The Daily Grace - Time For A Change

A friend once told me, "In my lifetime I've seen a lot of things change, and I've been against them all!" Perhaps he overstated the point, but many of us would agree that we don't like change - especially if it involves altering our habits and attitudes. That's one reason Jesus was so unpopular among the Pharisees. He challenged their long-established system of good works and self-righteous living.

Consider the incident when the town "sinner" entered the home of the town "saint" in Luke 7. Simon the Pharisee wasn't impressed with the woman's lavish display of affection for Jesus. Reading Simon's self-righteous thoughts, Jesus immediately challenged his flawed perception of his own goodness by telling the story of two debtors - one who owed much to his master and one who owed less. "Which of them will love him more?" Jesus asked (v. 42). Obviously, the one who had been forgiven more. Speaking to Simon's I-feel-pretty-good-about-myself attitude, Jesus said, "to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little" (v. 47).

The challenge is clear. Lulled into thinking how good we are, our love for Jesus wanes because we have forgotten that we too are among the ones "forgiven much". And when that happens, ready or not, it's time for a change! When God starts changing things, He usually begins with changing us.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, take away from me the heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh, a heart to love and adore You, a heart to delight in You, to follow and to enjoy You, for Christ's sake.

Give me a spirit of peace amidst the storms and the tempests that roll. Let me find rest and quiet within a calm buried deep in my soul. Take away from me my sins, and mercifully kindle in me the fire of your Holy Spirit.

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

Todays Godly Reminder - Psalm 73:25

Let the Lord be the ruler of our hearts, forevermore. Let us desire Him in our everyday lives. We can be complete in His presence if we just let Him rule our hearts. As we all know, the heart is deceitful above all things (Jer. 17:9).

Sometimes, we may be sick and tired of this life. But, don't give up. Look up to the Heavens and feel His love. Desire God more than anything in this earth. Be in love with Him and feel His agape love.

The Daily Grace - Witnessing to Others

It's easier to do things yourself than to train others, yet Jesus poured Himself into a dozen disciples through whom His work would reach the world. In the midst of the pressing need of people clamoring to be healed, He climbed a mountain where "He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out" (Mark 3:14)". One of the snowboarders in Colorado said of her discipleship training: "I've never been able to build relationships with family or friends; I've kept them at arm's length. God's love was shown to me. It opened me to reach out to people".

Experiencing Jesus' love and being in company with Him and His followers, we find courage to act and speak in ways that honor our Lord. Witnessing isn't a job to be done but a life to be lived. Let us go forth, as called of God, redeemed by Jesus' precious blood. Let us show His love, live like His life, speak the Message and give mercy to others.

Today We Pray

Dear God, You called Your church to be united in faith. By Your grace, You have given us new life in Jesus Christ, and by Your Spirit You have called us to proclaim his name throughout the nations. Awaken in me such a love for You and Your world that I may so boldly proclaim Jesus Christ by word and deed that all people may come to know him as Savior and follow Him as Lord.

Create and make in me a new and contrite heart. May I begin this season of fasting and remembrance of Your suffering, by truly lamenting my sins and acknowledging my wretchedness. I pray for the grace of Christ, that I may obtain of You, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness of all the sins of this life.

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

Todays Godly Reminder - 1 Corinthians 15:33

This verse is also related to the famous quotes: "Tell me who your friends are and I tell you who you are" and "Birds of the same feather, flock together".

 All of us should be careful in choosing our friends, who will help us and accompany us in our daily lives. Their attitudes and character will also reflect your companionship. Like minds will really stick together.

Also, pray for your friends. A praying friend will last and a good keep. Be that good friend to someone in your entire life!

The Daily Grace - Our Demanding Schedules

Is your life too busy? Business deadlines, productivity quotas, and shuttling children to lessons and sporting events can really fill up your schedule. It's easy to think, "If only I didn't have so many responsibilities, then I could walk in vital union with God". Yet, C.S Lewis wisely points out that no one was busier than Christ. "Our model is the Jesus. . . of the workshop, the roads, the crowds, the clamorous demands and surly oppositions, the lack of all peace and privacy, the interruptions. For this. . . is the Divine life operating under human conditions".

