Today's Godly Reminder - Proverbs 18:10

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

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

The Daily Grace - It Never Runs Out

When I asked a friend who is about to retire what she feared about her next stage of life, she said, "I want to make sure I don't run out of money". The next day as I was talking to my financial counselor, he gave me advice on how I might avoid running out of money. Indeed, we all want the security of knowing we'll have the resources we need for the rest of our lives.

No financial plan can provide an absolute guarantee of earthly security. But there is a plan that extends far beyond this life and indefinitely into the future. The apostle Peter describes it like this: "In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade" (1 Peter 1:3-4).

When we place our faith in Jesus to forgive our sins we receive an eternal inheritance through God's power. Because of this inheritance, we'll live forever and never run short of what we need. Planning for retirement is a good idea if we're able to do so. But more important is having an eternal inheritance that never runs out - and that is available only through faith in Jesus Christ. The promise of heaven is our eternal hope.

Today We Pray

Dear God, I want that assurance of an eternal inheritance - the certainty of everlasting life with You. I put my faith in Jesus to forgive my sins and make me His child. Thank You for saving me and reserving a place for me in Your eternal kingdom.

I pray that this day, You will continue to bless me, that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others.

Beholder of all, I have sinned against You, in thought, word and deed; erase the record of my offenses, and write my name in the Book of Life. Have mercy upon Your creatures and upon me, a great sinner. In the name of Christ, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 1 Peter 1:3

God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on. For it is His boundless mercy that has given us the privilege of being born again so that we are now members of God’s own family. Now we live in the hope of eternal life because Christ rose again from the dead.

What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have Him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now!

The Daily Grace - Music and Megaphone

Christopher Locke buys old trumpets, trombones, and French horns and transforms them into acoustic amplifiers for iPhones and iPads. His creations are modeled on the trumpetlike speakers used in the first phonographs during the late 1800s. Music played through Christopher's AnalogTelePhonographers has a "louder, cleaner, richer, deeper sound" than what is heard from the small speakers in the digital devices. Along with being interesting works of art, these salvaged brass instruments require no electrical power as they amplify the music people love to hear.

Paul's words to the followers of Jesus in Corinth remind us today that in living for Christ and sharing Him with others, we are not the music but only a megaphone. "For we do not preach ourselves", Paul wrote, "but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake" (2 Cor. 4:5). Our purpose is not to become the message, but to convey it through our lives and our lips. "We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us" (v. 7).

If an old horn can amplify music, then perhaps our flawed lives can magnify the goodness of God. We're the megaphone. The music and the power come from Him! Nothing is unusable in God's hands.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, who has commanded us to love one another without fail, purify my soul. Let Your Holy Spirit empower me throughout this day, to be obedient to the truth at every moment, so that I might love my brothers and sisters earnestly, from a pure heart. And let me always remember that I have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of Your Son; born again into a life of perfect love, obedience, and service.

Thank You that You can take our lives and use them in ways we never thought possible. If I am confused or do not know what to think or do, let me think of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and ask myself what He would have done. And, help us to be the instruments that convey the music of Your love. 

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 a union, with each other and the Lord, and possess, in sweet communion, joys which earth cannot afford. This I pray, in Christ's name.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 2 Corinthians 4:7

We have this precious treasure in earth. It is the good news about salvation in unworthy earthen vessels of human frailty. We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us. So that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be shown from God, from His sufficiency, and not from ourselves.

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That’s to prevent anyone from confusing God’s incomparable power with us. 

The Daily Grace - Share His Love

Do you know some people who need the Savior in their lives? In what ways we can share His love to them? There are a lot of ways, actually. But by asking wisdom in His Name, we can do it. We can share His love.

How to share? Pray for it first. Let the Lord check our hearts. Let our motives be right in sharing His Word to others. Ask the Lord to guide you and lead you to the right words that you will be saying. Also, ask Him to prepare your hearts whatever might happen and you will be ready for it.

