6-7). He is capable of handling the cares that overwhelms us. No matter how heavy your burdens are, He can carry it. He is a God who is strong and mighty and there's our God cannot do.

Through the testings of life may feel like a burden too heavy to bear, we can have full assurance that our Heavenly Father loves us deeply and knows our load limits. Whatever we face, He will help us to bear it. God may lead us into troubled waters to deepen our trust in Him. Be still and know that He is God.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I sometimes feel as if I can’t go on. I am tired, I am weak, and I am worn. Thank You that You know my limits better than I do. 

Let me read Your Word until something new sinks in; let me pray until I hear Your voice, until all smugness has given way to gratitude. 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. In Your strength, I can find the enablement to endure. 

We give thee humble thanks for opening heathen lands to the light of thy truth; for making paths in the deep waters and highways in the desert; and for planting thy Church in all the earth. Grant, we beseech thee, unto us thy servants, that with lively faith we may labour abundantly to make known to all men thy blessed gift of eternal life. This is all I pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 1 Peter 5:6-7

Be reminded that you must always be humble in everything you do. If you're not, it has a negative impact to others, especially to your character impression. God will be exalted if you will be humble in His Name, depending on Him. Tell Him all your anxieties, too. God cares for all of us, God has our back.

The Daily Grace - Neighborly Love

We may love ourselves. We may be urgent about meeting our needs. Also, there may be a time that there will be tenderness about how our needs will be met. Sometimes, our thoughts, words and actions were driven by the love of ourselves.

To love "your neighbor as yourself" (Luke 10:27) requires the same urgent kind of love. It's a love that notices the need of another person and won't rest until it's been met. It's a gentle, tender love that thinks and acts carefully. It's the sacrificial and compassionate love that a nameless Samaritan had for a fallen traveler. 

You cannot touch your neighbor's heart with anything less than your own. You cannot give what you don't have, in other words. Be filled with His love today so that you can love others without any grudge. It's the kind of love God wants to share with your neighbors through you.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, this morning I pray for those who are beginning to know Christ: may You strengthen them on their journey. I pray for all children, and for those who take care of them, especially those who awaken them to faith. I pray for the ill and those who are ending their lives in loneliness: Oh Lord, give them the strength they need. 

Help me see the heartfelt needs of those within my care. And, grant that through my words and deeds, Your love with them I’ll share. For with blessings in His hand Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to command.

Have mercy on me, Lord. Pardon me for these offences and any I might have omitted from forgetfulness or ignorance; in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, I pray for forgiveness. And I pray that Your Holy Spirit may dwell with me today and throughout the coming week, to comfort me, to give me strength against temptation, and to guide me into the path of righteousness.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Ezekiel 34:11

The Lord is indeed a good shepherd. Just as a shepherd looks for lost sheep, we, His flock, have been lost since that dark and miserable day when we were scattered throughout the nations. But, He will rescue us and bring us back from the foreign nations where we now live. He will be our shepherd and will let us graze on mountains and in the valleys and fertile fields.

We will also be safe as He will feed us on grassy meadows and green hills. He promised to take care of us and keep us safe, to look for those that are lost and bring back the ones that wander off in His presence. And also, to bandage those that are hurt and protect the ones that are weak. The Lord God is an amazing God, indeed!

The Daily Grace - God is a Generous One

Have you experienced the generosity of God in your lives? If not yet, now is the time to know and feel His generosity. Our Heavenly Father has lavished on us the riches of His grace. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.

Our God is not a stingy God. He don't begrudgingly dishes out His blessings in small portions. Rather, He is the God who pours out forgiveness for the prodigal. And, He daily crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies.

At times we think God hasn't provided for us as we would like. But, if He never did anything more than forgive our sins and guarantee Heaven for us, He has already been abundantly generous! So today, let's rejoice in our generous God. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Source: Our Daily Bread

Today We Pray

Dear Jesus, draw thou our hearts unto thee. Join them together in inseparable love, that we may abide in thee, and thou in us. And that the everlasting covenant between us may stand sure forever. 

O wound our hearts with the fiery darts of thy piercing love. Let them pierce through all our slothful members and inward powers, that we, being happily wounded, may so become whole and sound. Let us have no lover but thyself alone; let us seek no joy nor comfort except in thee.

