The Daily Grace - Quiet Time with God

The word connected captures our contemporary experience of life. Many people rarely go anywhere without a cell phone, iPod, laptop, or pager. We have become accessible 24 hours a day. Some psychologists see this craving to stay connected as an addiction. Yet a growing number of people are deliberately limiting their use of technology. Being a "tech-no" is their way of preserving times of quiet, while limiting the flow of information into their lives.

Many followers of Christ find that a daily time of Bible reading and prayer is essential in their walk of faith. This "quiet time" is a disconnection from external distractions in order to connect with God. The "green pastures" and "still waters" of Psalm 23:2 are more than an idyllic country scene. They speak of our communion with God whereby He restores our souls and leads us in His paths (v. 3).

All of us can make time to meet with God, but do we? In Robert Foster's booklet "7 Minutes with God", he suggests a way to begin: Start with a brief prayer for guidance, then read the Bible for a few minutes, and close with a short time of prayer that includes adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication for others. It's vital to take time today to connect with the Lord, who is our life. Time spent with God is time well spent.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, thank You that You are near. I need You. I long for Your presence.

Descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams. Teach me to have a childlike trust in You, to live in the knowledge that You will never abandon me.

I dedicate this day to You, mighty God. I pray that Your Spirit will lift me up this day, and that Your face may shine upon me all the day long, that I might do your will and lead a new life in Christ, reborn in the Spirit. In Christ name, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Philippians 1:20

In this verse, Paul talks about His passion in life. Specifically, it is about eager expectation and hope. That passion — or longing — has two components: 1: that he is not ashamed (of Christ) and 2. that Christ would be honored in Paul, whether by life or by death. Therefore, Paul would be happy if in everything he did in his body (whether in life or in death) Christ was made to look great.

So, expect and hope that you will never do anything to be ashamed of. Whether you live or die, aim always that you wanted to be as brave like Paul in prison and bring honor to Christ. Continue to be bold for Christ. Trust that your life will bring honor to Christ, whether you live or die.

The Daily Grace - The Written Word

In January 2009, ESPN television ran a compelling feature about Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who had just been named the NFL's Most Valuable Player. But the feature was not about football. Instead, it explained that for several years, when certain competitors Manning admired were retiring from the NFL, he took time to handwrite a note to them, congratulating them on their careers and their character. Each recipient who was interviewed expressed deep appreciation that one of the greatest players of all time would do that. It was a great reminder of the power of the written word.

While a written note from a respected athlete such as Peyton Manning has much value, no human's words can compare with the written Word we have from God in Scripture. Paul wrote, "Whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Rom. 15:4). In the life-changing wisdom of the Bible, we have a personal message that tells us what God desires for us to be and what He desires to be for us. He has given us His written Word so we "might have hope" as we face the issues of life. Out of gratitude, let's read God's written message - and watch it change our lives. God speaks through His Word to those who listen with their heart.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, when I work for You, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I might be committed and enthusiastic in Your service. Let me live in Your presence, and not get so wrapped up in my life that I forget about you. And may I be patient when difficulties arise and not give way to frustration and anger, knowing always that the result belongs to You.

You have commanded us to love one another, but sometimes even when I am pleasant to another person it is not sincere. Help me, I pray, to be sincere in choosing good over evil. Let my love and concern for others not be a sham.

Let me not take offense at others, let me not be thin-skinned; but shielded by the power of Your Spirit, let me not hear insult where none is intended, and shrug off even the most intentional. Pour Your love into my heart, that I may love you above all things, and my neighbors as myself. In Christ’s name, I pray this.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Romans 15:4

The Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope. The Scriptures also give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us. So that, through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

He is the same forever. He never changed. His Words are forever. Trust Him!

The Daily Grace - The Mention of His Name

When the soloist began to sing during our Sunday service, the congregation gave him full, hushed attention. His mellow bass-baritone voice brought them the soul-touching words of an old song by Gordon Jensen. The song's title expresses a truth that grows more precious the older we become: "He's as Close as the Mention of His Name".

We've all experienced times of separation from our loved ones. A child marries and moves far away. Parents are separated from us because of career or health. A child goes off to school in another state our country. True, we have texting and Skype. But we are here and they are there. And then there is the separation of death.