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). Point them to Jesus. He went here on this earth to save us. Pray for those people that they will receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, like yours. Christian life may not be easy but it will be worth it in the end. It is because we will be reunited with God in Heaven and experience eternal life.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, I acknowledge Your presence in this very moment. Help me to turn down the world’s volume so that I can hear Your voice, speaking through me. I invite You in my heart and in my life.

Thank You for Your unconditional love. Through Your love, I can be completely honest with You because I know You will listen to my concerns, I can talk openly to You without hesitation. Now, I share what I feel to You, Lord.

All to You Jesus, I surrender all. Take hold of my life. I surrender my worries and concerns that are dragging me down right now, this is no longer mine, Lord.

Amen.

Todays Godly Reminder : Ephesians 3:9

"Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God."

Let the Lord dwell in Your hearts through your faith. Let Christ will live in your hearts because of your it. Be deeply rooted and securely grounded in His love. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in His love. Be fully capable of comprehending with all of God’s people the width and length and height and depth of His love. Indeed, it is fully experiencing that amazing and endless love of God's. May you have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself. Let us know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.

The Daily Grace - The Search for Satisfaction

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

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

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

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, 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; that with them I 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.

I'm thankful that when I experience trouble, You are waiting and wanting to help. Teach me to look to You and to rest in Your kind and loving care until You deliver me safely home. Pour Your love into my heart, that I may love you above all things, and my neighbors as myself.

Inspire me to respect and value each person who comes into my life this day. Let me recognize the duties and responsibilities that come with the gifts You have given me so freely, and inspire me to live in such a way that I always give of my best and be welcoming and generous towards others. In Christ’s name I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Ecclesiastes 5:10

The one who loves money is never satisfied with money. Nor, the one who loves wealth with big profits. If you love money and wealth, you will never be satisfied with what you have. This doesn’t make sense either.

Always remember that wealth cannot buy happiness. The person who loves money will never have all the money he wants. And, the person who loves wealth will not be satisfied when he gets it. This is also useless. And, it is the root of all evil. So, do not love money. 

The Daily Grace - Mending Hearts

Not long ago, I went to a seamstress to have some clothing altered. As I entered her shop, I was encouraged by what I saw on the walls. One sign read, "We can mend your clothes but only God can mend your heart". Near it was a painting of Mary Magdalene weeping in anguish as the risen Christ was about to reveal Himself to her. Another sign asked, "Need prayer? Let us pray with you".

The owner told me that she had been running this small business for fifteen years. "We've been surprised how the Lord has worked here through the statements of faith we have posted in different places. A while back someone trusted Christ as their Savior right here. It is amazing to watch God work". I told her I too was a Christian and commended her for telling others about Christ in her workplace.

Not all of us are able to be so bold in our workplace, but we can find many creative and practical ways of showing others unexpected love, patience, and kindness wherever we are. Since leaving that shop, I've been thinking about how many ways there are to live out our Lord's statement: "You are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14). God pours His love into our hearts to flow out to others' lives. Be the light today!

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, give me grace, so to pray, as to deserve to be heard, to address You with my heart, as with my lips. You are everywhere present, from You no secret can be hidden. May the knowledge of this, teach me to fix my thoughts on You, with reverence and devotion, that I may not pray in vain.

Use me to be a light today to the world around me. I love You and want others to know and love You too. Hear me, for His sake who has redeemed me, and taught me thus to pray.

So I thank You now, for all those occasions when I have forgotten or have been so caught up in emotions that I could not. Help me to be thankful, I pray, when the rains come on the just and the unjust, that You care so much about me, that the rains come to chasten, to build character and godliness in me. And help me to live as a mirror of Your Son, so that I might reach others.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Matthew 5:14

Being the light of the world means you are the light of Christ to everyone here in this planet. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.

You are the world’s light—a city on a hill. You are glowing in the night for all to see. Shine that light! Be glowing.

The Daily Grace - In Confession, There is Restoration

Spiritually, when sin and failure break our relationship with God and sideline our service, determination alone is not what restores us to rightness with God and usefulness in His Kingdom. When we are side-lined because of sin, the path to a comeback is confession as well. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)

For us to be able to recover from our spiritual failings, we are absolutely dependent on the One who gave Himself for us. And, that gives us hope. Christ, who died for us, loves us with an everlasting love and will respond with grace as we confess our faults to Him.