May the God of peace, who declared victory over death by the resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ, make me perfect in every thought and act through His grace, that my life might be pleasing in His sight and that I might share the perfect peace that is only possible through Him, to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 1 Peter 4:10

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

 Each one of us has received a special gift. It is a gift of spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God. Be generous with these different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it. We have been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. 

Use your gifts well. Use it appropriately and faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor. Use them well to serve one another. Employ it in good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace.

The Daily Grace - God's Redirection

When our dreams are shattered, how do we react? After Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was sold as a slave by his brothers (Gen. 37:12-36), he could have given in to self-pity and self-indulgence. Instead, Joseph remained true to the Lord. Four times in Genesis 39, we can see there that "the Lord was with Joseph (vv. 2-3, 21 and 23), and his actions revealed his own faithfulness to God. By his exemplary life, those he served in Egypt recognized God's presence with him.

Do we love God more than our own dreams? Although Joseph must have grieved the loss of his past and what his life could have been, the Lord led him to a calling he had never imagined. Today, the Lord longs to lead us. Are we willing to be redirected by Him?

Our cherished plans may go astray. Or, our hopes may fade away. But still, let us trust the Lord to lead us. He does know the way.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, thank You for making us in Your own image and redeemed us through Jesus Your Son. Thank You for supporting me all the day long in my daily journey. Help me more to be like You.

Take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts. Break down the walls that separate us. Unite us in bonds of love.

Remind me often that You have been exceedingly generous to me. Help me to extend that generosity of spirit toward those around me, so that they may know who You are and rejoice in You.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Proverbs 16:9

"A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps"

As we journey through life, we make our own plans in life. Our minds plans his way. We plan the way we want to live. We can actually make our plans, but still, the Lord determines our steps.

Let the Lord directs our steps and establish them as we journey through this life. Let Him decide where we will go. Let us trust His heart even we cannot see His ways. Remember, God is sovereign and He makes all things possible and beautiful in accordance to His will.

The Daily Grace - The Atlas for our Spiritual Journey

When we prepare for a trip, one of the first things we do is get out the road atlas. We study it intensely to learn the best routes, determine the number of miles we'll have to travel, pick out interesting places to visit, decide how far we can get in a day and estimate expenses. On the journey, the atlas is our constant companion, and we consult it many times a day. We couldn't get a long without it. For Christians, the Bible is an atlas for their spiritual journey, but it is much more. It is described as: sweeter than honey (Ps. 19:10; 199:103), a lamp (Ps. 119:105), rain and snow (Isa. 55:10-11), a fire (Jer. 23:29), a hammer (Jer. 23:29), water (Eph. 5:26), a sword (Eph. 6:17), solid food (Heb. 5:12), a mirror (James 1:23) and milk (1 Peter 2:2). 

Like a highway traveler, we as Christians are on a long and sometimes hazardous journey. We face many decisions and will have many needs on our pilgrimage to paradise. The Bible has been given to us to help us make those decisions and to meet those needs. It should be our constant companion - studied diligently and consulted often along the way. We can't do without it.

Let us study the Word with all of our hearts so that we will be guided. Be guided by the Gospel in our journey in life. Read the Bible, pray everyday, and you will grow. Allow God to be your guide in life.

Today We Pray

Dear God, creator of all that is, king of all who live, mighty in power and abundant in love beyond human imagination. I enter Your presence in the sorrow of my sins against You. I confess all that I have done against Your Holy Word. 

I admit the sin I have tried to hide. And where I still cannot admit it, I ask Your Holy Spirit to show it to me. I confess and deeply repent the heartbreak, worry, and sorrow I have caused to You, to others, to myself.

The good news of Jesus is too wonderful to keep to myself, Father. May I live the gospel and share it with others throughout my journey with You, Lord. Deal favourably with me according to Your good pleasure, until I may dwell in your house all the days of my life, and praise You forever and ever with them that are there.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 119:33

"Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end."

Have a teachable heart and a soft heart that is open to the gospel. The Bible is like a compass. It always points the believer in the right direction. It's like your travelling in the journey of life where you and your Bible will be companions.