But as believers in Christ, we have His promise that we are never alone. Though we may feel alone, He hasn't gone anywhere. He's right here, right now, always and forever. When He left this earth, He told His followers, "Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matt. 28:20). He also promised us, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Heb. 13:5). The silent plea, the whispered mention of His name, even the very thought of Him brings us solace and reassurance. "He's as close as the mention of His name". Jesus never abandons or forgets His own.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, let all who take refuge in You rejoice. Let us ever sing for joy. Let those who confess Your name raise up their voice, filling the air with glorious noise.

Spread Your protection over us, mighty God, that we who love your name may exalt you before all the people of the earth. Let the quiet and the shy find their courage so that they may sing and shout to the sky, “There is one great God who rules over us all, and Jesus Christ of Nazareth is His only Son”. May I be blessed to help the blind see Your glory and the deaf hear Your praise, lest they surely die.

The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant; Make me perfect in every good work to do Your will, working in me that which is well pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - John 16:22

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 - Buyer's Remorse

Have you ever experienced buyer's remorse? I have. Just prior to making a purchase, I feel the surge of excitement that comes with getting something new. After buying the item, however, a wave of remorse sometimes crashes over me. Did I really need this? Should I have spent the money?

In Genesis 3, we find the first record of a buyer's remorse. The whole thing began with the crafty serpent and his sales pitch. He persuaded Eve to doubt God's Word (v. 1). He then capitalized on her uncertainty by casting doubt on God's character (vv. 4-5). He promised that her eyes would "be opened" and she would become "like God" (v. 5).  So Eve ate, Adam ate, And sin entered the world. But the first man and woman got more than they bargained for. Their eyes were opened all right, but they didn't become like God. In fact, their first act was to hide from God (vv. 7-8).

Sin has dire consequences. It always keeps us from God's best. But God in His mercy and grace clothed Adam and Eve in garments made from animal skins (v. 21) - foreshadowing what Jesus Christ would do for us by dying on the cross for our sins. His blood was shed so that we might be clothed with His righteousness - with no remorse! The cross, which reveals the righteousness of God, provides that righteousness for mankind.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, may I have peace within, this day. May I trust God that I am exactly where I am meant to be. May I not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

Forgive me for making my life all about what I expect and not about glorifying You regardless of my circumstances. May Your love, mercy, and justice be magnified through me today. Help me to see You in the fleeting moments of possibility and be filled with Your courage and Your word

In the daily round from sunrise to sunset and to sunrise again, remind me again and again of Your holy presence hovering near me and in me. Free me from shame and self-doubt in expressing my faith. In Christ's name, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Isaiah 61:10

Sing for joy in God. Explode in praise from deep in your soul! 'Coz He dressed us up in a suit of salvation. He outfitted us in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jeweled tiara.

Celebrate and shout because of our Lord God. His saving power and justice are the very clothes we wear. They are more beautiful than the jewelry worn by a bride or a groom. Be overwhelmed with joy in the Lord!

The Daily Grace - Great Expectations

I once asked a counselor what the major issues were that brought people to him. Without hesitation, he said, "The root of many problems is broken expectations; if not dealt with, they mature into anger and bitterness". In our best moments, it's easy to expect that we will find ourselves in a good place surrounded by good people who like and affirm us. But life has a way of break those expectations. What then?

Stuck in jail and beset by fellow believers in Rome who didn't like him (Phil. 1:15-16), Paul remained surprisingly upbeat. As he saw it, God had given him a new mission field. While under house arrest, he witnessed to the guards about Christ, which sent the gospel into Caesar's house. And even though those opposing him were preaching the gospel from wrong motives Christ was being preached, so Paul rejoiced (v. 18).

Paul never expected to be in a great place or to be well-liked. His only expectation was that "Christ will be magnified" through him (v. 20). He wasn't disappointed. If our expectation is to make Christ visible to those around us regardless of where we are or who we are with, we will find those expectations met and even exceeded. Christ will be magnified. Make it your only expectation to magnify Christ wherever you are and whoever you are with. 

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, help me to be open to You for this time as I put aside the cares of this world. Fill my thoughts with Your peace and Your love. Create and make me a new and contrite heart, that I may begin this season of fasting and remembrance of Your suffering, by truly lamenting my sins and acknowledging my wretchedness. 

There is a time and place for everything, as the saying goes. Grant that I may always desire to spend time in Your presence. Help me to hear Your call always.

