The Daily Grace - Easter Every Day

A friend of mine, who is a preschool teacher, overheard an animated conversation among her students. Little Maria threw out the question: "Who loves God?" All of them responded, "I do! I do! I do!" Billy said, "I love Jesus". Kelly protested, "But He died". Billy said, "Yeah, but every Easter He rises from the dead!"

Obviously, young Billy's understanding of the meaning of Easter is still developing. We know that Jesus died once for all (Rom. 6:10; Heb. 10:12) and, of course, rose from the dead once. Three days after paying the penalty of our sins on the cross, the sinless Jesus conquered death by rising from the grave and breaking the power of sin. It was this final sacrifice of blood that opened the only way for us to have a relationship with God now and a home with Him forevermore.

"Christ died for our sins, . . . He was buried, and. . . He rose again the third day" (1 Cor. 15:3-4). He has promised that He is preparing a place for us (John 14:1-4), and He will someday return. One day we will be with our risen Savior. That's why every year at Eastertime - in fact, every day of the year - we have reason to celebrate the resurrection of our savior. "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth" (Ps. 34:1). Christ's resurrection is cause for our celebration.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, hallelujah to Your Name! The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. And, You shall reign forever and ever.

Grant me so to die daily to sin, that I may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection. Stir up in Your Church that Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism. Renew both everything in my body and mind, so that I may worship You in sincerity and truth.

Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit. Send me into the world in peace, and grant me strength and courage to love and serve You with gladness and singleness of heart. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - John 14:26

"But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you."

God will always help us. He is our greatest Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby. He is everything. He will never leave us nor forsake us.

The Holy Spirit will take its place to help us. Acknowledge it in your lives. Let the Holy Spirit be your partner and your teacher. It is to help us to remind what God had promised to us, which is to help us, too. Welcome the Holy Spirit in your lives today.

The Daily Grace - The Olive Press

If you visit the village of Capernaum beside the Sea of Galilee, you will find an exhibit of ancient olive presses. Formed from basalt rock, the olive press consists of two parts: a base and a grinding wheel. The base is large, round, and has a trough carved out of it. The olives were placed in this trough, and then the wheel, also made from heave stone, was rolled over the olives to extract the oil.

On the night before His death, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives overlooking the city of Jerusalem. There, in the garden called Gethsemane, He prayed to the Father, knowing what lay ahead of Him. The word Gethsemane means "place of the olives press" - and that perfectly describes those first crushing hours of Christ's suffering on our behalf. There, "in anguish, He prayed. . . and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground" (Luke 22:44).

Jesus the Son suffered and died to take away "the sin of the world" (John 1:29) and restore our broken relationship with God the Father. "Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering. . . He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed" (Isa. 53:4-5). Our hearts cry out in worship and gratitude. As W.G. Ovens reflects, "Gone my transgressions, and now I am free - all because Jesus was wounded for me". May this be our reflection, too, this Holy Thursday.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, who watches over Your children by night and by day; blessed Jesus, my food and my strength; sweet Holy Spirit, the light and guide of my soul; I thank You for this new day and pray that You will watch over me. May my thoughts, my words and actions reflect the Spirit that dwells within me. And may every minute of my life celebrate the gift of grace, earned by the blood of Christ.

You hung upon a cross and died for me so that I might live for You; Your body was broken and Your blood shed so that I might be healed and made whole. You were faithful unto death so that I might be faithful unto life. Your last command was that we might love one another, one family together from every tribe and nation; a new creation united through Your sacrifice, redeemed by Your blood, healed by Your love, united by Your covenant of peace. 

I pray to You for all the graces I need to know You, to love You and serve You faithfully unto death, and to save my soul. Give me a tender and fervent devotion to Your sacred passion by which I was redeemed, venerating You each day in prayer, and teach me how to unite sorrows and sufferings of my life with Your own. Grant that, in Your death I may find life, and in Your suffering I may find peace, today and forever.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - John 5:28-29

Do not be surprised at this. A time is coming when all those who are in the tombs will hear His voice. And those who did good things will come out to a resurrection of new life. But those who did evil things will come out to a resurrection of judgment, that is, to be sentenced.

Repent from your sins so that you will have that resurrection of new life. And, you will not be condemned. Jesus is here to redeem you from your sins! Look to Him with great joy!