Steadfastly obey the Scriptures. Keep them forever in your hearts. Allow God to point out the gospel to each and every one of us. Make sure you won't disobey even one of them.

The Daily Grace - True Greatness

Some people feel like a small pebble lost in the immensity of a canyon. But, no matter how insignificant we judge ourselves to be, we can be greatly used by God. In a sermon early in 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. quoted Jesus' words from Mark 10 about servanthood. Then he said, "Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve... You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love."

When Jesus' disciples quarreled about who would get the places of honor in heaven, He told them: "Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:43-45).

Is that our understanding of greatness? Are we gladly serving, doing tasks that may be unnoticed? Is the purpose of our serving to please our Lord rather than to gain purpose? If we are willing to be a servant, our lives will point to the One who is truly great. Little things done in Christ's name are great things.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, fill my spirit, and the spirit of all the people today.  Fill us with faith and hope, for a new day has dawned. Set our hearts today to worship You in spirit and in truth.

I acknowledge and confess my guilt to You, Lord. Ease me of the burden of my sins. Give me grace that I may rise from the slumber of sin into the newness of life.

Let me live according to Your Holy Word. Make me to know what is acceptable in Your sight. And, bless the people of this land, Lord.



Amen.

Today's Godly Reminder - Mark 10:43

"Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant."

Almost everybody want to be a leader someday. But before anything else, we will start first as a servant to someone else. It all starts there. We will be trained first to be a leader before we become one.

If you desire to be a great leader, fix your eyes on Jesus, the Great Leader of all. Ask wisdom and guidance from Him. And, ask a humble heart to let you go on through the process. You are a precious gem in the making! Shine bright like a gem, even on the process.

The Daily Grace - Fixing our Eyes on the Eternal

It is too easy to be caught up in the immediate pains and sorrows of life. The worldly-minded person loses their soul in running after the present. How many pleasures can they consume today? It is easy to see this in the lives of those ruined by substance abuse. But it is true of everyone apart from Jesus Christ. Sadly, the things of the moment consume their souls.

Paul is urging his dear friends not to imitate the ungodly. There is a far better way to life than paycheck to paycheck. We must fix the eyes of our hearts on what is eternal. This will not make sense to the unsaved person, because these things cannot be seen by the physical senses and they are spiritually blind. But we look at things that are not yet visible.

We know that the things of this world are only temporary. One day, all we presently see, touch, taste, hear, and smell will be destroyed by fire. We look for a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness (2 Pt 3:13). True Christianity has a forward look, a confident anticipation of sharing in eternal glory, joy, and peace. Therefore, don’t quit; don’t be discouraged (4:16). Confidently look for eternal glory and live as heirs of glory.

Source: http://christmycovenant.com/reasons-to-press-on-2-corinthians-416-18/

Today We Pray

Dear God, I acknowledge that I am a sinner, and I need Your forgiveness. Thank You, Jesus, for dying for me and giving me eternal life. Transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to You alone.

The heavens are telling of Your glory and the wonders of Your love, the sun by day, and the moon and stars by night. Please help us to see this life from a heavenly perspective. Remind us that our trials, however difficult, will one day fade from view when we see You face to face.

Lethe word of Christ richly dwell within me all this day. And whatever I do in word or deed, may I do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Through Christ I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 2 Corinthians 4:18

Look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen. For the things which are visible are temporal. It is just brief and fleeting. But the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.

 So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.

The Daily Grace - Respect for Life

In Psalm 139, David describes God as fashioning his tiny body together in the darkness of his mother's womb. God loved David before he ever existed. God designed the person David was to be, and He brought that person into being according to His pre-determined plan. In this psalm, David used the intriguing metaphor of a journal in which God first wrote His plan and then brought that plan into fruition through His handiwork in the womb. "Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written" (v. 16).

Put another way, David was shaped by his heavenly Father's love into a unique creation. He came from the inventive heart and hand of God. What was true of David is true of you. You are special - along with everyone else in the world.

This being true, we must be pro-life in the purest sense of the word. We are to respect and cherish all human life: the born and those still in the womb; winsome children and weary seniors; the wealthy executive and the financially destitute. All persons are unique productions of our Creator's genius. With David, let's exclaim: "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14). All life is created by God and bear His autograph.