Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 73:28

"But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works."

It is refreshing if we are in the presence of our God. It is good to be near Him. You are home. It is because we are so protected if we are in His presence.

Make God Your home. Tell the world what He do, tell all His mighty works. Choose Him as your protector. And, tell about His wonderful deeds.

The Daily Grace - Inspiration to Perspiration

My grandfathers were both gardeners and so are many of my friends. I love visiting beautiful gardens - they inspire me. They make me want to create something equally beautiful in my own yard. But, I have trouble moving from the inspiration to the perspiration part of gardening. My great ideas don't become reality because I don't spend the time and energy to make them happen.

This can be true in our spiritual lives as well. We can listen to the testimonies of other people and marvel at the work of God is doing in their lives. We can hear uplifting music and great preaching and feel inspired to follow God more diligently. But soon after we walk out of church, we have trouble finding the time or making the effort to follow through.

James described such Christians as being like those who look in a mirror, see themselves, but do nothing to fix what is wrong (James 1:23-24). They hear the Word, but it doesn't lead to action. James says we need to do - not just hear. When we move from the inspiration of simply "hearing" about the good being done by others to the perspiration of actually "doing" good works ourselves, the implanted Word of God (1:21) will bloom into a beautiful garden of spiritual fruit. Life works best when we do.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, who decreed that we should take one day of rest, one special day in remembrance of You, today I celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the moment of His glorious victory over death. I add my voice to countless millions of others in thanks, in praise, and in awe of Your sacrifice for us. Help me to dedicate these few moments to You completely.

Teach us to search Your ways so that we may know how to be on Your side of the critical issues in life. Thank You that when we draw near to You, You draw near to us with gifts of wisdom and discernment. You have taught us that we may dwell with You, even while we are caught in this difficult world, and I pray to dwell with You fully now. 

May I go in peace, with God and with his other children, and may we love one another as Christ taught us. May I follow the example of good men of old, and may God comfort and help me and all who believe in Him, both in this world and in the world which is to come. In the name of Christ and through faith in Him, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 1 John 4:7

Love one another. God commanded us countless times in the Bible that we must never stop loving others. Even if they are unlovable, try your best to love them. Ask God for it to help you.

We are also unlovable, human as we are, we sin countless times too. But God still accepted us, who is the Author of Love. So, it is a challenge to have love to others no matter who are they and what they are. Be filled with His love so that you can love others.

The Daily Grace - Losing Our Way

An online survey conducted by a New York law firm reveals that 52 percent of Wall Street traders, brokers, investment bankers, and other financial service professionals have either engaged in illegal activity or believe they may need to do so in order to be successful. The survey concludes that these financial leaders "have lost their moral compass" and "accept corporate wrongdoing as a necessary evil". 

In mentoring young Timothy, the apostle Paul warned that the love of money and the desire to get rich had caused some to lose their way. They had yielded to temptations and embraced many "foolish and harmful" desires (1 Tim. 6:9) Paul saw "the love of money" (not money itself) as a source of "all kinds of evil" (v. 10), especially the evil of trusting in money rather than depending on Christ. As we learn to see that Christ is the source of all we have, we will find contentment in Him rather than in material possessions. When we seek godliness rather than riches, we will gain a desire to be faithful with what we have been given. Let's deliberately cultivate an attitude of contentment in God, and faithfully submit to Him, for our Provider will care for us. To love money is to lose sight of the Source of life.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I need my spirit refreshed and renewed today. Speak to me through Your Word that I might hear Your heart. Help me to share my heart with You in prayer.

It's easy to see the problem that others have with loving money, but I know I have my own struggles too. I need Your help to learn thankfulness for all that You have given. Grow in me an attitude of contentment in You.

Let me not forget You as I go forth into the world this day. May my every word be a prayer, and my every act be testimony to your love and truth. And, may I know your presence every second of this day.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 1 Timothy 6:10

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

Money is not the root of evil. We all need money to survive in reality. But, it is the love of money that will make us evil. It is the real root of evil, having the greedy desire for it and the willingness to gain it unethically. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after. So, don't love money. Trust in the Lord that He will supply your needs.