The Daily Grace - Too Close

I grew up in Oklahoma where severe weather is common from early spring through the end of summer. I recall one evening when the sky boiled with dark clouds, the TV weather forecaster warned of an approaching tornado, and the electricity went out. Very quickly, my parents, my sister, and I climbed down the wooden ladder into the storm cellar behind our house where we stayed until the storm passed by.

Today "storm chasing" has become a hobby for many people and a profitable business for others. The goal is to get as close as possible to a tornado without being harmed. Many storm chasers are skilled forecasters with accurate information, but I won't sign up for a tornado tour anytime soon. In moral and spiritual areas of my life, however, I can foolishly pursue dangerous things God tells me to avoid because of His love for me, all the time believing I won't be harmed. A wiser approach is to read the book of Proverbs, which contains many positive ways to elude these snares of life. 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding", Solomon wrote. "In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Prov. 3:5-6). Our Lord is the master of the adventure of living, and following His wisdom leads us to fullness of life. Every temptation is an occasion to trust God.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I strive to follow Jesus in my living and to trust Your power in my dying; I bow my head today to reflect upon the life that ended on a cross. Help me understand what Your Son endured for me. Help me appreciate the depths of love that would allow my Lord and Christ to be crushed for my wrongs and my rescue.

I am humbled, honored and inspired by the deep love Christ extended to the world, and I hear with open ears the calling to be a member of the body of Christ. Forgive me when I disappoint and fail you, and guide me back to a place of trust and faithful living. Grant me the vision to see the world as you see it, with love and compassion for each creature and all of Your creation.

May Your Word be planted deeply in my mind and heart. Help me not to walk away and forget it, but to meditate on it and obey it and so built my life on the rock of Your truth. I ask this in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray to You for all things.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Isaiah 53:7

This is how Jesus terribly suffered in the road to calvary. He was beaten. He was tortured. But in spite of these all, he wasn't able to complain or defend Himself. He didn’t say a single word. Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered, and like a sheep being sheared, He took it all in silence.

We say to ourselves now, He don't deserve this. He is sinless and yet He was the one who suffered. How can we pay the price? Don't think about how you can do it, 'coz Jesus already paid it for you. Just worship Him and accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior to receive forgiveness and to be freed from your bondage. That's the only way you can do for our Lord that died on our behalf.

The Daily Grace - Like a Lamb

In 1602, Italian artist Caravaggio produced a painting called The Taking of Christ. This work, an early example of the Baroque style, is compelling. Created in dark hues, it allows the viewer to contemplate Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Two main elements of the scene depicted in the painting demand the observer's attention. The first is Judas as he delivers the traitor's kiss. Immediately, however, the viewer's focus is drawn toward Jesus' hands, which are passively clasped together to show that He offered no resistance to this injustice. Although He possessed the power to create a universe, Christ gave Himself up voluntarily to His captors and to the waiting cross.

Long before this scene took place, Jesus told His listeners that no one could take His life from Him - He would lay it down willingly (John 10:18). This heart of voluntary surrender was prophesied by Isaiah, who wrote, "He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth" (Isa. 53:7). Christ's lamblike self-sacrifice is a grand indicator of His powerful love. "Greater love has no one than this", He explained, "than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13). Think of it. Jesus loved you that much! The nail-pierced hands of Jesus reveal the love-filled heart of God.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, thank You for sacrificing Your life for our sins so that we might live. We're thankful that because you died and rose again. We can have assurance that one day, we'll be with You in a place of no more death.

Keep me today from all evil and unruly desires, from all sins and temptations of the devil, from a sudden and unprovided death, and from the pains of hell. Enlighten my heart with the grace of Your Holy Spirit. Grant that I may ever be obedient to Your commandments.

Grant that all who are dead in sin may hear Your voice and rise to new life. Son of the living God, you have allowed me through baptism to be buried with You; grant that I may also rise with you and walk in newness of life. Let the whole earth also worship You, all nations obey You, all tongues confess and bless You, and men and women everywhere love You and serve You in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Isaiah 53:4-5

This Holy Week, let us remember Jesus' death on the cross. It was prophesied in the Old Testament that the Son of God, who is Jesus, will come here on this world to die for our sins. The fact is, it was our pains He carried— our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us. We thought He brought it on himself, that God was punishing Him for His own failures. But it was our sins that did that to Him, that ripped and tore and crushed Him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed.