Through confession, we can find His gracious restoration - the greatest of all comebacks. Confession is the path that leads to restoration. We have a great comeback with Christ if we confess our sins. Remember, we are already washed by the Blood of the Lamb.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, I bless You for the day You have made and pray that I may spend this day rejoicing in Your creation. I pray for Your Holy Spirit to fill me with the joy of my salvation, so that Your light may shine through me into the world, that Your honor and glory may be known to all people. Remind me of Your blessings, I pray, with every tribulation I may face, so that I may act with energy, forgiveness, and love, ever mindful of the grace You have shown to me.

Remind me often that You have been exceedingly generous to me. Help me to extend that generosity of spirit toward those around me. So that, they may know who You are and rejoice in You.

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

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Proverbs 19:11

Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger. He is able to restrain it. It is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense, without seeking revenge and harboring resentment. Smart people know how to hold their tongue. Their grandeur is to forgive and forget. 

A wise man restrains his anger and overlooks insults. This is to his credit. It’s wise to be patient and show what you are like by forgiving others. Sensible people control their temper. They earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

The Daily Grace - Getting Along

I can still remember what it was like to take our family on vacation, only to have the kids in the backseat mar the joy of it all by their bickering and complaining. Who doesn't remember the disruptive effects of "Dad, she touched me!" or "Mom, he won't give me a turn!". If you've had that kind of experience, you can imagine how God feels when His children quarrel and complain. Getting along is important to God.

Jesus prayed that we would "be one" so that the world would believe He came from the Father (John 17:20-12). And to disciples who were prone to quarreling, He commanded that they love and serve one another (13:34-35; Matt. 20:20-28). It should also be noted that among the seven things God hates, He includes "one who sows discord among brethren" (Prov. 6:19).

So, I'm not surprised that the psalmist tells us that when brothers dwell in unity, it's like "the precious oil upon the head, running down on. . . the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments" (Ps. 133:1-2). In ancient times, the oil of anointing was full of fragrant spices that graced the environment wherever the anointed one went. May the unity that comes from our love and service to one another fragrantly grace our families, churches, and friendships! Christians who get along with each other spread the sweet aroma of Jesus.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for this day. Help me to follow You in every way. Let me speak as You speak, and do as You do; let me help others, as You help them, too.

Be present with us always. Dwell within our hearts. With thy light and thy Spirit, guide our souls, our thoughts, and all our actions, that we may teach thy Word, that thy healing power may be in us and in thy church universal.

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. Let me come to You, Father, throughout the day, often to thank You, often to pray. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Philippians 4:6

Why worry, while you can pray? God is just there to listen to your worries. He is ALWAYS ready to listen to your cries and requests. If you worry, just pray.

Have a thankful heart, too. When we pray, we should also be thankful for all the blessings that He showered upon us. And in every circumstances and situation, continue to make your requests known to God. Make it specific, God will appreciate it.

The Daily Grace - First Response

When my husband was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, I began to call family members. My sister and her husband came right away to be with me, and we prayed as we waited. His sister listened to my anxious voice on the phone and immediately said, "Can I pray with you?" When my pastor and his wife arrived, he too prayed for us (James 5:13-16).

Oswald Chambers wrote: "We tend to use prayer as a last resort, but God wants it to be our first line of defense. We pray when there's nothing else we can do, but God wants us to pray before we do anything at all". At its root, prayer is simply a conversation with God, spoken in the expectation that God hears and answers. Prayer should not be the last resort.

In His Word, God encourages us to engage Him in prayer (Phil. 4:6). We also have His promise that when "two or three are gathered together" in His name, He will be "there in the midst of them" (Matt. 18:20). For those who have experienced the power of the Almighty, our first inclination often will be to cry out to Him. Nineteenth-century pastor Andrew Murray said: "Prayer opens the way for God Himself to do His work in us and through us". Pray first!

