The Daily Grace - Rescue the Perishing

Lauren nervously yet excitedly hopped into a one-person kayak for a white-water rafting experience. After strapping herself in, she headed down the river with a group of kayakers and guides. Lauren became even more nervous when she laid eyes on the falls ahead. Suddenly, as the kayak tossed and turned in the white water, it flipped over. She had been instructed on how to get out quickly if this were to happen. But she became disoriented as she hung upside-down in the water and couldn't find the release bar to get out. She knew she couldn't hold her breath much longer and thought she would soon be in the Lord's presence. Then help came just in time and she was saved. Lauren was very grateful for her rescue from physical death.

An even greater rescue has been provided for us - rescue from spiritual death has come in the Person of Jesus Christ. While we were drowning in sin, God sent His Son Jesus to bring life through His own death and resurrection (Rom. 5:8; Eph. 2:5). He did so because He is "rich in mercy" and because of "His great love" (Eph. 2:4). Out of gratefulness, we can help others by telling them of the Rescuer they so desperately need. Those who've been rescued should be ready and willing to help in the rescue of others.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, into Your hands, I commend my spirit. Bless me and all those who pray in the faith of You this day. Save us and grant unto us everlasting life.

Look upon us, O Lord, and let all the darkness of our souls vanish before the beams of thy brightness. Fill us with holy love, and open to us the treasures of thy wisdom. All our desire is known unto thee, therefore perfect what thou hast begun, and what thy Spirit has awakened us to ask in prayer.

We seek thy face, turn thy face unto us and show us thy glory. Then shall our longing be satisfied, and our peace shall be perfect. In Christ's Name, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Romans 5:8

This is real love. This is agape love. God sent His Son to die for our sins. Sinful as we are, we can say that He doesn't deserve this. But, He already paid the price for our sins. Let us be thankful for our Heavenly Father today for this precious gift.

God’s love goes beyond the willingness to die for a good person. He is supremely willing to demonstrate His love, so much so that He gave His Son for sinners so that all can see it. This is the proof of His love for us. There is nothing in sinners to call forth this love, but there is something in the unconditional love of God that does.

The Daily Grace - Step Up!

When a woodchuck started eating our garage (well, just the trim), I bought a live trap with plans to transplant the little guy to a park. I baited it with an assortment of goodies and opened the trap door. The next morning, I was excited to see a little critter in my trap - until I noticed that it was no woodchuck. I had snared a skunk.

I went online to see how to untrap the skunk without having it. . . well, you know. The solutions were extremely cautious in their descriptions of how to protect yourself while releasing the animal. Plastic bags, gloves tarps, blankets, and googles. The task looked daunting and dangerous. Then, my son-in-law, Ewing stepped up. He simply walked over to the trap, opened the door, and coaxed our striped friend on its way with a few sprays from the garden hose. 

Sometimes our fears can lead to inaction. We worry so much about protecting ourselves that we fail to simply step up. When King Asa learned that the Lord wanted him to remove the idols from Israel, he "took courage" (2 Chron. 15:8). He could have had a rebellion on his hands for doing this. But he stepped up, and as a result, the nation rejoiced (v. 15). Facing a spiritual challenge? The Lord will help you step up with courage and trust Him for the outcome. Courage is fear that has said its prayers.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I do not fear this day, for You are with me wherever I might go, Your light to shine ahead, Your footsteps to lead the way. I do not fear this day, for Your word will be my guide. Your strength will sustain me and Your love revive me, this day and all days.

I pray for Your direction and guidance in becoming a disciple of Your word. Teach me to spread Your truth, to anyone I might see who might be able to hear it. Let me always reach out and show Your love to the world through my every action. 

God of mercy, swift to help: as my lips pour forth Your praise, fill my heart with the peace You give to those who wait for Your salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. Show me how; teach me to help guide others to You, both in my words and in my deeds. In the name of Christ, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Joshua 1:9

It is His command to be strong and courageous. We should not be afraid. We should never be discouraged. It is because He is always beside us.

Remember the Lord your God when you are afraid or discouraged. Do not be terrified or be dismayed. He will always welcome you with His loving arms. Wherever you will go, He will be there.

The Daily Grace - Terms of Service

If you're like me, you seldom read the full text of contracts for online services before you agree to them. They go on for pages, and most of the legal jargon makes no sense to ordinary people like me. I was quite surprised, therefore, when a friend from Africa made me aware of this one-of-a-kind service agreement for online software. Instead of a wordy license telling people how not to use it, the developer offers a simple blessing urging people to use it for good: May you do good and not evil. May you find forgiveness for yourself and forgive others. May you share freely, never taking more than you give.