We know about Jesus in Capernaum: "At evening, when the sun had set, the brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. Then He healed many" (Mark 1:32-34). The next day Christ sought out a solitary place and prayed. There He received direction from His Father to pursue a demanding ministry in another place. Our Lord communed with His Father and depended on the Spirit to minister through Him.

Is your schedule demanding? Follow the example of Jesus and set aside a specific time for prayer. Then depend upon God's power to help you meet each day's demands. To keep your life in balance, lean on the Lord.

Today We Pray

Dear God, I come to You, asking that Your Spirit guide me in prayer. Lead me to complete devotion in my moments spent with you, Lord, for Your Son has told us to come to You and I want to do so, not halfway, but with my full heart. Deliver me, when I draw near to You, from the coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, so that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections, I may worship You in spirit and in truth.

I enter Your presence confessing the things I try to conceal from You and the things I try to conceal from others. I confess the heartbreak, worry, and sorrow I have caused, that make it difficult for others to forgive me, the times I have made it easy for others to do wrong, the harm I have done that makes it hard for me to forgive myself. Lord have mercy and forgive me, in the name of my Lord Christ, by Your grace and love; and help me to grow in faith, that I might not repeat these sins.

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

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Colossians 3:23

Whatever your task may be, work from the soul. Put in your very best effort. It is something done for the Lord, not for your earthly masters. God has put you there, so put every effort as if you are working for Him.

Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God. Be confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ.

The Daily Grace - Make My Brown Eyes Blue

As a young girl, Amy Carmichael (1867 - 1951) wished she had blue eyes instead of brown. She even prayed that God would change her eye color and was disappointed when it didn't happen. At age 20, Amy sensed that the Lord was calling her to serve Him as a missionary. After serving in various places, she went to India. It was then that she realized God's wisdom in the way He had made her. She may have had a more difficult time gaining acceptance from the brown-eyed people if her eyes had been blue. She served God in India for 55 years.

We don't know for sure that Amy was more readily accepted because of her eye color. But we do know and believe that it is the Lord "who has made us, and not we ourselves" (Ps. 100:3). As we submit to His wisdom in everything, we can serve Him effectively. Amy knew what submission was. When asked about missionary life, she replied, "Missionary life is simply a chance to die". Jesus said, "Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matt. 16:25).

That describes the devoted Christian's life as well - total surrender to God's plan and will for us. Our lives are never more secure than when they are abandoned to God. May we submit to Him today. Although, we may not understand the pat that He laid for us, completely surrender to His will.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, grant me, Your grace, that it may be with me and labor with me and dwell within me, this day and all the days of my short life. Give me grace always to desire and seek what is most acceptable to You. Whatever is most pleasing in Your sight, let me do that.

Lose my tongue that it may never be still in the face of embarrassment or hostility. Put Your words upon it, that I might serve You and know what to say, that I may never be at a loss for words when I am called upon to help those who seek You. And, let me speak always in love and respect for others, this day and always.

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 - Matthew 16:25

Whoever wishes to save his life in this world will eventually lose it through death. But whoever loses his life in this world for His sake will find it. That is life with Him for all eternity.  If you want to save your life, you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for Him, you will find it. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.

Anyone who intends to come with Him has to let Him lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; He is. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow Him and He will show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, His way, to finding yourself, your true self.

The Daily Grace - For The Sake of His Name

The ancient Israelites gathered at Gilgal for the coronation of Saul as their first king (1 Sam. 11:15). The Lord was not pleased that His people had asked for a king, yet on this occasion, Samuel uttered these words: "The Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people" (12:22). We too are God's "own special people" if we have trusted Jesus as Savior (1 Peter 2:9). He will not forsake us even though He knows we will fail Him. He knows what we are like - sinful, weak, and frail. He knew it before He called us and drew us to Himself. The certainty of our salvation rests not in ourselves but on the character of God (1 John 5:20). He will keep us to the end.

This does not give us an excuse to continue in sin. Paul said, "Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" (Rom. 6:2). Our choices do reflect on God's reputation, our witness in the world, and our fellowship with Him. But God will never reject His people, those who are truly His. The Lord cannot and will not forsake His own (Heb. 13:5). We can rest assured. What God saves, He keeps - for the sake of His great name! Lives rooted in God's unchanging grace can never be uprooted.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, keep me while I tarry on this earth. Let me seek after you each day, in a loving and faithful walk with you. That when You come, I may be found not hiding my talent, nor serving my flesh, nor with my lamp empty or hidden; but waiting ready for You, longing for You, my glorious God forever and ever.