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, I come before You today to thank You for all the blessings that You have given me. Many times my life is so full of busy work that I neglect my relationship with You, and for that, I am deeply sorry. I know that You never neglect me, for if You did my very life would cease to be.

I pray desperately that You will help me to overcome this obstacle and find my way back to You. O mighty God, You have all power, and I know You have the power to help me find You. Please dear God, send a spirit to me, let Your Holy Spirit work within me, to bolster my faith and fear of You.

Continue to pull me to Yourself, guide me in my journey. Hold me close in Your bosom until the day I come home to be with You forever. Be with me now as I gather together with this online community, in Your name, that I and all who pray with me may feel Your presence among us. 

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalms 133:1

How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! It’s like costly anointing oil flowing down. It’s like the dew on mountains, flowing down the slopes. Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.

When we live in unity, blessing comes along. It is not the usual blessing that we receive, but overflowing blessings. He loves to see us united. So, let us unite one another in love.

The Daily Grace - First Impressions

A while back, I published an article online about a young woman who wore a T-shirt that said, "Love is for Losers". In it, I commented on what a sad message that was, and I wrote about the hurt this motto represented. To my surprise, one of our readers gave that message a completely different slant. She sent a note informing me that her daughter and her daughter's friends - all tennis players - wear shirts with that slogan. In tennis, a "love" score is zero. If your score in a game is "love", you lose - so in tennis, love really is for losers. That mom's note gave me a new perspective on that saying.

This incident reminded me how easy it is to make wrong first judgments. Based on incomplete or inaccurate information, we can jump to wrong conclusions and make poor value judgments about people and situations. And that can cause great hurt to others. Speaking to people who had misjudged Him, Jesus warned, "Do not judge according to appearance but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24). We need to be careful that our judgments are backed up by the right information (the truth) and the right attitude (the compassion of Christ). Try this motto: Righteous judgment is for winners". A snap judgment has a way of becoming unfastened.

Today We Pray

Dear God, I give thanks to You, all-powerful and eternal God of truth, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Creator of heaven and earth, of humanity and all creatures, Sustainer of all things, Giver of all life, order, and wisdom, unfailing Source of help. And to Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Word, and eternal image. And to Your Holy Spirit, with whom You endowed the apostles at Pentecost and have brought to comfort all who confess the name of Jesus the Christ, until his coming again.

I thank Thee for the job of 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; that with them I stand to bear the burden and heat of the day and offer Thee the praise of work well done.

God of love, Father of all, the darkness that covered the earth has given way to the bright dawn of Your Word made flesh; make me and all who confess Your holy name people of this light. Make me faithful to Your Word that I may bring your life to the waiting world. Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - John 7:24

Do not judge superficially and arrogantly, but judge fairly and righteously. Be honest in your judgment. Do not decide at a glance. Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.

Don’t be nitpickers. Use your head—and heart!—to discern what is right, to test what is authentically right. Don’t judge by appearances. Judge by what is right.

The Daily Grace - Learning from the Redwoods

 F

 F North America's Pacific Coast Redwoods are some of the biggest trees in the world. The tallest on record, Hyperion, soars 379 feet into the air. During a visit to California's Muir Woods National Park, I was surprised and overwhelmed by the enormity of those redwoods. Trees as tall as a 30-story building seemed to press me into the forest floor while drawing my thoughts upwards. The memory of what I felt at the base of some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world has left me with lingering thoughts about their origin. Those redwoods, like the family tree of our own humanity, are rooted in a Creator who is infinitely and eternally greater than His creation.

The prophet Isaiah caught a glimpse of this God. In a vision that mingled the wonders of a Messianic kingdom with the promise of a new heaven and earth, he describes One who makes the skies His throne and the earth His footstool (Isa. 66:1). Yet Isaiah saw something even more overwhelming. He saw a great God who wants His people to "be glad and rejoice forever in what I create" (Isa. 65:18). In response, let's bow before Him in humble adoration (66:2). God's work of creating is done; our work of praising has only begun. 