At first, I thought, Wow. Imagine if more terms of service agreements were written as blessings instead of legal documents. Then I thought, The agreement Jesus makes with us is like that. He offers us forgiveness of sin, peace with God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. In return, all He asks is that we do good (Gal. 6:10), forgive as we've been forgiven (Luke 6:37), and love others as He loves us (John 3:34). The beauty of Jesus' agreement with us is that even though we fail to live up to the terms, we still receive the blessing. 

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I live in Your shelter. You are my refuge and my fortress. You are my God, in whom I trust. 

Do not leave me without a portion of the blessed eternity. Grant also that I may follow Thy Holy example, that I may submit to the authorities placed over me. Grant me the clean soul, the simplicity of heart that makes us worthy of Thy love.

You answer me when I call to You; You protect me because I call on Your name. You have satisfied me with long life and salvation. All praise to the God of Jacob, all praise to Jesus Christ.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Luke 6:37

Do not judge others self-righteously. Do not condemn others when you are guilty and unrepentant, and you will not be condemned for your hypocrisy. Pardon others when they truly repent and change. If you do these things, it will also happen to you back.

Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Never criticize or condemn—or it will all come back on you. Go easy on others; then they will do the same for you.

The Daily Grace - The Slowness of Wisdom

When the Pharisees came to Jesus with the woman caught in adultery and asked Him what should be done with her, He knelt for a moment and scribbled in the sand (John 8:6-11). We have no idea what He wrote. But when they continued asking Him, Jesus responded in one short sentence: "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first" (v. 7). His few words accomplished much in confronting the Pharisees with their own sin, for they walked away one by one. Even today those words resound around the world.

Jesus had such a closeness to and dependence on His Father that He said of Himself, "Whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak" (John 12:50). Oh, that we had such a relationship with our Father that we knew how to respond with His wisdom! Perhaps it begins with obeying James' challenge to be "swift to hear, slow to speak" (1:19). This is not the slowness of ignorance, emptiness, timidity, guilt, or shame. But the slowness of wisdom born of dwelling quietly on the Lord and His thoughts. 

We're often told to stop and think before we speak. But I think we should take it much further and live a life where we're always listening for God's wisdom. Listen to God before you speak for God. 

Today We Pray

Dear God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, so that I may know Thee indeed. 

Grant that we may hear You speak. Speak truth within our hearts we seek. For unto Christ we would be true and know that He Himself would do.

All through this day, 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. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Then give me the grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - James 1:19

Let everyone be a careful and thoughtful listener, a speaker of carefully chosen words and patient, reflective and forgiving. Understand this, my beloved brethren. Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger.  

Don’t ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry. This is how we can practice patience in dealing with others. Take care of your character. Your reputation should be good for the people around you by practicing these things.

The Daily Grace - Both Near and Far

Everything was quiet in our yard. While I worked at the patio table, our dog, Maggie, lay nearby in the grass. A slight rustling of dry leaves changed everything. Maggie made her move, and suddenly she was circling a tree, where a woodchuck clung tightly to the trunk. Maggie came when I called, but I couldn't get her to look to me. Her neck was in a rigidly fixed position. Although she was near me physically, her thoughts and desires were with that woodchuck.

Maggie and the woodchuck remind me of how quickly I become preoccupied with things that take my eyes off Jesus. Old temptations, new responsibilities, or ongoing desires for possessions or pleasure can quickly divert my attention from the One who knows and wants what is best for me. A similar spiritual condition afflicted the Pharisees (Matt. 15:8-9). They were serving in the temple and instructing others, but their hearts were far from God.

We too can teach and serve at church but be far from God. Even our religious activity becomes meaningless when our focus is not on Jesus. But if we stop being "stiff-necked" (Acts 7:51), the Lord can turn our eyes away from worthless things and revive our hearts. When Christ is the center of our life, all else comes into proper focus.

Today We Pray

Dear God, who has given me life and breath, and another day: I do not know what this day might bring. For men make plans, and their plans come to naught, as You will it. Thus I take this day out of my hands and submit it to Your will.

I have sinned against Heaven and before You. Remember me like the thief on the cross, when You come into Your kingdom. Have mercy upon Your Creatures and upon me, a great sinner.