Let us reflect on His love for us. Thank Him for His unconditional and sacrificial love for us. Through His wounds, we will be healed and forgiven. Our sins will be set free because of Jesus' blood on the cross. 

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I call to You and name You as eternal, ever-present, almighty, and boundless in love. Your wisdom leads us along the path of life. Help us to follow Your guidance today. 

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. Help me to see You in the fleeting moments of possibility and be filled with Your courage and Your word. 

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, this day and always.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Proverbs 3:6

This verse is commonly paired with Proverbs 3:5 which says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding". But today, let us solely focus on this verse to know the deep meaning behind this. In all your ways, know, acknowledge and recognize Him. If you do, He will make your paths straight and smooth. He will remove any obstacles that block your way.

Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go. He’s the one who will keep you on track. And finally, let Him always lead you. If you will just trust Him and submit to His will, He will clear the road for you to follow.

The Daily Grace - The Gallery of God

Psalm 100 is like a work of art that helps us celebrate our unseen God. While the focus of our worship is beyond view, His people make Him known. Imagine the artist with brush and palette working the colorful words of this psalm onto a canvas. What emerges before our eyes is a world - "all the earth" - shouting for joy to the Lord (v. 1). Joy: because it is the delight of our God to redeem us from death. "For the joy that was set before Him", Jesus endured the cross (Heb. 12:2).

As our eyes move across the canvass, we see an all-world choir of countless members singing "with gladness" and "joyful songs" (v. 2). Our heavenly Father's heart is pleased when His people worship Him for who He is and what He has done. Then we see images of ourselves, fashioned from dust n the hands of our Creator, and led like sheep into green pasture (v. 3). We, His people, have a loving Shepherd.

Finally, we see God's great and glorious dwelling place - and the gates through which His rescued people enter His unseen presence while giving Him thanks and praise (v. 4). What a picture, inspired by our God. Our good, loving, and faithful God. No wonder it will take forever to enjoy His greatness! Nothing is more awesome than to know God.

Today We Pray

Dear God, for each new morning with its light, for rest and shelter of the night, for health and food, for love and friends, for everything Thy goodness sends, I thank You. Thank You for life, for joy, for protection, and for promising us a future with You forever. Help us to live with thoughts of Your greatness always in our hearts and minds.

Let me follow Christ’s example, never to inflate myself with pride of status, of opinion, or of any of the gifts You have bestowed upon me. Give me the grace to realize my ignorance, admit my mistakes, recognize my needs. Let me welcome good advice and sound rebuke, without defensiveness. 

The light of Your truth bestows sight to the darkness of sinful eyes. May this season of repentance bring me the blessing of Your forgiveness and the gift of Your light. Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 100:5

God is sheer beauty. He is all-generous in love. He is loyal always and ever. His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting. His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations.

Always remember that His love and faithfulness will last forever. He never changes. His unfailing love continues forever. And, His faithfulness continues for eternity.

The Daily Grace - Worthy of Respect

Just before kickoff at Super Bowl XLIII, Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award - a tribute given to the player who had best combined on-field excellence with off-field community service. "I am humbled the Lord has given me such an amazing life to impact others", said Warner, a dedicated Christian. "Of all the awards given to NFL athletes, [this one] stands out. . . because of what it represents". It represents a commitment to giving and sacrificing for others.

Paying homage to those who serve is not a new concept. Paul spoke of it when he reminded the Philippians to honor those who gave themselves in serving Christ. He told them of their friend Epaphroditus, who had nearly died (Phil. 2:30) because of his efforts for Christ in ministering to others - including the people at Philippi. How should they respond? Paul said, "Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness and hold such men in esteem" (v. 29). Clearly, when we think of those who sacrifice in serving the Savior, they are worthy of our respect and appreciation.

Why not look for ways to show gratitude to those who have served you spiritually. Give them the honor they deserve. To honor is to show respect, to meet another's need, to give someone encouragement, and to love in word and deed. We honor God when we honor those who serve God.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, I pray that this day You will incline my heart to keep Your commandments, driving temptation from my mind. My prayer is simple: Your son, Jesus, suffered and died for me. I cannot feel protected from my many weaknesses until I turn to You for forgiveness and Your unalterable love. 

Help me to share this strength, protection, and love with others. I know only that I cannot have real strength unless I rely on You. Guide my feet into the way of peace.