May it please You, my good Lord, that there may come a day when I can repay a little of my great debt to you. O Jesus, strengthen my soul, You who are good above all good; and since You have inclined my soul in this way, show me how I may act for You, whatever it may cost, O Lord. Here is my life, my honor, and my will; I have given them all to You and they are Yours: use me to do whatever You want.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 23:2-3

He will always grant us rest if we just ask in His Name. This rest is like lying on a green grass. When we're looking for peace, He will lead us to streams of peaceful water. And, He refreshes our lives.

He is always true to His name. He is true to His Words, too. He will lead us along the right paths. He will send us in the right direction.

The Daily Grace - The First English Samurai

William Adams (1564 - 1620) is believed to be the first English-man to reach Japan. Taking a liking to Adams, the ruling Japanese shogun made him his interpreter and personal advisor concerning the Western powers. Eventually, Adams was presented with two swords with the rank of a Samurai. This showed just how much the Japanese revered Adams. Because William Adams served his foreign king well, he was also rewarded with the greater opportunity for influence. 

Centuries earlier, another man in a foreign country also had great influence over his king. Nehemiah was a cupbearer to Persian King Artaxerxes (Neh. 1:11). In the royal court, the cupbearer would test the wine before it was given to the king to protect him from poisoning. But this position also meant he had the king's ear as a trusted advisor. Nehemiah's integrity, administrative gifts, and wisdom made him a confidant to his ruler, which paved the way for the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.

Like Nehemiah, each of us has been given a unique sphere of influence. Raising children, church or community work, and employment all provide a platform where we can have a beneficial effect on others. Has the Lord placed someone in your life upon whom you can have an influence? Even a little example can be a big influence for Christ.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, blessed be Your Name! You are my King and I have no other. I will follow the laws of men, where I can do so without offending Your holy ordinances and teachings, for Your Bible has taught us to obey the civil authorities.

Do not allow me to be insensible to these daily mercies. Your hand bestows blessings; Your power averts evil. I bring my tribute of thanks for spiritual graces, the full warmth of faith, the cheering presence of our Spirit, the strength of Your restraining will, Your spiking of hell’s artillery. 

Into Your hands, O Lord, Jesus Christ, my God, I commend my spirit. Bless me and all those who pray in faith of You this day; save us and grant unto us everlasting life. And to You and You alone I swear my allegiance, my faith, my hope, my life and my soul, today and as long as I live.

Amen

Todays Godly Reminder - Psalm 121:5

The Lord will always keep you. He is your shade. He is always there at your side. He will never leave you.

Wherever you will go, He is always there. He is your Guardian. He will be right at your side to protect you. Shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moonstroke. Do not be afraid.

The Daily Grace - The Discipline of Waiting

Waiting is hard. We wait in grocery lines, in traffic, in the doctor's office. We twiddle our thumbs, stifle our yawns, and fret inwardly in frustration. On another level, we wait for a letter that doesn't come, for a prodigal child to return, or for a spouse to change. We wait for a child we can hold in our arms. We wait for our heart's desire.

In Psalm 40, David says, "I waited patiently for the Lord". The original language here suggests that David "waited and waited and waited" for God to answer his prayer. Yet as he looks back at this time of delay, he praises God. As a result, David says, God "put a new song. . . a hymn of praise" in his heart. (Ps. 40:3).

"What a chapter can be written of God's delays!" said F.B. Meyer. "It is the mystery of educating human spirits to the finest temper of which they are capable". Through the discipline of waiting, we can develop the quieter virtues - submission, humility, patience, joyful endurance, persistence in well-doing - virtues that take the longest to learn. What do we do when God seems to withhold our heart's desire? He is able to help us to love and trust Him enough to accept the delay with joy and to see it as an opportunity to develop these virtues - and to praise Him. Waiting for God is never a waste of time.

Today We Pray

Dear God, You have given me another day. Bring Your Holy Spirit into my mind and my life, so that I may walk this day in Your presence. Let me feel Your presence throughout the day, remembering always that you sent Your Spirit that You might be a living force in all I see and all I do. 

Grant me this day the strength to be temperate in all things, diligent in my duties, and patient under my afflictions. Direct me in all my ways. Give me grace to be just and upright in all my dealings; quiet and peaceable; full of compassion; and ready to do good to all people, according to my abilities and opportunities.

When I feel temptation or begin to stray, show me Your path. Correct me, comfort me, let me live Your will; that I may be happy in this life and blessed in the life to come. This I pray in the name of Christ, my Lord.

