Today's Godly Reminder - Joshua 24:15

In this verse, Joshua calls upon the Lord’s people to make a decision. He was literally saying, “If it seems like serving the Lord is the wrong thing to do, then choose whom you will serve.”  He then makes that bold statement that he and his house, or family, would serve the Lord.  Make no mistake, Joshua declared that he and his family would serve the one true God…Jehovah. It is so impressive that Joshua, as the head of his family, declared that his family would serve the Lord.  He rightfully took upon Himself to lead his wife and children in obedience to God’s Word. 

Let me ask you, fellow believer, do you fear the Lord?  Do you reverence Him above all?  Do you desire to serve Him in sincerity and truth?  Do you desire to have the Lord as your ‘all in all’? As a child of God, give the Lord your whole heart.  Fix your eyes upon Him and learn of Him and His ways.  Make that choice today. 

The Daily Grace - You Have Purpose

On a hot day in Western Texas, my niece Vania saw a woman standing by a stoplight and holding up a sign. As she drove closer, she tried to read what the sign said, assuming it was a request for food or money. Instead, she was surprised to see these three words: "You Have Purpose".

God has created each of us for a specific purpose. Primarily that purpose is to bring honor to Him, and one way we do that is by meeting the needs of others (1 Peter 4:10-11). A mother of young children may find purpose in wiping runny noses and telling her kids about Jesus. An employee in an unsatisfying job might find his purpose in doing his work conscientiously, remembering it is the Lord he is serving (Col. 3:23-24). A woman who has lost her sight still finds purpose in praying for her children and grandchildren and influencing them to trust God.

Psalm 139 says that before we were born "all the days ordained for [us] were written in [His] book" (v. 16). We are "fearfully and wonderfully made" to bring glory to our Creator (v. 14). Never forget: You have purpose! Even when everything seems meaningless, God still has a purpose for your life.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, we can't thank You enough for Your passionate love for us. Help us to see that You bring us together in this beautiful body of believers known as Your church. 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.

I pray for commitment and enthusiasm in every good work, showing the happiness and cheerfulness that comes only when we work for You. Let me live in Your presence. Give me patience in difficulties, Lord, being happy and cheerful as I place my trust in You. 

May the Passion of Christ be ever in my heart. May Your law and Your goodness guide my every thought, O Lord. And may the power of Your Holy Spirit flow through my words and my actions today, and always.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Ephesians 2:10

We are God's own masterwork. We are His work of art. We are reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed and ready to be used for good works. He did this so that we will live the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing. God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That’s why he sent Christ to make us what we are.

The Daily Grace - Feeling Insignificant?

We are among seven billion people who coexist on a tiny planet that resides in a small section of a rather insignificant solar system. Our earth, in reality, is just one minuscule blue dot among millions of celestial bodies that God created. On the gigantic canvas that is our universe, our beautiful, majestic Earth appears as a tiny speck of dust. That could make us feel extremely unimportant and inconsequential.

However, God's Word suggests that just the opposite is true. Our great God, who "measured the waters in the hollow of his hand" (Isa. 40:12), has singled out each person on this planet as supremely important, for we are made in His image. For instance, He has created everything for us to enjoy (1 Tim. 6:17). Also, for all who have trusted Jesus as Savior, God has given purpose (Eph. 2:10). And then there's this: Despite the vastness of this world, God cares specifically about each of us. 

Psalm 139 says He knows what we are going to say and what we are thinking. We can't escape His presence, and He planned our earthly existence before we were born. We don't need to feel unimportant when the God of the universe is that interested in us! The God who created the universe is the God who loves you.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, I look out into the vastness of the heavens and I see the grandeur of Your infinite power. Yet, You look at me from heaven and see someone You know, love, and care about. Thank You that You find value in me.

Open my eyes, gracious Lord, as I turn to Your word. I long to know You, to understand life, and to be changed. Examine me, Lord, by the floodlight of Your truth.

Grant me the grace to have freedom of the spirit. Cleanse my heart and soul so I may live joyously in Your love. In Christ's name, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 139:14

You are God's Masterpiece, His wonderful and marvelous creation. As well all know, God is a perfect One. He has no flaws. Even his creation, everything He made is perfect, so you are. You are wonderful and marvelous, created by the Lord.

By God's wise designing, we are wonderfully made. Every part essential and in perfect balance laid. Every part of us is uniquely made. We are indeed made in His own perfect image. We are wonderfully made by the perfect God.