Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, may I always remember that no matter the day and whatever hardship I face, You are with me, extending your hand in love. Help me to be open to Your guidance, knowing that you want what is best for me, only asking in return sorrow for my sins and my willingness to do good. May Your Holy Spirit, who is with me, guide me in everything I think and do, this day and always.

Our world and our lives do have much chaos and confusion. We need You to restore our souls. Help us to live as You want us to live - loving others.

There are people praying with me, right now, whom I will never meet. I don't know their names, or what country they live in, or what they may look like, but I will know their souls, for we are brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray that we might be united in the Holy Spirit, and that I will know and feel the kinship and love, in my spirit, of those who share these prayers with me.

Amen.

Today's Godly Reminder - Luke 9:6

This verse is talking about evangelism. The disciples are the ones who was talked about here. They spread out the good news to the people in the villages, proclaiming His greatness. And, the disciples were really eager to do evangelism in the community.

Let us be like the disciples. Don't be ashamed of the gospel. Spread the Good News so that the people will be saved and experience eternity. It is indeed a great reward when we bring lost souls in His throne. It is a victory party in Heaven. So, spread the Good News in your community.

The Daily Grace - Come to Me

When Jesus lived on this earth, He invited people to come to Him, and He still does today (John 6:35). But what do He and His Father in heaven have that we need?

1. Salvation = Jesus is the only way to have forgiveness of sin and the promise of heaven. "Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:15, NKJV).

2. Purpose = We are to give all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength to follow Jesus. "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (Mark 8:34).

3. Comfort = In trial or sorrow, the "God of all comfort. . . comforts us in all our troubles" (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

4. Wisdom = We need wisdom beyond our own for making decisions. "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, . . . and it will be given to you" (James 1:5).

5. Strength = When we're weary, "the Lord gives strength to his people" (Ps. 29:11).

6. Abundant life = The fullest life is found in a relationship with Jesus. "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).

Jesus said, "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away" (John 6:37). How can you grow closer to God today? Jesus invites us to come to Him for life. Come!

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your peace. When I find it hard to hear Your voice, help me check in, and locate peace. I want to do what You want me to do.

Direct my steps, O God, toward the actions You want me to take to help someone in need. Thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your work on earth. Forgive me for not following peace in past decisions.

I'm ready to go deeper in my understanding of how to be led by you. Teach me, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - John 6:35

Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever." It means that no one coming to Him will ever be hungry again. And, those believing in Him will never thirst. Jesus is talking about our spiritual life here. We will never be drained spiritually if we will just cling to Him.

He is the bread that gives life! Come to Him. Have faith in Him. Experience overflowing blessings when you just put your faith in our living God.

The Daily Grace - The Cyrus Cylinder

In 1879, archaeologists discovered a remarkable little item in an area now known as Iraq (biblical Babylon). Just 9 inches long, the Cyrus Cylinder records something that King Cyrus of Persia did 2,500 years ago. It says that Cyrus allowed a group of people to return to their homeland and rebuild their "holy cities".

It's the same story told in Ezra 1. There, we can read that "the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia" to make a proclamation (v. 1). Cyrus said he was releasing the captives in Babylon to go home to Jerusalem, re-establish their homes, and rebuild their temple (vv. 2-5). But there's more to the story. Daniel confessed his sins and his people's sins and pleaded with God to end the Babylonian captivity (Dan. 9). In response, God sent an angel to speak to Daniel (v. 21). Later, He moved Cyrus to release the Hebrews. (See also Jer. 25:11-12; 39:10).

Together, the Cyrus Cylinder and God's Word combine to show us that the king's heart was changed and he allowed the exiled Hebrews to go home and worship. This story has great implications for us today. In a world that seems out of control, we can rest assured that God can move the hearts of leaders. We can read in Proverbs 21:1 that "the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord" (NKJV). And Romans 13:1 says that "there is no authority except that which God has established". The Lord, who is able to change our own hearts as well as our leaders', can be trusted for He is in control. Let's ask Him to work. Rather than complain, pray.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, glory and praise to You, for filling me with life to live another day, for it is You who made me and not me myself. I resolve to spend this day in the presence of the Holy Spirit, filled with his joy and energy, that I might accomplish Your will, my God, and do what I can to deserve the joys of the day, for I know my time here is short. Be with me, oh Holy Spirit, to fill me with the energy and positivity and comfort that only You can bring.

The world seems out of control. We know You are sovereign over everything. We pray that Your will be done in the hearts of our leaders.

Oh God Almighty, 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. In Christ’s name, I pray that thy will be done.

Amen