Stay by my side always. Gain for me a trusting heart. Thank You for always loving me.

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. This I pray, through Christ's Name.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 1 John 5:20

We have seen and know from personal experience that the Son of God has actually come to this world. He has given us understanding and insight so that we may progressively and personally know Him who is true. We know that the Son of God came so we could recognize and understand the truth of God—what a gift!—and we are living in the Truth itself, in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. And because of Jesus, we now belong to the true God who gives eternal life. Now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. This Jesus is both True God and Real Life. This is the true God and eternal life.

The Daily Grace - A Universe of Humanity

During the 1920s and 30s, photographer August Sander set out to portray a cross-section of German society. Through his lens, he saw factory workers and financiers, actresses and housewives, Nazis and Jews. Even though his published collection contains only people in and around his hometown of Cologne, he captured what David Propson, writing in The Wall Street Journal, called "a universe of humanity in his restricted sphere".

That phrase strikes me as an apt description of our lives and the people we meet day by day. Wherever we live, we cross paths with people from many backgrounds and beliefs. For years, the apostle Paul traveled and preached before being imprisoned in Rome. There he continued to touch people with the gospel because he cared about them and wanted them to know Jesus Christ. The book of Acts concludes with Paul confined in Rome, living under guard in a rented house, where he "received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 28:30-31).

Instead of focusing on his restrictions, Paul saw opportunities. That's the key for us as well. There is a universe of humanity within our reach today. The gospel is a priceless gift that's offered free to everyone.

Today We Pray

Dear God, who has filled me with the joy of Your grace and salvation, assist me this day that I may do all things I am called to do without grumbling or disputing. I call on Your Spirit to assist me, that I may be blameless and innocent. Let me be a child of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation.

Let me follow holy Christ and all his saints. Let me shine as a light, a beacon in a world where darkness seeks to overcome us in everything and at every moment. And help me to hold fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ’s return I may be proud that I did not strive in vain.

Strengthen us each and every day, dear God. I pray this not for my own glory, but in all humility before you, to whom be all glory and honor. Through Christ our Lord and Savior.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - John 15:13

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

No one has greater love, nor stronger commitment, than Jesus Christ. He lay down His own life for us. His arm stretched hands on the cross symbolizes His love for us. His wide open arms just show His love for us. Wider than that is His love for us.

Thank Him for the cross. Thank Him for the price He paid. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain. Great is His love for us!

The Daily Grace - Jesus Take The Wheel

The bumper sticker "Jesus is my co-pilot" may be a well-intentioned sentiment, but it has always troubled me. Whenever I'm in the driver's seat of my life, the destination is nowhere good. Jesus is not meant to be just a spiritual "co-pilot" giving directions every now and then. He is always meant to be in the driver's seat. Period!

We often say that Jesus died for us, which of course is true. But there's more to it than that. Because Jesus died on the cross, something inside of us died - the power of sin. It's what Paul meant when he said, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal. 2:20). We were essentially co-crucified with Him. 

With Jesus in the driver's seat, the old destinations are off-limits. No more turning down the streets of self-centeredness, greed, or lust. No more off-road ventures into the swamp of pride or the ditch of bitterness. We were crucified with Him and He is at the wheel now! He died so that He alone can drive and define us. So, if you've died and Christ lives in you, He's not your co-pilot. Your joy is to let Him drive and define your life. There may be a few bumps in the road, but you can count on it - He'll take you somewhere good. Still at the wheel of your life? It's time to let Jesus drive.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, I thank You for your salvation, for your mercy, full and free. Take my all in consecration. Glorify Yourself in me.

Give me grace today, so to live that by obedience I may increase in faith and in the understanding of Your Holy Word.  I give thanks and pray that you will enrich my journey of faith, sharing a bit of grace with others. Let Your words may lead me to live life as Your servant, as Your disciple, today and forever.

Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my mind. Give me a right faith, a firm hope, and a perfect charity, so that I may always and in all things act according to Your Holy Will. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Galatians 2:20

Being crucified with Christ means in Him, we have shared His crucifixion. It is not by physical crucifixion, but spiritual. It is being one with Christ, which means Christ is living in our bodies and hearts. Our ego is no longer central. When we are crucified with Christ by faith in Him, we are to completely surrender every selfish desire and ambition to the perfect will of God. Self-promotion and self-pleasing desires are the greatest obstacle between man and salvation because it is the nature of man to want to please himself, and this self-recognition is a building block for sin. All sin erupts from the desire to please self, and this is what must be crucified with Christ in surrender to the will of God before salvation can bear fruit.

The Daily Grace - The Language of Whistling

On La Gomera, one of the smallest of the Canary Islands, a language that sounds like a bird song is being revived. In a land of deep valleys and steep ravines, schoolchildren and tourists are learning how whistling was once used to communicate for distances up to 2 miles. One goat herder who is using this ancient language once again to communicate with his flock said, "They recognize my whistle as they recognize my voice".

The practice of whistling also shows up in the Bible, where God is described as a shepherd whistling for His sheep. This image could be what the prophet had in mind when he described how God will one day whistle to bring a wandering and scattered people back to Himself (Zech. 10:8). Many years later Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27). That may be the whistle of a shepherd. Sheep don't understand words, but they know the sound that signals the shepherd's presence.

Misleading voices and distracting noises still compete for our attention. Yet God has ways of signaling us, even without words. By events that can be alarming or encouraging, He reminds us of His guiding, protecting, and reassuring presence. The call of God can always be heard.

Today We Pray

Dear God, the author of all good, I come to You for the grace another day will require for its duties and events. I step out into a wicked world; I carry about with me an evil heart. I know that without You I can do nothing, that everything with which I shall be concerned, however harmless in itself, may prove an occasion of sin or folly, unless I am kept by Your power.

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.

I thank You for salvation, for your mercy, full and free. Take my all in consecration. Glorify Yourself in me.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Philippians 4:11

Paul instructed us to one of his letters in Philippians to be contented with whatever circumstances we are in. He himself had suffered prison for how many years. And, God let him learn a lesson and realize about being contented. It is being self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where you are not disturbed or uneasy.

Contentment can also help you prioritize important things in life. It will also help you do be a good giver and responsible steward. Learn to be contented with everything that you have. It is really okay to ask something for the Lord. But first, He will let you practice contentment in everything.

The Daily Grace - God's Enduring Word

At the beginning of World War II, aerial bombings flattened much of Warsaw, Poland. Cement blocks, ruptured plumbing, and shards of glass lay strewn across the great city. In the downtown area, however, most of one damaged building still stubbornly stood. It was the Polish headquarters for the British and Foreign Bible Society. Still legible on a surviving wall were these words: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away" (Matt. 24:35).

Jesus made that statement to encourage His disciples when they asked Him about the "end of the age" (v. 3). But His words also give us courage in the midst of our embattled situation today. Standing in the rubble of our shattered dreams, we can still find confidence in God's indestructible character, sovereignty, and promises. The psalmist wrote: "Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens" (Ps. 119:89). But it is more than the word of the Lord; it is His very character. That is why the psalmist could also say, "Your faithfulness continues through all generations" (v. 90).

As we face devastating experiences, we can define them either in terms of despair or of hope. Because God will not abandon us to our circumstances, we can confidently choose hope. His enduring Word assures us of His unfailing love. We can trust God's unchanging Word.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, how excellent is Your loving kindness. Therefore, do the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. Satisfy me, and all who pray with me, with the goodness of Your House throughout this day.

Thank You for the gift of Your Word. Thank You for its truth, its timelessness, and the guidance You give us by that Word. Help us believe and trust everything You say.

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 - Matthew 24:35

Sky and earth will wear out. But, His words won’t wear out. Sky and earth won't last forever. It disappears. But, the Word of the Lord will last forever. It doesn't disappear.

Nothing lasts forever, especially here on earth. Only God's Kingdom lasts forever. It is good to invest in His Kingdom rather than the riches of this world. Invest for eternity.

The Daily Grace - Acts of Kindness

I was traveling with some men when we spotted a family stranded alongside the road. My friends immediately pulled over to help. They got the car running, talked with the father and mother of the family, and gave them some money for gasoline. When the mother thanked them over and over, they replied, "We're glad to help out, and we do it in Jesus' name". As we drove away, I thought how natural it was for these friends to help people in need and acknowledge the Lord as the source of their generosity.