Today We Pray

Dear God, I presume to present myself this morning before thy Divine majesty. I beseech you to accept my humble and hearty thanks, that it hath pleased thy great goodness to keep and preserve me the night past from all the dangers poor mortals are subject to. And, has given me sweet and pleasant sleep, whereby I find my body refreshed and comforted for performing the duties of this day, in which I beseech thee to defend me from all perils of body and soul.

Direct my thoughts, words and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the lamb, and purge my heart by thy Holy Spirit, from the dross of my natural corruption. That I may with more freedom of mind and liberty of will serve thee, the everlasting God, in righteousness and holiness this day, and all the days of my life.

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 the testimony to Your love and truth. And, may I know your presence every second of this day.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Isaiah 65:18

Look ahead with joy. Anticipate what God is creating. He will create Jerusalem as sheer joy. And, He will create His people as a pure delight.

Be glad. Rejoice forever in His creation. Celebrate and He will create your nation with full of happy people. Claim this promise of God today!

The Daily Grace - Undeserved Praise

Even before I could afford a self-cleaning oven, I managed to keep my oven clean. Guests even commented on it when we had them over for a meal. "Wow, your oven is so clean. It looks like new". I accepted the praise even though I knew I didn't deserve it. The reason my oven was clean had nothing to do with my meticulous scrubbing; it was clean because I so seldom use it.

How often, I wonder, am I guilty of accepting undeserved admiration for my "clean life"? It's easy to give the impression of being virtuous; simply do nothing difficult, controversial, or upsetting to people. But Jesus said we are to love people who don't agree with us, who don't share our values, who don't even like us. Love requires that we get involved in the messy situations of people's lives.

Jesus was frequently in trouble with religious leaders who were more concerned about keeping their own reputations clean than they were about the spiritual condition of those they were supposed to care for. They considered Jesus and His disciples unclean for mingling with sinners when they were simply trying to rescue people from their destructive way of life (Luke 5:30-31). True disciples of Jesus are willing to risk their own reputations to help others out of the mire of sin. Christ sends us out to bring others in.

Today We Pray

Dear God, I bless You who forever works great and mysterious deeds for me, glorious, wonderful, and numberless; who provides me with sleep as a rest from my infirmities and as a repose for my body tired by labor. I thank You that You have not destroyed me in my transgressions, but in Your love toward mankind You have raised me up, as I lay in despair, that I may glorify your majesty. Open my mouth and fill it with Your praise, that I may unceasingly sing and confess to You, who is God glorified in all and by all.

Thank You, oh source of all abundance, for surrounding me with good things. But help me to remember that nothing of earthly value owns the timeless truth. Let Your immeasurable blessings transform how I perceive material benefits. 

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 - Luke 5:32

God did not come to call the self-proclaimed righteous, who see no need to repent. But, He called the sinners to change their old way of thinking, to turn from sin and to seek God and His righteousness. It is an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out. His purpose is to invite sinners to turn from their sins, not to spend His time with those who think themselves already good enough.

What a grace for us sinners! He loves us sinners if we will just repent from it. He already forgave us. Just look at the cross, there is forgiveness there. He already paid for it. He did not come to invite good people to turn to God. He came to invite sinners. He had come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.

The Daily Grace - Your Journey

I grew up in the rebellious 1960s and turned my back on religion. I had attended church all my life but didn't come to faith until my early twenties after a terrible accident. Since that time, I have spent my adult years telling others of Jesus' love for us. It has been a journey.

Certainly, "a journey" describes life in this broken world. On the way, we encounter mountains and valleys, rivers and plains, crowded highways and lonely roads - highs and lows, joys and sorrows, conflict and loss, heartache and solitude. We can't see the road ahead, so we must take it as it comes, not as we wish it would be. The follower of Christ, however, never faces this journey alone.

The Scriptures remind us of the constant presence of God. There is nowhere we can go that He is not there (Ps. 139:7-12). He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deut. 31:6; Heb. 13:5). Jesus, after promising to send the Holy Spirit, told His disciples, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you" (John 14:18). The challenges and opportunities we face on our journey can be met confidently, for God has promised us His never-failing presence. 