Make me this day Your servant, that I might find my hand at the tasks You have meant for me to do and might do them as well as I can. For there is nothing better than a person should rejoice in His work, to Your glory and for the love of his neighbors, as You have commanded us through Your Son. In His name, I pray, let my day be Yours, and let it be filled with goodness and faith.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 119:37

Let the Lord turn all those worldly, meaningless things that distract you from Him. Let your priorities be in line with His will and for His Kingdom. May the Lord also restore you with renewed energy in His ways. Let your eyes be diverted from toys and trinkets. Be invigorated on the pilgrim way. 

Turn away from wanting any other plan than His. Revive your heart toward Him. Let the Lord take away your foolish desires. Find life by walking with Him.

Today's Godly Reminder - 1 Peter 2:9-10

We are precious in His sight. We are the chosen generation. We are the chosen race. And, we are the special people for God's own possession.

Proclaim His wonderful deeds, virtues and perfections today. For you are called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were lost, but now you were found. Now, you are God's people. Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

The Daily Grace - More Than Waiting

I don't know how it works where you live, but when I have to call for a repair for one of my appliances, the company says something like, "The repairman will be there between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.". Since I don't know when the repair person will arrive, all I can do is wait. 

Jesus told His followers that He would soon be leaving them and they would need to wait for His return in "a little while" (John 16:16). After His resurrection, they saw Him again and they hoped He would be establishing His kingdom on earth at that time. But He told them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority" (Acts 1:7). They would have to wait even longer.

But they were to do more than wait. Jesus told His followers that they were to "be witnesses to [Him] in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (v. 8). And He gave them the Holy Spirit to empower them to do this. We still wait for Jesus' return. And while we do, it's our delight, in the Holy Spirit's power, to tell and show others who He is, what He has done for all of us through His death and resurrection, and that He has promised to return. Wait and witness till Jesus returns.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, we love You so much. We want our words and our lives to be a witness of Your goodness and grace. Please use us in ways we never thought possible.

There is no god like You in heaven or earth. You are loving and kind and You keep Your promises to Your people if they only have faith and seek to follow Your commandments. You have fulfilled Your promise to our fathers Abraham and David, who were Your servants, through the mightiest and humblest of all men ever to live: the Word made flesh.

And now, O Lord our God, fulfill Your promise to all who confess the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, that we may live in faith of Him, loving You and following Your ways as He did, that we might be sanctified as your children and heirs. I humbly pray You so to guide and govern me by Your Holy Spirit, that in all the joys, occupations, and cares of this day I may never forget You, but remember that I am ever walking in Your sight. In Christ’s name, I pray.

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 - Memory Loss

Sometimes when we face times of trouble, we may get spiritual amnesia and forget the grace of God. But a good way of reestablishing a thankful heart is to set aside undistracted time and deliberately remember God's past provisions for us and give thanks. When the children of Israel found themselves in a barren, hot desert, they developed memory loss about the grace of God. They began to wish they were back in Egypt enjoying all its foods (Ex. 16:2-3), and later they complained about their water supply (17:2). They had forgotten the mighty acts of God in their deliverance and how He had showered them with wealth (12:36). They were dwelling on their current circumstances and forgetting God's gracious past provision.

The psalmist challenges us: "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever" (Ps. 118:1). The word mercy means "steadfast love". It refers to God's faithfulness. He has promised to be present always to care for His children. By remembering the specific ways God has provided for us in the past, we can change our perspective for the better. God's steadfast love endures forever! Remembering God's provision for yesterday gives hope and strength for today.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, as I come to You today, fill my heart and my whole being with the wonder of Your presence. You came so that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. Grant me, throughout this day, power in my love, strength in my humility, purity in my zeal, kindness in my laughter, and Your peace in my heart at all times.

Your death on the cross has set me free. I can live joyously and freely, without fear of death. Your mercy knows no bounds.

I pray to be filled with Your Holy Spirit for the rest of this day. Let me go forth, walking with Your Spirit in my heart, that I may be filled with the joy and energy and praise for Your entire creation, thankful in the many gifts You have given me, and showing forth Your light in my every word and deed. This I pray in Christ’s name.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 118:1

Thank God because He’s good. And also, because His love never quits. His loving-kindness is forever. Tell the Lord how thankful you are, because He is kind and always merciful.

His love has no beginning and end. It is infinite. Even though we're not born yet, He already loved us and thought of us. That is how vast His love is.

The Daily Grace - Live in Love

In the African country where my friend Roxanne lives, water is a precious commodity. People often have to travel long distances to collect water from small, contaminated creeks - leading to sickness and death. It's difficult for organizations like orphanages and churches to serve the people because of a lack of water. But that's beginning to change.

