The Daily Grace - Mosaic

For 3 weeks every fall season, our city becomes an art gallery. Nearly 2,000 artists from around the world display their creations in galleries, museums, hotels, parks, city streets, parking lots, restaurants, churches, and even in the river. Among my favorite entries are mosaics made from small pieces of colored glass. The winning entry in 2011 was a 9 x 13-foot stained-glass mosaic of the crucifixion by artist Mia Tavonatti. While viewing the artwork, I heard the artist discuss how many times she had cut herself while shaping the pieces of glass for her mosaic.

As I gazed at the beautiful rendition of what was a horrific event, I saw more than a representation of the crucifixion - I saw a picture of the church, the body of Christ. In each piece of glass, I saw an individial believer, beautifully shaped by Christ to fit together into the whole (Eph. 2: 16,21). In the artist's story, I recognized the shedding of Jesus' blood so that this unity could take place. And in the finished artwork, I saw the act of love required to complete the project despite pain and sacrifice. We who believe in Christ are a work of art created by God to show the greatness of a Savior who makes something beautiful out of the broken pieces of our lives. Christ gave everything to make something beautiful of His church.

Today We Pray

Dear God, You know every blade of grass that grows, every sparrow that dies, every act and thought of the seven billion people here on earth. The hundred billion stars are Yours and You made them, and You watch them, and the vastness of space and the countless galaxies, You know. You know my coming in and my going out, my thoughts and dreams and schemes, my countless little sins and lies, my kindnesses and my cruelties, my prayers and my curses.

I praise You above all else, Mighty God. Your knowledge is utterly beyond my comprehension. And yet, despite all of this, You have promised to know me, to be with me, to listen to me and help me and, if I only ask for it in the name of Your Son, to forgive me when I offend You.

The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace, this day and evermore.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Ephesians 6:13

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

Put on the complete armor of God. So that, you will be able to successfully resist and stand your ground in the evil day of danger. And, having done everything that the crisis demands, you will be able to stand firm. You are fully prepared, immovable and victorious in your place.

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

The Daily Grace - What Love Is

Years ago, I asked a young man who was engaged to be married, "How do you know that you love her?" I was a loaded question, intended to help him look at his heart's motives for the upcoming marriage. After several thoughtful moments, he responded, "I know I love her because I want to spend the rest of my life making her happy". We discussed what that meant - and the price tag attached to the selflessness of constantly seeking the best for the other person, rather than putting ourselves first. Real love has a lot to do with sacrifice.

That idea is in line with the wisdom of the Bible. In the Scriptures, there are several Greek words for love, but the highest form is agape love - love that is defined and driven by self-sacrifice. Nowhere is this more true than in the love our heavenly Father has shown us in Christ. We are deeply valued by Him. Paul stated, "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). If sacrifice is the true measure of love, there could be no more precious gift than Jesus: "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son" (John 3:16, NLT). The measure of love is what you are willing to give up for it.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, who has given me the facility to hear and understand, let me receive Your Word with an open mind and clear eye. Whenever I read Your Scripture, let Your Holy Spirit guide me to the truth, setting aside my preconception and self-justification. I pray to hear what You intend for me to hear.

Lead me to remember that, where we disagree, You are right and I am wrong. And help me always to an attitude of humility in my study, keeping in mind always to use Your Word as a guide that will lead me on the path to salvation, never as a tool to justify my faulty and selfish thought; for I am justified by faith.

Now may the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the eternal high priest himself, the Son of God Jesus Christ, build you up in faith and truth and in all gentleness and in all freedom from anger and forbearance and steadfastness and patient endurance and purity.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - John 3:16

This verse is very common nowadays, and probably the most memorized verse of all times. But, we should not miss the real essence of this verse, which is God's love to us. He sent His Son for us to die from our sins. Have faith in God so that we will live an eternal life. What a great love it is!

The Daily Grace - Lingering Damage

A young teen who was constantly getting into trouble always apologized when his parents confronted him. No matter how much he hurt his parents with his previous wrongdoing, he would soon turn around and do something else wrong - knowing he would be forgiven. Finally, his dad took him out to the garage for a talk. Dad picked up a hammer and pounded a nail into the garage wall. Then he gave his son the hammer and told him to pull out the nail.