Amen

Todays Godly Reminder - Isaiah 1:18

This is the promise of the Lord about sin. Human as we are, we really sin (Rom. 3:23). But, He will cleanse us from all of our sins. As white as now, He will make us pure again.

He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). This verse was written because of the terrible sins that Israelites did. God was very disappointed with them. But because of His great love to us, He is still faithful to cleanse as as white as snow.

The Daily Grace - An Ordinary Day

While exploring a museum exhibit titled "A Day in Pompeii", I was struck by the repeated theme that August 24, AD 79 began as an ordinary day. People were going about their daily business in homes, in markets, and at the port of this prosperous Roman town of 20,000 people. At 8 a.m., a series of small emissions were seen coming from nearby Mount Vesuvius, followed by a violent eruption in the afternoon. In less than 24 hours, Pompeii and many of its people lay buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash. Unexpected.

Jesus told His followers that He would return on a day when people were going about their business, sharing meals, and having weddings, with no idea of what was about to happen. "As the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be" (Matt. 24:37). The Lord's purpose was to urge the disciples to be watchful and prepared: "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (v. 44). What surprising joy it would be to welcome our Savior on this ordinary day! Perhaps today!

Today We Pray

Dear God, as I cross the threshold of this day, I commit myself Your care. Mold me in Your image. In everything I say and do, let my mind be on the eternal goodness of heaven rather than the vanities of earth, meaningless pride, or the anger and envy that tear apart my precious soul.

I come to You as a child. I will look to You for guidance and wisdom. Let me know the joyful feeling of having done something that pleased you; let me never feel the pain of knowing I have disappointed You.

I dedicate myself to Your holiness and pray that You may be with me, to check my tongue before it can speak evil and to stop my hand when it seeks to sin. And let me live without fear, without confusion, always steady in the certainty of Your forgiveness and ultimate victory. This I pray, in Christ's Name.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Matthew 24:42

Give strict attention and be cautious and active in faith. You do not know which day, whether near or far, your Lord is coming. But you do know this: You know that if the homeowner had known what time of night the burglar would arrive, he would have been there with his dogs to prevent the break-in. Be vigilant just like that. You have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up. So be on your guard! You don’t know when your Lord will come.

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 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

Todays Godly Reminder - Titus 3:5

"He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit"

 It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.

The Daily Grace - Giving Up?

Have you ever felt like giving up? Elijah did. The Lord had just used him to show the nation of Israel that the Lord is God (1 King 18). Yet, the threats of Queen Jezebel so alarmed him that he ran to Beersheba, 100 miles south (19:3). Then he walked another 150 miles south to Horeb, the mountain of God.

Twice God asked Elijah what he was doing there (vv. 9, 13). Both times he answered with identical words - "I alone am left; and they seek to take my life" (vv. 10, 14). He had become so preoccupied with his own fears that he had forgotten what God had done through him at Mount Carmel. Despite his great victory, Elijah plunged into the depths of discouragement. How easy it is for us to do the same.

God did not accept Elijah's notice that he was quitting. Instead, He commissioned his tired servant to handle three major tasks (vv. 15-17). And by the way, Elijah was wrong when he said he was the only faithful one left. God had 7,000 others who had not bowed to Baal (v. 18). Perhaps, like Elijah, you are despairing at the circumstances in your life. Let God speak to you (v. 12). Instead of allowing you to quit, He will show you what you can do through His strength. When you're working for Jesus, it's always too soon to quit.

Today We Pray

Dear God, who can tell what a day might bring? Therefore, gracious God, cause me to live every day as if it were to be my last, for I cannot know that it is not. Help me to live this day as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

Come even as a slave to me, pour water into Your bowl, come and wash my feet. In asking such a thing I know I am overbold, but I dread what was threatened when You said to me, “If I do not wash your feet I have no fellowship with you.” Wash my feet then, because I long for Your companionship.

I pray to You to look with favor upon our universities, colleges, and schools. Let the knowledge may be increased among us, and sound learning flourish and abound. Bless all who teach and all who learn; and grant that in humility of heart they may ever look to You, the fountain of all true wisdom, and not be led by the devices of their minds into the pride and hollowness that comes from knowledge without truth; through Christ our Lord and Savior.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Galatians 6:9

Do not be discouraged in doing good. Never get tired of doing great things. So, let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time, we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.

Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

The Daily Grace - Bricks Without Straw

Many of us face the challenge of working with limited resources. Equipped with less money, less time, dwindling energy, and fewer helpers, our workload may remain the same. Sometimes, it even increases. There's a saying that sums up this predicament: "More bricks, less straw".

This phrase refers to the Israelites' hardship as slaves in Egypt. Pharaoh decided to stop supplying them with straw, yet he required them to make the same number of bricks each day. They scoured the land to find supplies, while Pharaoh's overseers bet them and pressured them to work harder (Ex. 5:13). The Israelites became so discouraged that they didn't listen when God said through Moses, "I will rescue you. . ., and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm" (Ex. 6:6).

Although the Israelites refused to hear God's message, God was still guiding and directing Moses, preparing him to speak to Pharaoh. God remained firmly on Israel's side - at work behind the scenes. Like the Israelites, we can become so downhearted that we ignore encouragement. In dark times, it's comforting to remember that God is our deliverer (Ps. 40:17). He is always at work on our behalf, even if we can't see what He is doing. Times of trouble are times for trust.

Today We Pray

Are you tired, feeling burdened and loaded with things? Ask the Lord for some rest and talk to Him with this prayer.

Dear Lord, I am tired. I am carrying a lot of burdens in my heart. But I still praise You because I have something to do and I am not in an idle mode.

Still, I thank You that You are providing me opportunities in order for me to learn and grow to be a better child of Yours. I ask for forgiveness in all of my sins, especially if I forget that You are just there for me whatever happens.

I am tired Lord, please give me rest. I cling to Your promise in the Bible that I will just come to you if I am tired, weary and heavy-burdened and You will give me rest. Give me peace of mind and a calm heart and help me to focus on You in these quiet time. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation.

Amen.

Todays Godly Reminder - James 1:22-24

Let us prove to others that we are doers of His word, not just listeners only. We should actively and continually obeying God’s precepts. Let us not hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning. Do not be deceived by the unsound reasoning contrary to the truth and its meaning.

If we only listen to the word without obeying it, we are like a man who looks very carefully at his natural face in a mirror. For once he has looked at himself and gone away, he immediately forgets what he looked like. Let us not be like that. We should apply what we learned in His Word everywhere we go.

The Daily Grace - Glory Deflectors

Barbara Mertz has a complaint about Egypt's Pharaoh Ramses II. In her books Temples, Tombs, and Hieroglyphs, archaeologist Mertz writes, "One gets so tired of Ramses; his face, his figure, and/or his name are plastered over half the wall surfaces still standing in Egypt - at least it seems that way" Insatiably thirsty for glory, Ramses revealed in Egyptian religion, which taught that the pharaoh was divine. Contrast Ramses' desire for glory with the attitude of Paul and Barnabas.

On one of their missionary journeys, they faced a situation during which they refused to accept vainglory. When a crowd in the idolatrous city of Lystra saw them heal a crippled man, the people exclaimed, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!" (Acts 14:11). They immediately prepared animals to sacrifice in honor of Paul and Barnabas. But the two quickly objected, saying, "We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God" (v. 15).

We do not rival the apostles in our accomplishments for God, but we all have things we do for Him. It's then that we must be "glory deflectors", making sure God gets all the glory for everything we have done. Man's greatest goal: Bringing glory to God. To Him be all the glory, honor, power and majesty!

Today We Pray

Dear God, from whom proceeds every good and perfect gift, I offer to Your divine majesty my unfeigned praise and thanksgiving for all your mercies towards me. You made me at first and have ever since sustained the work of Your own hand. You gave Your Son to die for me; and have given me assurance of salvation, upon my repentance and sincerely endeavoring to conform my life to His holy precepts and example.

Take care of my affairs and more and more direct me in Your truth. Defend me from my enemies, especially my spiritual ones. Do not allow me to be drawn away from you, by the blandishments of the world, carnal desires, the cunning of the devil, or deceitfulness of sin. 

Work in me Your good will and pleasure. Discharge my mind from all things that are displeasing to You, of all ill will and discontent, wrath and bitterness, pride and vain conceit of myself. And, make me charitable, pure, holy, patient and heavenly minded.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Ephesians 6:4

This verse is not just focused only to fathers, but also to the mothers, as well. Since the father is the head of the family, it is emphasized to them. But the point is to not provoke your children to anger. Do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive. Nor, by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them. But instead, bring them up tenderly, with lovingkindness in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Then, the Lord will bless your family and your children will produce good fruit as they grow up.