Peter and John exhibited that same joyful generosity when they healed a lame man who was begging outside the temple in Jerusalem (Acts 3:1-10). This led to their arrest and appearance before the authorities who asked, "By what power or by what name have you done this?" Peter replied, "If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man. . . let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole" (Acts 4:7-10).

Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). It is a powerful context in which to genuinely speak to others about the Lord. One act of kindness may teach more about the love of God than many sermons. Practice and spread kindness everywhere you go!

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, open my eyes 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.

Let me be always aware of the important things in life. Let me care for those around me. Let me seek Your presence in all I meet.

Help me to love with both words and deeds. Help me to reach out to others and meet their needs. Lord, burden my heart for those lost in sin, with mercy and love that flows from within.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Galatians 5:22-23

This is what will happen if we live in God's way. He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Let us practice these fruits of the spirit. These are the nine christian virtues in our life, too. Having these characteristics, we are also portraying His character to the world. This is the result of His presence within us.

The Daily Grace - Thanking the Lord

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

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

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

Today We Pray

Dear God, thank You for the work my hand may find this day. May I find gladness in all its toil and difficulty, its pleasure and success, and even in its failure and sorrow. I would look always away from myself, and behold the glory and the need of the world, that I may have the will and the strength to bring the gift of gladness to others.

I pray to You, in the name of your infinite compassion, to sanctify my thoughts and endeavors this day. Help me not to begin to act without a pure intention or continue it without your blessing. And grant that, having the eyes of my mind opened to behold things invisible and unseen, I may in heart be inspired by your wisdom, and in work be upheld by your strength, and in the end be accepted by you as your faithful servant.

All through this day, O Lord, by the power of your quickening Spirit, let me touch the lives of others for good, whether through the word I speak, the prayer I speak, or the life I live. Let me have the will and the strength to bring the gift of gladness to others. Let me stand to bear the burden and heat of the day and offer you my work, as well as I may accomplish it, in your praise.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - James 1:26

"Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless."

If someone claims that he is religious, the one who scrupulously observant of the rituals of his faith, but does not control his tongue and deludes his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless, futile and barren. Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.

Be the salt and light everywhere you go. Always have that good Christ-like character in your hearts and minds. You carry the light, so shine the light in the darkness. Be a good role model of Christ wherever you will go.

The Daily Grace - Come to the Lord

Just As I Am is one of the powerful hymn that are sang in the churches these days. It goes like this: "Just as I am, without one plea. But that Thy blood was shed for me. And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee. O Lamb of God, I come!".

Years before writing this song, Charlotte Elliot, the author of this song, asked a minister how she might find the Lord. He told her, "Just come to Him as you are." She did, and later during a discouraging time of illness, she wrote this hymn about the day she came to Christ and He forgave her sin. In His Word, the Lord encourages us to seek Him: "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6). He calls to our hearts: "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters ... Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live".

Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, we can come to Him right now and will one day go into eternity to be with Him forever. Just as I am ... I come! Let Him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let Him take the water of life freely (Rev. 22:17).

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, let me take up the shield of faith this morning and carry it before me throughout the day. For the darkness of the world attacks my soul from every direction. I take up your shield, the only shield that can protect me: my hope and certainty that your love and promise to protect me, for all eternity, will be with me for the asking. 

We honor You with our words. But, so often our actions reveal that our hearts don’t trust You. Help us to see You at work in every circumstance, no matter how difficult.

If you are with me, O God, who can be against me? For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus my Lord. We praise You, we honor Your Name.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 1 Chronicles 16:8

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

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

The Daily Grace - Be the Light!

A friend of mine has the opportunity each winter to attend the Super Bowl as a journalist. His job is to garner interviews with Christian athletes and National Football League personnel for a faith-based radio program. When he first started covering the big game a few years ago, he grew disillusioned with the self-serving, pleasure-seeking atmosphere during Super Bowl week. "I found it to be a very dark place," he says.

One day he told a former NFL player, a Christian, how he was feeling. The athlete looked at my friend and said, "Brother, you are being light in this dark place." That comment reminded my friend why he was there, and it helped renew his excitement for serving God in a place where the light of the gospel is needed. It spurred him to shine his light.