And finally, may the grace of Christ our Savior, and the Father’s boundless love, with the Holy Spirit’s favor, rest upon me, and all of us, from above. Thus may we abide in union, with each other and the Lord, and possess, in sweet communion, joys which earth cannot afford. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Philippians 2:13

Always be reminded that the Lord is continually molding us. He is always at work in our lives. Appreciate every ups and downs in your lives. This just means that the Lord is on the process of making you a better child of His. 

It is not your own strengths, but it is God who effectively works in you. He is strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose. It is for His good pleasure or to fulfill his good purpose in your lives. And, He is giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.

The Daily Grace - Pace Yourself

Not long ago I developed a physical problem. My left shoulders and arm were aching. I had a painful rash on my forearm and thumb, and I struggled daily with fatigue. When I finally went to do the doctor, I learned that I had a case of shingles. The doctor put me on antiviral medication and said it would take several weeks for the disease to run its course. Because of this illness, I had to force myself into a new routine. A short nap in the morning and one in the afternoon were necessary to give me the strength to be productive. Until I recovered, I had to learn to pace myself.

At one point when Jesus sent His representatives out to teach in His name, they were so excited with all they were doing that they neglected to take time to eat and rest properly. When they returned, Christ told them: "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while" (Mark 6:31). Everyone needs rest, and if we go too long without it, we will suffer physically and emotionally. We also will be unable to carry out our responsibilities as well as we should.

Is the Lord encouraging you to "come aside. . . and rest a while"? Sometimes a few more rest stops with Him may be necessary. To avoid a breakdown, take a break for rest and prayer. The Lord is also encouraging us to rest.

Today We Pray

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

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

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

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Colossians 3:17

In everything you do, whatever it is, give God the glory. It is because He is the one who gave you life. We are here on earth, alive and kicking, because of Him. He is the reason why we are still breathing and seeing His lovely creations.

Be dependent in the Lord. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your ways (Prov. 3:5-6). Do everything in His Name. And in everything, give thanks! (1 Thess. 5:18).

The Daily Grace - Signature Scent

You can't see it, hear it, or touch it, but scent is powerful. The smell of things like crayons, petunias, and colognes evoke memories that transport me to the past and bring to mind people and places I might not otherwise recall. Some celebrities have fragrances named after them. Fans can identify with an actress or singer by dabbing on the scent bearing her name. Along those lines, Ladies Home Journal published a quiz to help readers determine the perfect fragrance for them. The idea is that every woman to be memorable, should have a specific scent associated with her.

The idea of a signature scent is not new. God introduced it as part of worship. In the tabernacle, a certain scent was to be associated with the Lord (Ex. 30:34-35). The people were forbidden to use this fragrance for anything but worship (vv. 37-38). This idea continues under the new covenant, but with a stunning difference. Instead of using incense to make people think of Him, God uses Christians as His "signature scent" to the world (2 Cor. 2:14-15). The fact that God identifies Himself with us in such a powerful way is a truly humbling thought, and causes me to ask, "What do people think about God as a result of being around me?" A life lived for God has a pleasing aroma.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, what a wonderful privilege that You, the Lord of all creation, desires to come to me. I welcome Your presence. Draw near to me.

Thank You that You are always there waiting for me. Sometimes I get bogged down with the concerns of this life. Grant that I may be still more often to know Your peace and Your calm.

Let me be a living witness in this world. Help me to be the gospel bearer, spreading good news to everyone. This I pray, in Christ's Name.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Acts 1:8

God has promised that you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. If you just ask in His mighty name, you will receive it. Then, you will be God's witnesses. You will be the one to tell the people about Jesus.

Make Him famous among the nations. To the ends of the earth, go forth and preach the good news. Everywhere you go, be a witness. Be the salt and light. Be the living testimony.

The Daily Grace - The Best Is Yet To Come

In our family, March means more than the end of winter. It means that the college basketball extravaganza called "March Madness" has arrived. As avid fans, we watch the tournament and enthusiastically root for our favorite teams. If we tune in early we get a change to listen to the broadcasters talk about the upcoming game and to enjoy some of the pre-game drills where players shoot practice shots and warm up with teammates.

Our life on earth is like the pre-game in basketball. Life is interesting and full of promise, but it doesn't compare to what lies ahead. Just think of the pleasure of knowing that even when life is good, the best is yet to come! Or that when we give cheerfully to those in need, it's an investment in heavenly treasure. In times of suffering and sorrow, we can find hope as we reflect on the truth that a pain-free, tearless eternity awaits us. It's no wonder that Paul exhorts: "Set your minds on things above" (Col. 3:2).