The boy shrugged, grabbed the hammer, and yanked out the nail. "That's like forgiveness, Son. When you do something wrong, it's like pounding a nail. Forgiveness is when you pull the nail out". "Okay, I get it", said the boy. "Now take the hammer and pull out the nail hole", his dad applied. "Thats impossible!" the boy said. "I can't pull it out".

As this story illustrates and King David's life proves, sin carries consequences. Even though David was forgiven, his adultery and murder left scats and led to family problems (2 Sam. 12:10). This sobering truth can serve as a warning for our lives. The best way to avoid the lingering damage of sin is to live a life of obedience to God. Our sins can be forgiven and washed away, but their consequences are ours to pay.

Today We Pray

Dear God, I come before You today in reverence and awe. I am filled with humility in the face of Your greatness, Your majesty, Your holiness, and Your power. And, to acknowledge my sinfulness in the face of Your pure and holy presence fills me with fear.

Yet I pray boldly, for You have called me and adopted me as Your rightful heir. I give You thanks for Your mercy with every ounce of my being. And, pray that Your Holy Spirit might be with me, that I might do Your will in every thought and action this day; and that the work of my hands and the words of my tongue might seek Your glory, and not my own.

Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit You have made me one with Your saints in heaven and on earth. 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 27:1

"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"

Light, space, zest—that’s God! So, with Him on our side, let us be fearless. We are afraid of no one and nothing. He is our refuge and fortress. Do not be afraid.

He is the light that keeps us safe. Through that, be not afraid of anyone. He will protect us. Have no fear.

The Daily Grace - Shadowed

Someone was shadowing me. In a darkened hallway, I turned the corner to go up a flight of stairs and was alarmed by what I saw, stopping the dead in my tracks. It happened again a few days later. I came around the back of a favorite coffee shop and saw the large shape of a person coming at me. Bot incidents ended with a smile, however. I'd been frightened by my own shadow!

The prophet Jeremiah talked about the difference beween real and imagined fears. A group of his Jewish countrymen asked him to find out whether the Lord wanted them to stay in Jerusalem or return to Egypt for safety because they feared the king of Babylon (Jer. 42:1-3). Jeremiah told them that if they stayed and trusted God, they didn't need to be afraid (vv. 10-12). But if they returned to Egypt, the king of Babylon would find them (vv. 15-16).

In a world of real dangers, God had given Israel to reason to trust Him in Jerusalem. He had already rescued them from Egypt. Centuries later, the long-awaited Messiah died for us to deliver us from our own sin and fear of death. May our Almighty God show us today how to live in the security of His shadow, rather than in shadowy fears of our own making. Under the protecting shadow of God's wing, the little shadows of life lose their terror.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, You are the First and the Last, and the Living One; You were dead, but You are alive forevermore. You are the Lamb who was slain and whose blood purchased for God people from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You are worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.

Open my eyes, gracious Lord, as I turn to Your word. I long to know You, to understand life, and to be changed. Examine me, Lord, by the floodlight of Your truth.

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 - Psalm 46:10

What does it mean to be still? It means to calm down. It also means "hands off", because God is in control. It is entrusting everything to His Name and letting Him take over. Cease striving.

In being still, we can recognize and understand that He is God. His sovereignty will be shown if we just let Him handle everything. That's what God wants, to exalt and honor Him in His ways. So, step out of the traffic of life! Take a long, loving look your High God, above politics, above everything.

The Daily Grace - Emergency Kit

For a dozen of years, I took an auto emergency kit on every long driving trip but never had to use it. It became such a familiar item that on the night we really needed it, I forgot it was there. But fortunately, my father remembered. 

After hitting a deer on a dark rural highway, our van was completely disabled. While I fumbled with a small flashlight to assess the damage and call a tow truck, my father opened the emergency kit, set out a reflective warning marker, then turned on the bright flashlight, much to my surprise. Later we talked about how a crisis can cause us to forget the resources we have, just when we need them most.

Paul urged the Ephesians to "put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Eph. 6:11). This protective covering includes truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, and prayer (vv. 14-18). Although these spiritual resources guard us each day, we need to remember them when disaster strikes and the enemy tries to undermine our confidence in God's love and care. Use the kit. "Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (v. 13). God provides the armor, but we must put it on.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, this day, give me not the spirit of laziness, despair, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of sobriety, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. Grant me to see my own transgressions and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages.

