Today We Pray

Dear Lord God, who made me, open my eyes that I may see Your hand in all of Your works this day and most especially in those You have made in Your image. Oh Lord Christ, open my heart that I may see Your holy presence surrounding me; blanket me in an impenetrable luminous cloud of godly love. Oh Holy Spirit, let me hear Your voice like the uninterrupted roar of a great waterfall that cannot be silenced and cannot be stopped and cannot be overcome by any temptation of the flesh.

I don't know what will come this day or farther into the future, but I'm grateful that You're by my side. Grant me a spirit of praise and thanksgiving in whatever lies ahead. Teach me to be careful in nothing when it comes to You, Holy God, and let me know and shine forth the truth: that all things are possible in Your Son, Our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

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 - Psalms 150:6

Let every breathe of life will praise His Name. Every living creature will shout praises to the Lord. Everything that breathes will give glory to His Name. And, that includes us, His people.

Praise His mighty Name, today. Let His Name be known. Let His Name be glorified among the earth. Give glory to His Name, forevermore.

The Daily Grace - With Him Forever!

In 1859, during the turbulent years prior to America's Civil War, Abraham Lincoln had the opportunity to speak to the Agricultural Society in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As he spoke, he shared with them the story of an ancient monarch's search for a sentence that was "true and appropriate in all times and situations". His wise men, faced with this heady challenge, gave him the sentence, "And this, too, shall pass away". This is certainly true of our present world - it is constantly in the process of deterioration. And it's not happening just to the world; we also face the reality in our own lives that our days are numbered. James wrote, "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14).

Although our current life is temporary and will pass away, the God we worship and serve is eternal. He has shared that eternity with us through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. He promises us a life that will never pass away: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). When Christ returns, He will take us home to be with Him forever! For hope today, remember the end of the story - eternity with God.

Today We Pray

Dear God, You are my God, I seek You, my soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary, beholding Your power and glory. Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips praise You.

Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any grievous way in me, and if there be any, return me to Your path, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Pour Your love into my heart, that I may love You above all things, and my neighbors as myself. All glory and praise be Yours now, and forever. Through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - James 4:14

We can't predict or control the future. We truly have no idea what will happen tomorrow. In addition to that, our lives are temporary and fragile. We are a mist that is here for a moment and then gone. 

It is foolish to ignore the fact that we can't see the future. Our lives are short and fragile. This doesn't mean never making plans. Rather, we should always make plans with the awareness that they can only succeed if God allows them to. 

The Daily Grace - The Barking Lion

Visitors to a zoo were outraged when the "African lion" started barking instead of roaring. Zoo staff said they had disguised a Tibetan mastiff - a very large dog - as a lion because they could not afford the real thing. Needless to say, the zoo's reputation was sullied and people will think twice before visiting it.

Reputation is fragile; once it's damaged, it's hard to restore. It is not uncommon to sacrifice a good reputation on the altar of power, prestige, or profit. This too could be our story. Scripture encourages us: "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches" (Prov. 22:1). God is telling us that true value must be placed not in what we have but in who we are.

The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates said, "The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear". As followers of Jesus, we bear His name. Because of His love for us, we strive to walk worthy of Him, reflecting His likeness in our words and deeds. When we fail, He picks us up again by His love. By our example, others around us will be led to praise the God who has redeemed and transformed us (Matt. 5:16) - for the name of the Lord is worthy of glory, honor, and all praise. As Shakespear said, "The purest treasure mortal times afford is a spotless reputation".

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, the night has passed, the sun shines its light upon us, and the day lies open before me. As I rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of Your presence fill me with love for You and my fellow man, holy God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Abide with me, I pray, now and forever.

I do want to walk worthy of Your name because You have made me Your own. I know I can't live life perfectly, but I want to reflect to others a little of who You are. Please show Yourself through me.

Give me a clear mind and an open heart so I may witness to You in my world. Remind me to be who You would have me to be regardless of what I am doing or who I am with. Hold me to You and build my relationship with You and with those, You have brought into my life on earth.

Amen