Day 48 - Finding Peace

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

JOHN 16:33 NKJV

"Oftentimes, our outer struggles are simply manifestations of the inner conflict that we feel when we stray from God's path. Jesus offers us peace, not as the world gives, but as He gives. Our challenge is to accept Christ's peace into our hearts and then, as best we can, to share His peace with our neighbours. When we accept Jesus as our personal Saviour, we are transformed by His grace. We are then free to accept the spiritual abundance and peace that can be ours through the power of the risen Christ.

Have you found the genuine peace that can be yours through Jesus Christ? Or are you still rushing after the illusion of "peace and happiness" that the world promises but cannot deliver? Today, as gift to yourself, to your family, and to your friends, claim the inner peace that is your spiritual birthright: the peace of Jesus Christ. It it offered freely; it has been paid for in full; it is yours for the asking. So ask. And then share" p98

TODAY'S TODAY

Dear Lord, let me accept the peace and abundance that You offer through Your Son Jesus. You are the Giver of all things good, Father, and You give me peace when I draw close to You. Help me to trust Your will, to follow Your commands, and to accept Your peace, today and forever. Amen

Day 47 - Look Up And Move On

All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with wickedness. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

EPHESIANS 4:31 -32 HCSB

"The world holds few if any rewards for those who remain angrily focused upon the past" p96

"Being frail, fallible, imperfect human beings, most of us are quick to anger, quick to blame, slow to forgive and slower to forget. Yet as Christians, we are commanded to forgive others, just as we, too, have been forgiven." p96

"..if you are embittered against yourself for some past mistake or shortcoming, it's finally time to forgive yourself and move on. Hatred and bitterness, and regret are not part of Part God's plan for your life. Forgiveness is." p96

"Be so preoccupied with good will that you haven't room for ill will." p96

"Acrid bitterness inevitably seeps though the lives of people who harbour grudges and suppress anger, and bitterness is always a poison." - LEE STROBEL p97

"Anger breeds remorse in the heart, discord in the home, bitterness in the community, and confusion in the state. - BILLY GRAHAM p97

"Bitterness is the trap that snares the hunter." - MAX LUCADO p97

TODAY'S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, free me from anger and bitterness. When I am angry, I cannot feel the peace that You intend for my life life. When I am angry, I cannot sense You presence. Keep me mindful that forgiveness is Your commandment. Let me turn away from bitterness and instead claim the spiritual abundance that You offer through the gift of Your Son. Amen.

Day 46 - Be Optimistic

My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

PSALM 23:5-6 NKJV

"Are you an optimistic, hopeful christian? You should be. After all, as a believer, you have every reason to be optimistic about life here on earth and life eternal. As C. H. Spurgeon observed, "Our hope in Christ for the future is the mainstream of joy". But Sometimes, you may find yourself pulled down by the inevitable demands and worries of life here on earth. If you find yourself discouraged, stressed, or both then it's time to take your concerns to God. When you do, He will lift your spirits and renew your strength. 

Today, make this promise to yourself and keep it: vow to be a hope-filled Christian. Think optimistically about your life, your profession, your family and your future. Trust your hopes, not your fears. Take time to celebrate God's glorious creation. And then, when you've filled your heart with hope and gladness, share your optimism with others. They'll be better for it, and so will you" p94

"Go forward confidently, energetically attacking problems expecting favourable outcomes" - NORMAN VINCENT PEALE, p94

"The popular idea of faith is of a certain obstinate optimism: the hope, tenaciously held in the face of trouble, that the universe is fundamentally friendly and things may get better." - J. I. PACKER, p95

"The people whom I have seen succeed best in life have always been cheerful and hopeful people who went about their business and with a smile on their faces." - CHARLES KINGSLEY, p95

"No Christian can be a pessimist, for Christianity is a system of radical optimism." - WILLIAM RALPH INGE, p95

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, I will look for the best in other people. I will expect the best from You, and I will try my best to do my best - today and everyday. Amen

Day 45 - The Art Of Acceptence

Come to terms with God and be at peace; in this way good will come to you. 