Teach me the steadfastness of Your love, mighty Savior. Teach me Your humility, Your selflessness. Teach me to be a devoted servant.

Look with grace, I pray, on my small and tarnished loving. Protect it, foster it, strengthen it, that my love may be less unworthy to be offered to you and to Your children. O Light of the world, teach me how to love.

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 - A Lock of Hair

After his return from the moon, Neil Armstrong was often plagued by the media. Seeking greater privacy, he moved his family into a small town. But notoriety was a nuisance even there. Armstrong's barber found out that people would pay good money to ge a lock of his hair. So after giving the space hero several haircuts, he sold the clippings to a buyer for $3,000! Armstrong was shocked at the barber's disloyalty.

The Scriptures tell of another story of disloyalty and a haircut. As a symbol of God's calling of Samson as a Nazirite, he was never to cut his hair (Judg. 13:5). When the Spirit of God came upon him, he was given superhuman strength over his enemies (15:14). Wanting to overpower him, the Philistines hired Delilah, a woman who had a relationship with him, to find out the secret of that strength. He foolishly told her that his power would be gone if his hair were cut. She lulled him to sleep and had him shorn (16: 5,19).

Greed can drive us to be disloyal to others and to God, causing us to make sinful choices. Our desire should be to exhibit a heart that is fully committed to love the Lord and others. He shows "Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him" (2 Chron. 16:9). Loyalty is the test of true love.

Today We Pray

Dear God, I believe that You will change people and many things, if asked and if it is Your will. Change me Lord, if it is Your will, for I would lead a better life. Touch me, I pray, great God whose touch transforms.

Help me to be discerning and not let others lead me astray with their falsehood. May the fruit of my life be an example of a follower of Christ. May my heart be loyal to You in all that I say and all that I do.

Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, let me think about these things. What I have learned and received, let me do; and the God of peace be with us all.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 2 Chronicles 16:9a

 The Lord is constantly watching everyone. He gives strength to those who faithfully obey him. The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. He will support those whose heart is completely His. He shows Himself as strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him.

Stay committed to the Lord. He is faithful to His followers. He will guide them in every way. Take the challenge to surrender Your heart to Him, that it will be completely His. Have faith to let God take charge of your life.

The Daily Grace - Declaration of Dependence

Adults celebrate when children learn to do something on their own: get dressed, brush their teeth, tie shoelaces, ride a bike, walk to school. As adults, we like to pay our own way, live in our own houses, make our own decisions, rely on no outside help. Faced with an unexpected challenge, we seek out "self-help" books. All the while we are systemitacally sealing off the heart attitude most desirable to God and most descriptive of our true state in the universe. It's what Jesus told His disciples: "Without Me, you can do nothing" (John 15:5)

The truth is that we live in a web of dependence, at the center of which is God, in whom all things hold together. Norweigan theologian Ole Hallesby settled on the single world helplessness as the best summary of the heart attitude that God accepts as prayer. He said, "Only he who is helpless can truly pray".

Most parents feel a pang when the child outgrows dependence, even while knowing the growth to be health and normal. With God, the rules change. We never outgrow dependence, and to the extent we think we do, we delude ourselves. Prayer is our declaration of dependence upon the Lord. Pray as if your life depended upon it. It does!

Today We Pray

Dear God, who has commanded us to love one another without fail, purify my soul. 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, through the living and abiding word of Your Son.

Turn Your face upon me, O Lord, I pray, and have mercy on me, for You are full of mercy and truth. Give strength to Your servant and show me a sign for good, that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed of their hard hearts, and turn to you for help and comfort, as I do. 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.

The blessing of the Lord rest and remain upon all his people, in every land, of every tongue; the Lord meet in mercy all that seek him; the Lord comfort all who suffer and mourn; the Lord hasten his coming, and give us, his people, the blessing of peace.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 1 Chronicles 29:11

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all."

He belongs everything in this earth. He is the head of over all dominions here in this world. The Kingdom is also His. Indeed everything that is in the heavens and on the earth, it is His.

That is how sovereign the Lord is. He is indeed mighty and worthy to be exalted. He is worthy to be bowed down and to be adored. His love is indeed as vast as the universe because He made it beautiful for us. His creations are always perfect.