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, thank You that You not only know the path I take, You walk it with me. Help me to rely on Your presence, help, and wisdom every day of my journey through life. Be present with me always, dwell within my heart. 

So many divisions and disputes have been generated by issues, practices, and traditions that are not part of the fundamentals of the faith. Your Church is a glorious unity in diversity, but when we major on the minors, the spirit of factionalism replaces that of unity and peace. I ask for the boldness and courage to stand up and contend for the essentials of the faith, even if it means a lack of peace.

Finally, grant me O Lord, I pray, the lamp of charity which never fails. Let it burn in me and shed its light on those around me. And that by its brightness I may share a vision of that holy City, where dwells the true and never-failing Light.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.

Be brave in facing your giants. The Lord your God will always be at your side. He will never abandon you. And, He will personally go ahead of you.

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 Heavenly Father, the winds of life's storms can be powerful and threatening. Thank You for the foundation of the truth of Your faithfulness. Help me to rely on Your strength in my storms.

This day and forever, may I have the courage never to be afraid of anyone. May I have the generosity to bear ill-feeling toward no-one. Lead me to live in such a way as to treat others in the same way as I would like to be treated.

Send me Your light and truth, to keep this day and all the days of my life. And may Your mighty hand protect me, and all my brothers and sisters who have joined me in prayer this day, blessing our homes and our lives. From Your heavenly place, accept our prayers and our praise.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Matthew 7:24

Everyone who hears the Word of God and does it is a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man. He is like building a house on a solid rock. He who obeys also His Words is a prudent, practical and wise person. The words that God had spoken to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. Let your foundations be strong like a solid rock.

The Daily Grace - Blessings Come After Trials

"Fall seven times, stand up eight". This may be a famous quote from a well-known basketball player, but this also has a lesson to each and everyone of us. When we fall, we have to stand up and move on. We are all at risk for falling into temptations and trials, but we must be careful that it will not fall into sin and condemnation.

It’s easy to trick ourselves into believing that we’re done with a particular sort of sin. Even when we’ve struggled through the worst of it—admitting our problem, repenting, and recommitting ourselves to following God’s ways—temptation may come calling. God makes it possible for us to avoid falling back into the same patterns. He does this by providing a way out of the sinful act we’re considering. Our part is to respond to His offer of escape (Our Daily Bread)

When trials and difficulties come, always look on the bright side of the bad things. Do not lose hope. In every trials and temptations, God will give you a way out of this. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear (1 Cor. 10:13). Great blessings are often followed by great temptations. Do not lose hope!

Today We Pray

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

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

For they must be told: Every heart will find righteousness and eternal life in the holy name of Christ, and nowhere else. Make me Your trumpet and make me Your lighthouse. Let me proclaim to the very end of the earth, that Christ is King!

Amen

Todays Godly Reminder - Psalm 16:11

He got our feet on the life path. He is all radiant from the shining of His face. Ever since He took our hand, we will always be on the right way. There is indeed a fullness of joy when we are always in His presence. 

He will show us the path of life. In His right hand, there are pleasures forevermore. When we let God guide our steps, He will always show us the right way. Let Him guide you and walk you to the right direction. Delight yourself in Him.

The Daily Grace - Encourage and Help Each Other

When was the last time you encouraged or help a friend, or even a stranger? Were they grateful and thankful that you did this random act of kindness? As brothers and sisters in Christ, we must never get tired in building each other up. God instructed us in His Word in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 that we must encourage and help each other, just as we are already doing.

How can we be a help to others? Speak blessings. Speak words that will make them lead to Christ and experience His love and greatness unto us. Build them up, too. Do the things that will make them soar high and achieve. Help them from their problems and frustrations. 

Many people today, even Christians, are discouraged and defeated. Some come disappointed about life. Our warm encouragement might be just what they need. This is a common blessing that all we can share. This is a basis for mutual guidance. We are responsible to each and everyone for encouragement and bolstering in faith, love, and hope. Other people need our support in being Christian, and we need theirs, too.