JOB 22:21 HCSB

"Sometimes, we must accept life on its terms, not our own. Life has a way of unfolding, not as we will, but as it will" p92

"When events transpire that are beyond our control, we have a choice: we can either learn the art of acceptance, or we can make ourselves miserable as we struggle to change the unchangeable." p92

We must entrust the things we cannot change to God." p92

"Surrender to the Lord is not a tremendous sacrifice, not an argonising performance. It is the most sensible thing you can do" - CORRIE TEN BOOM p92

"How changed our lives would be if we could only fly through the days on wings of surrender and trust! - HANNAH WHITHALL SMITH

TODAY'S PRAYER

Father, the events of this world unfold according to a plan that I cannot fully understand. But You understand. Help me to trust You Lord, even when I am grieving. Help me to trust You even when I am confused. Today, in whatever circumstances I find myself, let me trust Your will and accept Your love ...completely. Amen

Day 44 - Managing Money In Turbulent Times

Keep your lives free from the love and money, and be satisfied with what you have.

HEBREWS 13:5 NCV

"Winston Churchill once observed, "Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."p90

"As you live and learn about life, you should expect to make mistakes ...but you should not allow those missteps to rob you of the enthusiasm you need to fulfill God's plan for your life" p90

"We are imperfect people living in an imperfect world; mistakes are simply part of the price we pay for being here. But, even though mistakes are an inevitable part of life's journey, repeated mistakes should not be. When we commit the inevitable missteps of life, we must correct them, learn from them, and pray for the wisdom not to repeat them. When we do, our mistakes become lessons, and our lives become adventures in growth, not stagnation." p90

"Here's a recipe for handling money wisely: Take a heaping helping of common sense, add a sizeable portion of self-discipline and mix with prayer" - MARIE T. FREEMAN p91

"Discipline understands that the best way to get rich quick is to get rich slow." - DAVE RAMSEY p91

"If you work hard and maintain an attitude of gratitude, you'll find it easier to manage your finances every day" - JOHN MAXWELL p91

TODAY'S PRAYER

Lord, there are many things I desire, and many things I may never have. But I can have peace. I will trust You to care for my needs, Father, today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen

Day 43 - Worried?

Give your worries to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will never let good people down.

PSALM 55:22 NCV

"Because life is sometimes difficult, and because we have understandable fear about the uncertainty of the future, we worry. At times, we may find ourselves fretting over the countless details of everyday life. We may worry about our relationships, our finances, our health, or any number of potential problems, some large and some small.

If you're a "worrier" by nature, it's probably time to rethink the way that you think! Perhaps you've formed an unfortunate habit of focusing too intently on negative aspects of life while spending too little time counting your blessings. If so, take your worries to God ...and leave them there. When you do, you'll learn to worry a little less and to trust God a little more - and that's as it should be because God is trustworthy, you are protected, and your future can be intensly bright." p88

"Things can be difficult for us, but nothing is too hard for Him." - CHARLES STANLEY p89

"Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business. If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future, I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now" - ELISABETH ELLIOT p89

 TODAY'S PRAYER

Lord, You sent Your Son to live as a man on this earth, and You know what it means to be completely human. You understand my worries and my fears, Lord, and You forgive me when I am weak. When my faith begins to wane, help me, Lord, to trust You more. Then, with Your Holy Word on my lips and with the love of Your Son in my heart, let me live courageously, faithfully, prayerfully, and thankfully today and every day. Amen

Day 42 - Understand Depression

Why am I depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Saviour and my God.