The Daily Grace - The Search for Satisfaction

When it comes to jigsaw puzzles, we all know that to enjoy a satisfying outcome, you need all the pieces. In many ways, life is like that. We spend our days putting it together, hoping to create a complete picture out of all the scattered parts. Yet sometimes it seems like a piece is missing. Perhaps we've been pursuing the wrong pieces to the puzzle.

Even though we may know that life without God at the center is a life that has lost the most important piece. Do we live as though He isn't particularly relevant? And even though we may attend church regularly, is He the throbbing center of our lives? Sometimes we grow accustomed to feeling distant from God. This makes it easier to sin, complicating the sense that something important is missing.

But no matter how far we may drift from God, He wants us near. He appealed to His people through the prophet Isaiah: "Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance" (Isa. 55:2). If something is missing in your life, remember that God is the only One who can fully and abundantly satisfy you. Let Him complete the picture of your life. There's a longing in every heart that only Jesus can satisfy.

Today We Pray

Dear God, Your love embraces everyone. Through the Resurrection of Your Son, You call me and all who pray with me into your wonderful light. Dispel our darkness and make us a people with one heart and one voice, forever singing Your praise.

O Lord, our majestic Maker, our hearts turn toward praise when we see snapshots of Your beautiful world. Thank You for creating us! Help us to rule Your world with wisdom.

Finally, let me go forth in thanks for the victory I have been given through our Lord Jesus Christ. May I be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, and always remembering that in the Lord our labor is not in vain. In Jesus, the Christ, our Lord we pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Acts 8:21-22

"You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you."

Sometimes, our motives are not right when we do such things. We can't know the real purpose behind it. For short, it is not right in the eyes of God. You’ll never be part of what God is doing by striking bargains and offering bribes.

But, we can repent of this wickedness of and pray to the Lord that, if possible, this thought of your heart may be forgiven you. Change your ways. Get rid of these evil thoughts and ask God to forgive you. Pray to the Lord and repent.

The Daily Grace - Tiny Island

Singapore is a tiny island. It's so small that one can hardly spo it on the world map. (Try it, if you don't already know where Singapore is). Because, it is densely populated, consideration of others is especially important. A man wrote to his fiancee who was coming to Singapore for the first time: "Space is limited. Therefore. . . you must always have that sense of space around you. You should always step aside to ensure you are not blocking anyone. The key is to be considerate".

The apostle Paul wrote to Titus, a young pastor: "Remind the people. . . to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone" (Titus 3:1-2). It has been said, "Our lives may be the only Bible some people read". The world knows that Christians are supposed to be different. If we are cantankerous, self-absorbed, and rude, what will others think about Christ and the gospel we share?

Being considerate is a good motto to live by and is possible as we depend on the Lord. And it is one way to model Christ and demonstrate to the world that Jesus saves and transforms lives. Your witness is only as strong as your character. Be a role model of Christ today.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, too often I think I am the one in control of my life. Help me to see that I am powerless over so much. I ask for the grace to be able to hand over my life to You and experience the joy of that freedom.

Help us to be gracious, kind, and considerate not only in the church but also in our community. May the world who watches see transformed people and believe in Your transforming power. Make me a channel of blessing to other people.

Now to him who by his power within us is able to do far more than we ever dare to ask or imagine — to him be glory in the Church through Jesus Christ for ever and ever.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Titus 3:2

These are the words for the Cretian Christians by Paul. It encourages them not to slander or abuse no one. Instead, they should be kind and conciliatory and gentle, showing unqualified consideration and courtesy toward everyone. They should be gentle and kind.

This message is not just for them, but for us. We should practice kindness and gentleness wherever we will go.  Do not say cruel things or argue. We should be gentle and kind to our fellowmen.

The Daily Grace - Clean the Closet

To this day, I can still hear my mother telling me to go and clean up my room. Dutifully, I would go to my room to start the process, only to get distracted by reading the comic book that I was supposed to put neatly in the stack. But soon the distraction was interrupted by my mother warning that she would be up in 5 minutes to inspect the room. Unable to effectively clean the room in that time, I would proceed to hide everything I didn't know what to do with in the closet, make the bed, and then wait for her to come in - hoping that she wouldn't look in the closet.