Through Roxanne's leadership and the unselfish gifts of some loving people in established churches, clean water wells are being dug. At least six new wells are now operational, allowing churches to be centers of hope and encouragement. A health center and a home for 700 orphans will also be able to be opened because of access to water.

That's the kind of love that can flow from believers in Christ when we have experienced the love and generosity of God. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13 that if we don't have love, our voices clang on people's ears and our faith means nothing. And the apostle John says that if we have material possessions and see others in need and take action, that's evidence that God's love is abiding in us (1 John 3:16). God desires that we deal "graciously" (Ps. 112:5) with those in need, for His heart is gracious towards us. Kindness is Christianity with its working clothes on.

Today We Pray

Dear God, have patience with me and forgive me. Do not spew me out, as You have warned You might do with the lukewarm. Fill my soul with the fire of Your Word and help me grow, to put more and more confidence in You and less and less in the world before me.

Forgive me my sins and help me to live in them less and less today, and every day, that I might more perfectly follow Your commandments. I place all my sins before You. In my estimation, they do not deserve pardon, but I ask You to close Your eyes to my want of merit and open them to Your infinite merit.

And now, as a little child, let me abide in You all this day so that when You appear I may have confidence and not shrink from You in shame at Your coming. For I know that You are righteous, and I am sure that I will be made righteous only by my life in You. In Christ’s name, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 1 John 3:16

The thought of this verse is similar to the popular verse in John 3:16. This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. We have come to understand the depth and essence of His precious love. He willingly laid down His life for us because He loved us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves.

We know what real love is from Christ’s example in dying for us. And so we also ought to lay down our lives for our Christian brothers. We must give our lives for each other. Let us support one another with Christ's love in our hearts.

The Daily Grace - Our Foundation

The Bavarian city of Nordlingen is unique. It sits in the middle of the Ries Crater, a large circular depression caused by the impact of a huge meteorite a long time ago. The immense pressure of the impact resulted in unusual crystallized rock and millions of microscopic diamonds. In the 13th century, these speckled stones were used to build St. George's Church. Visitors can see the beautiful crystal deposits in its foundation and walls. Some might say it has a heavenly foundation.

The Bible talks of a different kind of heavenly foundation. The Lord Jesus came to our world from heaven (John 3:13). When He went back into heaven after His death and resurrection, He left His followers who became the "living temple" of God, of which He is the foundation. The apostle Paul says, "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 3:11).

The church building in Bavaria is built on a foundation from pieces of rock from the physical heavens. But the spiritual church - all believers in Christ - is founded on the ultimate heavenly foundation, Christ Jesus (Isa. 28:16; 1 Cor. 10:3-4). Praise God that because of what Jesus has done our salvation is secure. Christ, the Rock, is our sure hope.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, teach me your way and I will walk in Your truth. Unite my heart to fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore.

Great is Your mercy toward me. You have delivered my soul from the depths of hell. All praise be to You, Oh God my Redeemer, today and forever.

The blessing of the Lord rest and remain upon all his people, in every land, of every tongue. The Lord meets in mercy all that seek him. And, the Lord hasten His coming and give us, His people, the blessing of peace, this day and always.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Proverbs 22:1

A good name should be taken care of. By having an honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage and personal integrity, this can be possible to attain. This is what we call reputation. In order for us to be respected, this should be well-guarded. 

Having a clean name is much more worthy than any material things in this world. It is also more than any silver or gold. Take care of your reputation by living a good legacy. Live for His glory and Honor and you will be respected.

The Daily Grace - The Parable of the Sting

I can still see Jay Elliott's shocked face as I burst through his front door almost 50 years ago with a "gang" of bees swirling around me. As I raced out his back door, I realized the bees were gone. Well, sort of - I'd left them in Jay's house! Moments later, he came racing out his back door - chased by the bees I had brought to him.

I had more than a dozen stings, with little effect. Jay had a different experience. Though he'd been stung only once or twice by "my" bees, his eyes and throat swelled up in a painful allergic reaction. My actions had caused a lot of pain for my friend. That's a picture of what's true in our interpersonal relationships too. We hurt others when our actions aren't Christlike. Even after an apology, the "sting" sticks.

People would be right to expect an absence of harshness and an air of patience from those who follow Christ. We forget sometimes that people struggling with faith, or life, or both, watch Christians with expectations. They hope to see less anger and more mercy, less judgment and more compassion, less criticism, and more encouragement. Jesus and Peter told us to live good lives so God is given the glory (Matt. 5:16, 1 Pet. 2:12). May our actions and reactions point those around us to our loving Father. May others see less of me and more of Jesus.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, we have found that it's easy to hurt others with our words or actions. Teach us to pause and to think before we speak or act. Ill us with kindness and care.