The future God has promised us enables us to see all of life in new dimensions. While this may be a great life, the best life is still to come. It is a wonderful privilege to live here in the light of there. Living for the future puts today in perspective.

Today We Pray

Dear Almighty and everlasting God, who has safely brought me to the beginning of this day; I give You thanks for my creation, preservation, and all the blessings of my life. Grant that this day I fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all my doings, being governed by Your will, may be righteous in Your sight. I pray that You will fill my heart with the blessing of Your Holy Spirit.

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. 

I know I am not alone saying these prayers or reading Your Word this morning, but many people unknown to me, from all stations of life, have joined together in this brief moment of devotion. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be among the community of all who pray in the name of Christ this morning, and remain among us always. Through Christ our Lord, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 2 Corinthians 2:14

In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. 

But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Be grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.

The Daily Grace - Full Sun

I know better, but I still keep trying. The instructions on the label are clear: "Needs full sun". Our yard has mostly shade. It is not suitable for plants that needs full sun. But I like the plant. I like its color, the shape of the leaves, the size, the scent. So I buy it, bring it home, plant it, and take really good care of it. 

But the plant is not happy at my house. My care and attention are not enough. It needs sunlight, which I cannot provide. I thought I could make up for lack of light by giving the plant some other kind of attention. But it doesn't work that way. Plants need what they need. And so do people. Although we can survive for a while in less-than-ideal- conditions, we can't thrive. In addition to our basic physical needs, we also have spiritual needs that can't be met by any substitute. 

Scripture says that believers are children of light. This means that we need to live in the full light of God's presence to thrive (Ps. 89:15). If we try to live in darkness, we will produce nothing but "fruitless deeds" (Eph. 5:3-4, 11). But if we are living in the light of Jesus, the Light of the world, we will produce the fruit of His light, which is good, faithful and true. Children of the Light walk in His light.

Today We Pray

Dear God, I know You are with me now. I know You are with me any time I call on You, or even think about You. Let me remember, every minute of every day, that You are with me, watching me, ready to help, protecting my soul even when the things of this world give me pain.

Let my every minute be lived in Your presence. Let my every action be an offering of love to You. Let my every word be a prayer.

And now let me go forth praising You, O Lord, with all my heart, telling of all Your wonders, with my words and in my actions. I will be glad and rejoice in You this day. I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Colossians 3:2

Focus on the Lord. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the heavenly things. Do not focus to much on things that are on the earth, which have only temporal value.

Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.

The Daily Grace - Gentle Witness

Years ago, I was hospitalized, following a life-threatening, 38-foot fall from a bridge. While I was there, the wife of the man in the next bed stopped to speak to me. "My husband just told me what happened to you", she said. "We believe God spared your life because He wants to use you. We've been praying for you".

I was stunned. I had grown up going to church, but I had never imagined that God would want to be involved in my life. Her words pointed me to a Savior I had heard of but did not know - and marked the beginning of my coming to Christ. I cherish the memory of those words from a gentle witness who cared enough to say something to a stranger about the God whose love is real. Her words conveyed care and concern, and offered purpose and promise.

Jesus challenged His disciples - and us - to tell others about the love of God: "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Through the Holy Spirit our words and witness can have the power to make an eternal difference in the lives of others. A caring word can accomplish more than we could ever imagine.

- Bill Crowder

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, thank You for redeeming me and giving me a new life. Help me to live as a child of the Light. Let the whole earth also worship You, all nations obey you, all tongues confess and bless You, and men and women everywhere love You and serve You in peace.

I pray for Your blessing on all who, following in His steps, give themselves to the service of their fellow men. Endue them with wisdom, patience, and courage, that they may strengthen the weak and raise up those who fall. And, being inspired by Your love, may worthily minister in Your name to the suffering, the friendless, the lost, and the needy.

Inspire them with perseverance; when they feel unappreciated, comfort them in knowledge of the blessing they earn by their service. And to those who teach, let Your Holy Spirit guide them in their teaching, that they always know and speak the truth of Your Word. For the sake of him who laid down his life for us, the same thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Ephesians 5:8

You are renewed! You are a new creation. You are now in the light. Don't live in the darkness anymore.

Turn away from your sins. Repent from it. Turn away from it 180 degrees. Don't go back, move forward!