Perhaps you work in a setting where God is not acknowledged, faith is mocked, and godless living is applauded. Maybe you feel that you are going into "a very dark place." Why not be a light (Eph. 5:8) - through your smiles, kind words and deeds, and diligent work. Ask God to bring opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ. You may be the only light a co-worker sees today. Our witness for Christ is a light in a dark world.

- Dave Brannon, Our Daily Bread

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, our world, and our lives do have much chaos and confusion. We need You to restore our souls. Help us to live as You want us to live - loving others.

Let Your forgiveness find me. Hold me in Your strong arms and give me Your new life. Live in me and with me day by day, that my heart may be made anew within me, and that together we may show the world a new and better path.

In utter humility, I thank You and glorify You, that You might hear the prayer of one so small as myself, amidst the billions of souls among billions of stars in one of the billions of galaxies in Your universe. Let me go forth in Your peace, keeping Your Spirit always in my mind. And bless me, I pray, that I might always follow Your will and live in the radiance of Your blessing.

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 - Who's at the Center?

Recently, I had what for me was a "Copernican moment": I am not at the center of the universe. The world doesn't revolve around me. It doesn't move at my pace, in my terms, nor in accord with my preferences. Though we might wish it to be otherwise, life is not all about us. Everything revolves around the Lord.

In Psalm 33, it is stated that all nature revolves around Him and His control (vv. 6-9). He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the ocean in vast reservoirs. Everything in nature operates in accordance with the laws He has set. The nations also revolve around the Lord (vv. 10-12). No plan or scheme can stand up against God's. Ultimately, it is the Lord's plan that will stand forever. His intentions can never be shaken.

Finally, the lives of all humanity revolve around the Lord (vv. 13-19). God sees the whole human race. He made our hearts, and He understands everything we do. And He has the power to intervene in our lives and deliver us from situations spinning out of control. Our life is created to be centered on God, not self. How thankful we can be to serve such a powerful God, who has every aspect of our lives under His control. When we die to all about us, we live to God above us.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, teach me to number my days aright, that I may gain wisdom of the heart. Help me do today the things that matter, not to waste the time I have. Fill me this day with Your kindness, that I may be glad and rejoice all the days of my life. 

Teach me to live out the truth of Psalm 33. May I revere You as I should. May I and all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of You, for Your counsel and plans stand forever.

Let me not forget my prayers as I go out into the world. Holy Spirit, be with me and let me praise You and remember You in my every action and thought, for the entire day long. In Christ’s Name, I ask this.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 33:11

As always, His plans will always prevail. It is as strong as the building's foundation, or more than that. It will not be shaken and moved. It is because God is always there for You, the Mighty One.

His counsel will stand forever. It will not be gone. It is always there. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is always good in your lives.

The Daily Grace - God Needs You!

For His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus chose a donkey to serve as His royal transportation. His disciples were instructed to say, "The Lord has need of it" (Mark 11:3). Isn't it astounding that the Son of God should use such lowly means to accomplish His purposes? Alexander MacLaren commented on this: "Christ comes to us in like fashion, and brushes aside all our convenient excuses. He says, 'I want you, and that is enough'."

Think of it! The Creator of the universe needs us and desires to fit us into His eternal design! Though all-powerful and not dependent on any creature, He has chosen to carry out His plans through lowly human instruments. If this were not so, He would have taken us to heaven as soon as He saved us by His grace.

Someone once asked Francis of Assisi how he was able to accomplish so much. He replied, "This may be why: The Lord looked down from heaven and said, 'Where can I find the weakest, littlest man on earth?' Then He saw me and said, 'I've found him. I will work through him, and he won't be proud of it. He'll see that I am only using him because of his insignificance'." You may be small in your own eyes, but God has need of you! God is looking for ordinary people for extraordinary work.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, the ever watchful Shepherd, lead, guide, and tend me this day; without Your restraining rod, I err and stray. Hedge up my path lest I wander into unwholesome pleasure, and drink its poisonous streams. Direct my feet that I am not entangled in Satan's secret snares, nor fall into his hidden traps.

Bless us all in our distress. Thank You for always looking with love and sympathy on us with burdens. Lighten our burden, I beseech You, if it is Your will.

Pour Your love into my heart, that I may love you above all things, and my neighbors as myself. Defend me from assailing foes, from evil circumstances, from myself. Through Christ our Lord.

Amen