I want to love with Your love those souls that are withering or lost. Enable me to remove any prejudices, judgments, and assumptions from my heart so that I may see them as You do: glorious and beloved children of the Father who have the opportunity for eternal life with Him. Remind me that You love them as much as You do me and that at some point, You used someone to revive me as I withered and to bring me into Your flock when I was lost.

And now let me go forth praising You with all my heart, telling of all Your wonders, with my word, 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 - 1 Peter 2:12

Be reminded that we should always be careful with our actions. Be vigilant about how we live our lives. Many eyes are on us, especially for us Christians. We are the salt and light of this world. Let us be a blessing to someone today.

Peter gets specific about what it means to live as God’s set-apart people. Christ is the foundation stone of the spiritual house God is building. We must engage in battle with our selfishness and desire to sin. This includes submitting to human authorities, no matter how evil or harsh. It means enduring suffering, as Christ did for our sake when He died on the cross. Our role is not to fight a physical war for justice here; we will be going home soon.

The Daily Grace - Life-Giving Rain

During the August heat of 1891, R.G. Dyrenforth arrived in Midland, Texas, determined to blast rain from the sky. Known as a "concussionist", he and his team launched and detonated huge balloons filled with explosive gases, fired cannons, and exploded piles of dynamite on the ground - shaking both earth and sky. Some believed he made it rain a little, but most said all he caused was noise. The explosive power was impressive but ineffective.

When the early church needed overseers, they sought people with a different kind of power. They chose "seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom" (Acts 6:3) to manage the daily distribution of food. One of those was Stephen, a man "full of faith and power, [who] did great wonders and signs among the people" (v. 8). When disputes arose, those who argued with Stephen "were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke" (v. 10). 

The Bible makes it clear that Stephen's spiritual effectiveness came from being filled with the Holy Spirit, who gave him the right balance of faith, wisdom, and power. God's Spirit in our lives today replaces the loud noise of self-interest with His gentle, life-giving rain. In our life for Christ, we accomplish nothing without the power of the Spirit. Let the Spirit move in your lives today.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, grant me by the same Spirit to be guided in my work today, and in my every thought and deed and in everything I say. Let my decisions be wise and holy, and my ears open to your wisdom. And let me always be open to change; unstop my ears and soften my heart, so that I can learn Your way better and better every hour of this day.

Grant me, I beseech You, Your divine helping grace. Endow me with patience and strength to endure my tribulations with complete submission to Your will. You know my misery and suffering.

I exalt and praise Your holy name, oh Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: now and forever. 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 - 1 John 5:1

Everyone who believes with a deep, abiding trust in the fact that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, and the Anointed, is born of God. Every person who believes that Jesus is, in fact, the Messiah, is God-begotten. He is reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose. And everyone who loves the Father also loves the child born of Him. If we love the One who conceives the child, we’ll surely love the child who was conceived. 

If you believe that Jesus is the Christ—that he is God’s Son and your Savior—then you are a child of God. And all who love the Father love his children too. Feel this deep connection with Christ. We are indeed the chosen ones, the one who believes in Christ.

The Daily Grace - Cherished Connections

When I heard that David was in the office for a board meeting, I was excited. He and I had a mutual friend, Sharon, who had died several years earlier. We had a few minutes to reminisce about her and her love for life and God. What a delight to connect with someone who has loved someone you have loved! There's a special bond because you love to talk about that cherished person.

Those who know Jesus Christ as their Savior have even stronger ties. We are forever connected to Him and to one another. "We, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another", Paul says in Romans 12:5. We've been "born of God", and we love those who are "begotten of Him" (1 John 5:1). 

When we get together with fellow believers, we have the opportunity to talk about the one we love - Christ - and of the love, forgiveness, and grace we have experienced in Him because of His death and resurrection (4:9-10). At such times, we can encourage each other to continue to trust Him and spur one another on to be faithful in our walk with Him. This Sunday and throughout the week, let's remind fellow believers of all that Jesus has done and of how truly wonderful He is. The more you love Jesus, the more you'll talk about Him.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, take from me: idleness of spirit, which destroys time; vanity of thoughts, which hinders Your presence and distracts my attention to prayer. If, while in prayer, I turn away from You in my thoughts, help me; so that this distraction may not be willful. And that, averting my mind, I may not avert my heart from You.