This reminds me of what many of us do with our lives. We clean up the outside of our lives hoping that no one will look into the "closet" where we have hidden our sins by rationalization and excuses and by blaming others for our own faults. The problem is that while looking good on the outside, we remain well aware of the mess on the inside. The psalmist encourages us to submit to the cleansing inspection of God: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Ps. 139:23-24). Let's invite Him to inspect and cleanse every corner of our lives. We can own up to our wrongs - because we can't hide them from God anyway.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, thank You for preserving me from evil, the preservation of my soul; for the enemies of my soul abound on this earth, and often, I would do the damage myself. Forgive me for looking good on the outside while attempting to hide my faults and failings. I desire for You to cleanse my life so that I may walk with You in full integrity. 

I pray that I have wisdom sufficient to allow You to do Your will. Protect my soul from dangers within and without by Your infinite power. Let me put on Your armor every day.

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 - Psalm 139:23

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts"

Let Him search thoroughly our hearts. Let Him investigate our lives. Let Him find out everything about us. Let Him cross-examine and test us, and get a clear picture of what we're about. Let Him do those things to see for ourselves whether we’ve done anything wrong. Then, He could guide us on the road to eternal life.

The Daily Grace - One Who Understands

My friend's husband was in the last stages of dementia. In his first introduction to the nurse who was assigned to care for him, he reached out for her arm and stopped her. He said he wanted to introduce her to his best friend - one who loved him deeply. Since no one else was in the hall, the nurse thought he was delusional. But as it turned out he was speaking of Jesus. She was deeply touched but had to hurry on to care for another patient. When she returned, the darkness had closed in again and the man was no longer lucid.

Even though this man had descended into the darkness of dementia, he knew that the Lord was his best Friend. God dwells in the fathomless depth that is our soul. He can pierce the darkes mind and assure us of His tender, loving care. Indeed, the darkness shall not hide us from Him (Ps. 139:12).

We do not know what the future holds for us or those we love. We too may descend into the darkness of mental illness, Alzheimer's, or dementia as we age. But even there the Lord's hand will lead us and His right hand will hold us tight (Ps. 139: 10). We cannot get away fro His love and personal care.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, I will take refuge in Your loving heart. You are my strength in times of weakness. You are my comforter in times of sorrow.

Thank you for the gift of freedom, Lord. Grant that I may always choose to follow You. Keep me ever mindful of Your ways and of Your love and concern for all people.

You have graciously accepted me as a living member of Your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and You have blessed me with the grace of forgiveness through the sacrifice He made for me and for all people. Send me now into the world in peace, and grant me strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart. Through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 1 Chronicles 28:9

"...know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever."

This was God's instructions to Solomon. This is a reminder for us to have personal knowledge of God, to be acquainted with, and understand Him. We should also appreciate, heed, and cherish God. Get to Him well. Serve him with a whole heart and eager mind. He examines every heart and sees through every motive. If you seek Him, he’ll make sure you find him. But if you abandon him, He’ll leave you for good. 

Worship God and obey Him with all your heart and mind. He knows all your thoughts and your reasons for doing things. And so, if you turn to him, he will hear your prayers. But if you ignore him, he will reject you forever.

The Daily Grace - Safe Room

In some homes, owners have built safe rooms - special places where they can go for protection should someone break into the house. In Proverbs 18:10, Solomon reminded God's people that God is their "safe room" and that they could find total security in Him. In verses 10 and 11, he described two types of security to which some people run: the name of the Lord and wealth. The name or character of God is described as a "strong tower". As a captured city might take refuge in a fortified tower, so the righteous could run to the Lord and find complete safety.

On the other hand, the wealthy imagined their riches as a high point of safety. Solomon sought to tell his readers that money might give a sense of security but it would be a false security that could lead to laziness, pride, and destruction. Yet people who are humble and find their complete security in the unchanging and holy character of God will find true safety.

Wealth may not be your particular "safe room". You might tend to run instead to something or someone else when adversity comes. But we all need to learn to depend daily on the Lord and find a high point of safety in the safe room of His name. The name of the Lord is our safe room. It's often easier to trust in what our eyes can see. But, God asks us to look to Him for our security.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, give me each day the wisdom to see which things are important, and which things are not. Show me how best to use the time and talents You have given me. Help me to use all my opportunities wisely, that I may share, through service to others, the good gifts I have received from You.