The Daily Grace - Determination

During a television news report on the plight of refugees displaced from a war-torn country, I was struck by the words of a 10-year-old girl. Despite there being little possibility of returning to their home, she showed a resilient spirit: "When we go back, I'm going to visit my neighbors; I'm going to play with my friends", she said with quiet determination. "My father says we don't have a house. And I said we are going to fix it".

There is a place for tenacity in life, especially when it is rooted in our faith in God and love for others. The book of Ruth begins with three women bound together by tragedy. After Naomi's husband and two sons died, she decided to return to her home in Bethlehem and urged her widowed daughters-in-law to stay in their country of Moab. Orpah remained but Ruth vowed to go with Naomi, saying, "Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God" (Ruth 1:16). When Naomi saw that Ruth "was determined to go with her" (v. 18), they began their journey together.

Stubbornness is sometimes rooted in pride, but commitment grows from love. When Jesus went to the cross, "He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51). From His determination to die for us, we find the resolve to live for Him. Love calls for commitment.

Today We Pray

Dear God, we praise and honor Your Name forevermore. Forgive us for acting as if You were not present in our moments of need, hurt, anger, or compassion. May I be a witness for you, a light of the world, reflecting your radiance to all I meet.

Help me to glorify You by striving to be like You. Make me as pure and good as You are. May I be a partaker of the Divine Nature, so that all that is truly human within me may be deepened, purified, and strengthened. 

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 - 2 Corinthians 5:20

We are Christ's representatives here on earth. So, He made this appeal to us: be reconciled with Him. It means to make peace with Him. Let our hearts be one with Him.

We are here to speak in behalf of Christ. Ask Him to bless you with wise words to speak to the people about the Good News. God begs us to listen to His message. Come back to God no matter what happens.

The Daily Grace - Perspective from the Clouds

In 1972, the silent film Wings, a World War I film about two American aviators, won the first Academy Award for Best Picture. When it was being filmed, production stopped for several days. Frustrated producers asked the director why. He responded: "All we have is blue sky. The conflict in the air will not be as visible without clouds. Clouds bring perspective". 

He was right. Only by seeing aerial combat with clouds as a backdrop could the viewer see what was really going on. We often wish for blue skies instead of storm clouds. But cloudy skies may reveal God's faithfulness. We gain perspective on how God has been faithful in our trials as we look back on the clouds. 

At the beginning of his terrible suffering, Job lamented: "May the day perish on which I was born. . . May a cloud settle on it" (Job 3:3-5). His experience of despair continued for a long time until God spoke. Then Job exclaimed, "I have heard of You. . . but now my eye sees You" (42:5). Job had encountered the sovereign Creator, and that changed his perspective on God's purposes. Do clouds of trouble fill your skies today? Sooner than you think, God may use these clouds to help you gain perspective on His faithfulness. Often the clouds of sorrow reveal the sunshine of His face.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, I come before You today and I thank You for all the blessings that You have showered in my life. Many times my life is so full of busyness that I take for granted my relationship with You, please forgive me for that. I know that You never forsake me, for if You did my very life would cease to be.

We really need You, Lord. By Your Holy Spirit, help us replace any selfish thoughts, words, and actions with things that please You and draw others to You. Guide me in my journey with You everyday.

Help us to seek Your Kingdom and Your righteousness above all else. Also, help us to put You first in everything that we will do. We want to glorify Your name by doing what You want for our lives. This is all we ask in Your mighty name.

Amen.

Today's Godly Reminder - Proverbs 24:17

"Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles."

Don’t laugh when your enemy falls. Don’t crow over his collapse. Don’t be happy when they stumble. Don’t be happy to see your enemies trip and fall down.

Learn to extend your patience to them. Bless them instead of cursing them. The greatest thing to do to them is to pray for them. It may be hard, but it is His command (Matt. 5:44).

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, 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.

As I follow You by faith, help me each day to learn that pleasing You in all I do must be my main concern. I pray that you will be in my heart and walk with me, that I might sin no more. And, I pray that I may be rooted and grounded in love, that I may have the strength to comprehend with all the saints the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ Jesus, the love that surpasses knowledge and is filled with the fullness that only You can give.

Let me not forget you as I go forth into the world this day, blessed Lord. May my every word be a prayer, and my every act be a testimony to Your love and truth, and may I know your presence every second of this day and the week to come. In the name of Christ, I pray.

Amen