Today We Pray

Dear Lord, thank You for this beautiful day. Look after me and protect me throughout the day. Give me the wisdom to see and experience Your world in all its beauty.

Protect my family and those closest to me. Let me share with the world today, learning, growing, and contributing, and make the world a better place for all who know me, and for those who don't. Let me experience the wonder of Your creation.

Work Your power to help me please You. For I know that with Your help, I can overcome any evil. In Christ’s name, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Proverbs 3:6

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

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

The Daily Grace - The Growth Chart

If my family ever moves from the house where we live now, I want to unhinge the pantry door and take it with me! That door is special because it shows how my children have grown over the years. Every few months, my husband and I place our children against the door and pencil a mark just above their heads. According to our growth chart, my daughter shot up 4 inches in just 1 year!

While my children grown physically as a natural part of life, there's another kind of growth that happens with some effort - our spiritual growth in Christ-likeness. Peter encouraged believers to "grow in the grace and knowledge" of Jesus (2 Peter 3:18). He said that maturing in our faith prepares us for Christ's return. The apostle wanted Jesus to come back and find believers living in peace and righteousness (v. 14). Peter viewed spiritual growth as a defense against teaching that incorrectly interprets God's Word and leads people astray (vv. 16-17).

Even when we feel discouraged and disconnected from God, we can remember that He will help us advance in our faith by making us more like His Son. His Word assures us that "He who has begun a good work in [us] will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6). Spiritual growth requires the solid food of God's Word. Keep growing!

Today We Pray

Dear God, I invite Your Holy Spirit to mold me into the person You want me to be. Empower me to keep reaching for the holiness I see in Jesus. Let me do my work this day; and if the darkened hours of despair overcome me, may I not forget the strength that comforted me in the desolation of other times.

I am so sorry that I let the worries of the day push ahead of You in my mind. Please help me to keep Your Holy Spirit in the forefront of my thoughts, throughout the day. Spare me from bitterness and from the sharp passions of unguarded moments.

Lift up my eyes from the earth, and let me not forget the uses of the stars. Forbid that I should judge others lest I condemn myself. Let me not follow the clamor of the world, but walk calmly in my path.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 2 Peter 3:18

Let us always strive for spiritual maturity. Strive to grow in His love. Strive to grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Once you're spiritually matured, you will be able to handle things very well.

How to grow? Simply devote yourselves to the Lord. Devote your time and efforts to Him. And, you will experience is extravagant love everyday of your life.

The Daily Grace - Dependence Day

In the USA, the Fourth of July is a national holiday when outdoor grills are heated up; beaches are packed; and cities and towns have parades and fireworks displays, picnics, and patriotic celebrations. All of this is in remembrance of July 4, 1776, where the 13 American colonies declared their independence. 

Independence appeals to all ages. It means "freedom from the control, influence, support, and aid of others". So it's not surprising that teenagers talk about gaining their independence. Many adults have the goal of being "independently wealthy". And senior citizens want to maintain their independence. Whether anyone is ever truly independent is a discussion for another time and place - but it sounds good.

Craving political or personal independence is one thing; daring to pursue spiritual independence is problematic. What we need instead is a recognition and acceptance of our deep spiritual dependence. Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). Far from being self-reliant, we are totally and eternally dependent on the One who died to set us free. Every day is our "dependence day". Our greatest strength comes from dependence on our strong God.

Today We Pray

Dear God, whose Name the founders of United States cherished in seeking to form a nation, keep them always in mind of their motto: “No King but King Jesus.” For righteousness does not come from the works of man, but from Your freely-given grace. Pour Your words and faith into the people of this country, and renew them in holiness, that they may serve You in humility and wisdom. 

Have mercy upon me, miserable offender. Spare those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore those who are penitent; according to Your promises declared unto men in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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. In the name of Christ our Savior, we pray.

Amen