May I learn to present myself to for pardon, in true humility. And, may with a genuine remorse ask for Your mercy. With all my heart, I desire to submit myself to You.

Now, to God the Father, who first loved us, and made us accepted in the Beloved; to God the Son, who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood; to God the Holy Ghost, who sheddeth the love of God abroad in our hearts, be all love and all glory in time and to all eternity.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Proverbs 15:1

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger"

A gentle response defuses anger. A kind answer soothes angry feelings. But a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire. Those harsh words will stir others up.

Be careful with your words. Always answer softly when everything doesn't turn out good. Don't let your harsh word light a fire. Have self-control.

The Daily Grace - A War of Words

On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia in response to the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie. Within 90 days, other European countries had taken sides to honor their military alliances and pursue their own ambitions. A single event escalated into World War 1, one of the most destructive military conflicts of modern time. 

The tragedy of war is staggering, yet our relationships and families can begin to fracture with only a few hateful words. James wrote, "See how great a forest a little fire kindles!" (James 3:5). A key to avoiding verbal conflict is found in Proverbs: "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (15:1). A small comment can start a large fight. When we, by God's grace, choose not to retaliate with our words, we honor Jesus our Savior. When He was abused and insulted, He fulfilled the prophetic words of Isaiah, "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth" (Isa. 53:7).

Proverbs urges us to speak the truth and seek peace through our words. "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, . . . and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!" (15: 4,23). A careless word may kindle strife. A cruel word may wreck a life. A timely word may lessen stress. And, a loving word may heal and bless.

Today We Pray

Dear God, who has been the refuge of my fathers through many generations, be my refuge today in every time and circumstance of need. Be my guide through all that is dark and doubtful. Be my guard against all that threatens my spirit's welfare.

Be my strength in time of testing. Gladden my heart with Your peace. Let me be the thing I meant.

Now all glory to God, who is able to keep me from falling away and will bring me with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Proverbs 18:10

His Name is powerful. It is like a very strong tower that cannot be shaken and moved easily. His Name is mighty. There is nothing that God cannot do.

If we run in His arms, we will be safe. If we will just be upright and in right standing with God, we will be safe. We will be set on high, far above evil. Run to the Lord consistently and be protected.

The Daily Grace - Hoarding or Helping?

In August 1914, when Britain entered World War 1, Oswald Chambers was 40 years old with a wife and a 1-year-old daughter. It wasn't long before men were joining the army at the rate of 30,000 a day, people were asked to sell their automobiles and farm horses to the government, and lists of the dead and wounded began appearing in daily newspapers. The nation faced economic uncertainty and peril. A month into the war, Chambers spoke of the spiritual challenge facing followers of Christ: "We must take heed that in the present calamities, when war and devastation and heartbreak are abroad in the world, we do not shut ourselves up in a world of our own and ignore the demand made on us by our Lord and our fellowmen for the service of intercessory prayer and hospitality and care".

God's call to His people rings true in every age: "If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday" (Isa. 58:10). Fear causes us to grasp what we have; faith in God opens our hands and hearts to others. We walk in His light when we help others, not hoard for ourselves. As Christ's love grows in us, His love flows from us.

Today We Pray

Dear God, I thank You for all that I am and all that I have had in my life. Thy will be done, my God. I ask only that you let me know Your will for me, for I am often confused or conflicted, and I seek Your guidance.

Be merciful, O Lord, to those who have entrusted me, an unworthy sinner, to pray for them. Be merciful, O Lord, to all who ask Thy help. O Lord, make this day a day of Thy mercy; give to each according to their petition.

Knowing Your will for me, let me be anxious for nothing. And I pray for the strength, the power and the energy, to accomplish Your purpose. All glory be to You, one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who was before time and will be forever.

Amen

Todays Godly Reminder - Romans 12:1

Offering your bodies as living sacrifice means dedicating yourself to the Lord. Set apart your godly desires. God wants us to be pure and pleasing before His eyes. Doing these things is the truest form of worshiping our living God.  Give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you, this is God's plea to you.

Today's Godly Reminder will start another series of verses this week. Now, we will be focusing on Romans 12. This chapter has a lot of words of encouragements and lessons to learn from. We want you to grow more deeply in love with Him through these verses.