Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
— Romans 12:15 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
We are not alone. God has given us each other to live our lives for him and get us back home to him. Along the way, we want to share each other's burdens, soar on each other's joys, and love each other's hurts. There is no such thing as a solo Christian.
My Prayer...
Loving Father, lead me to the people today who need their burdens lifted and their joys shared. Let me be your presence in the world of your children today. This I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- weekend trips with friends
- opportunities to see and do new things
- caring people
- God's love
- other Christians that help me on my journey
God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
— John 3:17 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
How do you view God? Is he someone looking for a way to condemn you? Is he an out of touch old man who doesn't really know what it's like in our modern world? Is he too holy to soil himself with the concerns of mere mortals and has left it up to us to work everything out for ourselves? No. NO. NO! God chose to enter our world and experience it from the side of mortality. God chose to enter our world, not to condemn us, or it, but to redeem it and each of us. Jesus is the great reminder that God longs to save us, not condemn us. Thank God for God! Thank God for Jesus who was and is God with us.
My Prayer...
Holy and Heavenly God, thank you that you live with those of us who are contrite and repentant and who long for your presence. You know we are only mortal, but you love us. You know that we are flawed, but you redeemed us. You know that we are not perfect, but sent Jesus as the perfect sacrifice to save us. Thank you. Through my Savior I offer my sincerest gratitude and praise. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- new beginnings and amazing opportunities
- being so blessed!
- happiness!
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
— James 1:19 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Have a brake on your tongue; hit the throttle on your ears. Let your angry email sit three days before responding and make sure you read it and edit it before you send it. Keep you mouth shut and your ears open. They all say the same thing. Now if we would just do it, wouldn't the Christian community be so much more blessed!
My Prayer...
Mighty and Holy God, you are incredible -- beyond my comprehending. How you put up with all the drivel, senseless and hurtful speech that I and your other children spew out is beyond my understanding. I ask that you release the Holy Spirit to convict my heart and guard my lips from any form of hurtful speech. I want my voice to be as much yours as my heart is. This I pray through Jesus. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- the wonderful man in my life! I am so blessed.
- get together nights with my sister and her family
- getting to know Derek's family
- clarity
- sunshine!
- picnics in the park
- waking up refreshed in the morning
- God's love
- apologies and do overs
- prayer
- fun dinner with great friends!
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Romans 15:5-6 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Unity comes from God's Spirit as we follow Jesus. But, unity has a purpose much deeper than our getting along with each other. Jesus prayed we would be one so that the world would know that God sent Jesus into the world as his Son (John 17). We want to be united so that our praise can bring glory to God. Unity is far more than a goal. Unity is a process through which the world learns of Jesus. At the same time, we glorify the Father who sent Jesus to save us. Leading others to Jesus and glorifying God are what living for Jesus is all about! Let's make unity our passion!
My Prayer...
Great and Almighty God, Eternal Strength for all who call on your name, I apologize and ask your forgiveness for everything I've done and every word I've spoken that have hurt others in your family and brought a wound to the unity of your Church. Please bless my efforts as I seek less of my will, seek to live for your glory, and seek to encourage others. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- answered prayers
- for sunshine
- light in darkness
- for friends who remind me things will be ok
- a new day to be closer to God
- reminders of things eternal
- hugs from friends
- things getting fixed
“When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot.” Psalm 34:6, THE MESSAGE
Run to Jesus. Jesus wants you to go to him. He wants to become the most important person in your life, the greatest love you’ll ever know. He wants you to love him so much that there’s no room in your heart and in your life for sin. Invite him to take up residence in your heart.
By Max Lucado
Thankful for God's unconditional love!
“Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” Psalm 139:7-8, NIV
Our asking “Where is God?” is like a fish asking “Where is water?” or a bird asking “Where is air?” God is everywhere! Equally present in Peking and Peoria. As active in the lives of Icelanders as in the lives of Texans.
We cannot find a place where God is not.
By Max Lucado
Today, I am thankful for God's faithfulness!
Oh, the depth and riches of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out.
— Romans 11:33 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
God's plan to save us is incredible. His blueprints for the creation of our universe are beyond our imagining. He is so rich in wisdom and knowledge. What else can we do but go to him and ask him to open our minds to his work and his will in our lives.
My Prayer...
Precious and Almighty Father, thank you for reawakening me each spring to the power of your sustaining presence in the world, but even more in my life. Bless me today as I seek to put you first in all I do. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- new beginnings
- wonderful friendship
He personally carried the load of our sins in his own body when he died on the cross, so that we can be finished with sin and live a good life from now on. For his wounds have healed ours! - 1 Peter 2:24
Today, I thankful for:
- loving friends
- productive days
- sunshine to dry up the rain
- giving hearts
- tragedy that makes relationships stronger
- new days to start over