I confess to You, O my Lord God, all the sins of my wickedness committed before You, now and in the past. Forgive me for them for the sake of Your Holy Name, and save my soul, which You have redeemed with Your precious Blood. Do with me according to Your mercy and not according to my evil and wickedness.

I entrust myself to Your mercy. I submit to Your will. In Christ Name, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Mark 12:30

In our entire life, love the Lord. With all your thought and understanding, He should be the first one that you are thinking of. We should love Him first and above all else. He is the author of love, that's why He is the first one that should be loved.

Love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy. In everything you do, think of Him. You will love doing things once you love Him. He is the source of life. Once you dedicate your life to Him with all your heart, soul and mind, you will have a life that nothing compares in this world.

The Daily Grace - Power of Simplicity

Few people take time to study the US Internal Revenue Service income tax regulations - and for good reason. According to Forbes magazine, in 2013 tax codes surpassed the four million-word mark. In fact, the tax laws have become so complex that even the experts have a hard time processing all the regulations. It's burdensome in its complexity.

The religious leaders in ancient Israel did the same thing in their relationship with God. They made it too complex with laws. The growing burden of religious regulations had increased to the point where even an expert in Moses' law struggled to understand its core. When one such leader asked Jesus what mattered most in the Commandments, Jesus responded, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength'. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'. There is no other commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:30-31).

The law of Moses was burdensome, but faith in Christ is simple and His "burden is light" (Matt. 11:30). It's light because God was willing to forgive us and love us. Now He enables us to love Him and our neighbor. God's love in our heart gives us a heart for Him and others.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, You take no pleasure in wickedness and evil has no place in Your kingdom; the boastful will not stand in Your sight. You hate all the workers of evil. You destroy those who lie and defraud; You abhor the bloodthirsty and deceitful.

Bless me that I will not be among them, for I would come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy. In fear of You and in the hope of mercy, I worship You. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness. 

Make Your way straight before my face. Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them shout for joy because You defend them; those who love Your name, grant them mercy and joy. And evermore let Your word spread throughout the world, and make me Your servant in this task. 

Amen

The Daily Grace - Relief from the Scorching Sun

Living in Britain, I don't usually worry about sunburn. After all, the sun is often blocked by a thick cover of clouds. But recently, I spent some time in Spain, and I quickly realized that with my pale skin, I could only be out in the sunshine for ten minutes before I needed to scurry back under the umbrella. As I considered the scorching nature of the Mediterranean sun, I began to understand more deeply the meaning of the image of the Lord God as His people's shade at their right hand. Residents of the Middle East knew unrelenting heat, and they needed to find shelter from the sun's burning rays.

The psalmist uses this picture of the Lord as shade in Psalm 121, which can be understood as a conversation on a heart level - a dialogue with oneself about the Lord's goodness and faithfulness. When we use this psalm in prayer, we reassure ourselves that the Lord will never leave us, for He forms a protective covering over us. And just as we take shelter from the sun underneath umbrellas, so too can we find a safe place in the Lord. We lift our eyes to the "Maker of heaven and earth" (vv. 1-2) because whether we are in times of sunshine or times of rain, we receive His gifts of protection, relief, and refreshment. We find refuge in the Lord.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, Your bounty and goodness to me is beyond understanding. I worship and praise You above all things because You are above all things. Your hand has made them and Your love has forgiven me and blessed me.

Thank You for protecting me. Shield me from anything that would take my focus away from You. Let me realize my sin and give me the grace to repent it and seek Your forgiveness.

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.

Amen

Today's 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 Life That Matters

Isaac Hann was a little-known pastor who served a small church in Loughwood, England, in the mid-18th century. At the close of his ministry, the membership of the church numbered 26 women and 7 men. And only 4 of the men attended with any regularity.

In this age of mass media and mega-churches, who would consider this a successful work? In our world today, Isaac Hann would be considered one of those pastors who never quite "made it". He certainly wouldn't have been invited to speak at pastors' conferences, nor would he have written articles on church growth. Yet, when he died at 88 his parishioners placed a plaque on the wall of their meeting house that remains to this day. It reads in part:  Few ministers so humble were, yet few so much admired: Ripened for heaven by grace divine, like autumn fruit he fell; Reader think not to live so long, but seek to live as well.

First Peter 5:5-6 comes to mind: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time". Reverend Isaac Hann "made it big" in a way that matters - humility before God and a reward in heaven. We can too. Humility is the recipe for success.