The Daily Grace - A Mutual Friend

Imagine being a visitor in a foreign land, showing up unannounced at a gathering of people you have never met and who have never heard of you - and then being allowed to address that group just a few minutes later. That can happen only if something breaks down barriers - something like mutual friends. It happened when I took a missions team to a church service in Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Before we left the US, my friend Dorant Brown, a Jamaican pastor, recommended a church to attend. So, when we arrived at the church, and I mentioned Pastor Brown, we were not only welcomed, but I was also asked to speak briefly and our team was asked to sing. While sharing Dorant's name was vital, I really don't think it was that mutual friend who got us such a warm welcome. I think it was our shared Friend and Savior Jesus who opened our Jamaican friends' hearts to our visit.

Have you experienced a connection with someone you just met when you tell them you too know Jesus? He's a friend who laid down His life for us (John 15:13), and He makes brothers and sisters of all who believe (1 Peter 2:17). Jesus. Our Savior. Our mutual Friend. He joins hearts around the world under the banner of His love. Those who are drawn to Christ are drawn to each other.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, the night has passed, the sun shines its light upon us, and the day lies open before me. As I rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of Your presence fill me with love for You and my fellow man. Abide with me, I pray, now and forever.

I need to know Your love in order to love others. I want to experience and share Your patience and kindness with those I care about. Fill me and use me.

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; and, the Lord hasten his coming, and give us, his people, the blessing of peace, this day and always.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 103:2

Bless the Lord at all times. Affectionately, praise His Name. Let us not forget the good things that He has done in our lives. Our God is a sovereign God. He is always gracious to extend to us the blessings that comes from His hands. Receive that blessing always. It's not just one or two, but you will be blessed a thousand folds. Acknowledge the Lord always. Let His Name be known to the nations. Let the people know the good things that He has done so that many people will come to Him and inherit His Kingdom.

The Daily Grace - Forgotten Memories

Recently, a friend from my youth, e-mailed me a picture of our junior high track team. The grainy black-and-white snapshot showed a vaguely familiar group of teens with our two coaches. I was instantly swept back in time to happy memories of running the mile and the half-mile in track meets. Yet even as I enjoyed remembering those days, I found myself thinking about how easily I had forgotten them and moved on to other things.

As we make our way on the journey of life, it is easy to forget places, people, and events that have been important to us along the way. Time passes, yesterday fades, and we become obsessed with the concerns of the moment. When this happens, we can also forget just how good God has been to us. Perhaps that is why David remembered as he wrote, "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits" (Ps. 103:1-2).

Never is this remembrance more needed than when the heartaches of life crowd in on us When we are feeling overwhelmed and forgotten, it's important to recall all that He has done for us. In remembering, we find the encouragement to trust Him in the present and for the future. Remembering God's faithfulness in the past strengthens us for the future.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, You are my God. I seek You, my soul thirsts for You. My flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any grievous way in me, and if there be any, return me to your path, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Now to Him who has given me grace in accordance with His gospel, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for many ages past, but now revealed and made known by the command of the eternal God, so that all mankind might find the obedience that comes from faith; to the only God, the God of wisdom and truth, be glory forever through His only son, Jesus Christ.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - John 15:15

God did not called us servants any longer. It is because the servant does not know what his master is doing. But He had called us Our friends. It is because He had revealed to us everything that He had heard from His Father.

Isn't it amazing? We are no longer servants, but God called us His friends. What a privilege to have! Thank God today and acknowledge His Words that we are His friends.

The Daily Grace - Teaching by Example

While waiting for an eye examination, I was struck by a statement I saw in the optometrist's office: "Eighty percent of everything children learn in their first 12 years is through their eyes". I began thinking of all that children visually process through reading, television, film, events, surroundings, and observing the behavior of others, especially their families. Fathers can have an especially powerful influence on their children. Paul urged fathers not to frustrate them to the point of anger, but to "bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4).

Think of the powerful example of a dad whose behavior and consistency inspire admiration from his children. He's not perfect, but he's moving in the right direction. A great power for good is at work when our actions reflect the character of God, rather than distort it.

That's challenging for any parent, so it's no coincidence that Paul urges us to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (v. 10). Only through His strength can we reflect the love and patience of our heavenly Father. We teach our children far more from how we live than by what we say. We honor fathers who not only gave us life, but who also show us how to live.