PSALM 42:11 HCSB

"If you find yourself feeling "blue", perhaps it's a logical reaction to the ups and downs of daily life. But if your feelings of sadness have gone on longer than you think they should - or if someone close to you fears that your sadness may evolved into clinical depression - it's time to seek professional help." p86

"When we face the inevitable dark days of life, we must choose how we will respond." p86

"We bring light to the dark days of our life by turning first to God, and then to trusted family members, friends and medical professionals." p84

"Emotions we have not poured out in the safe hands of God can turn into feelings of hopelessness and depression. God is safe." - BETH MOORE p87

"Self blame over the past leads to depression in the present and poor decisions for the future." - BARBARA JOHNSON p87

"Feelings of uselessness and hopelessness are not from God, but from the evil one, the devil, who wants to discourage you and thwart your effectiveness for the Lord." - BILL BRIGHT p87

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, You have promised to lift me up from the pit of my despair, and You have promised to place a new song on my lips. If the darkness envelops me. Father, remind me of those promises. And Give me the wisdom to accept help from the people You have placed along my path. Amen

Day 41 - Out of Balance

Grow a wise heart - you'll do yourself a favour; keep a clear head - you'll find a good life.

PROVERBS 19:8 MSG

"...life is a delicate balancing act, ...over-commitment on one side and under-commitment on the other" p84

Don't fall "...prey to pride (which causes us to do too much) or fear (which causes us to do too little)." p84

"It is important that we take time out for ourselves- for relaxation, for refreshment" - RUTH BELL GRAHAM p85

"Always remember that we can learn to control our weaknesses through the power of the Holy Spirit and in doing so become well-balenced individuals who cannot be controlled by satan." - JOYCE MEYER

"Does God care about all the responsibilities we have to juggle in our daily lives? Of course. But He cares more that our lives demonstrate balance, the ability to discern what is essential and give ourselves fully to it" - PENELOPE STOKES p85

TODAY'S PRAYER

Father, let me find contentment and balance. Let Your priorities be my priorities, and when I have done my best, give me the wisdom to place my faith and my trust in You. Amen

Day 40 - In His Hands

Don't brashly announce what you're going to do tomorrow; you don't know the first thing about tomorrow.

PROVERBS 27:1 MSG

"...God has promised that we are His throughout eternity. And, He has told us that we must place our hopes in Him" p82

"Of course, we will face disappointment and failure while we are here on earth, but these are only temporary defeats." p82

"God has promised us peace, joy, and eternal life". p82

"Today, as you live in the present and look to the future, remember that God has a plan for you. Act-and believe - accordingly." p82

"That we may not complain of what is, let us see God's hand in all events; and, that we may not be afraid of what shall be, let us see all events in God's hand." - MATTHEW HENRY p83

"Hoping for a good future without investing in today is like a farmer waiting for a crop without ever planting any seeds." - JOHN MAXWELL p83

"Tomorrow's history has already been written - at the name of Jesus every knee must bow." - PAUL E KAUFFMAN p83

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, as I look to the future, I will place my trust in You. If I become discouraged, I will turn to You. If I am weak, I will seek strength in You. You are my Father, and I will place my hope, my trust and my faith in You. Amen

Day 39 - Saying Yes To God

Cast Your Burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

PSALM 55:22 NASB

"Your decision to seek a deeper relationship with God will not remove all problems from your life; to the contrary, it will bring about a series of personal crises as you constantly seek to say "yes" to God although the world encourages you to do otherwise. You live in a word that seeks to snare your attention and lead you away from God. Each time you are tempted to distance yourself from the Creator, you will face a spiritual crises. A few of these crises may be monumental in scope, but most will be the small, everyday decisions of life. In fact, life here on earth can be seen as one test after another - and with each crises comes yet another opportunity to grow closer to God...or to distance yourself from from His plan for your life.

Today, you will face many opportunities to say "yes" to your Creator - and you will also encounter many opportunities to say "no" to Him. Your answers will determine the quality of your day and the direction of your life, so answer carefully...very carefully" p80

"The only way to learn a strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid the most sever of tests." - GEORGE MULLER, p81

"Recently I've been learning that life comes downs to this: God is in everything. Regardless of what difficulties I am experiencing at the moment, or what things aren't as I would like them to be, I look at the circumstances and say, "Lord, what are you trying to teach me?" - CATHERINE MARSHALL, p81

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, when life seems chaotic, remind me of Your love and protection. Difficult times provide opportunities for me to grow closer to You. Thank You for all that this day has to offer. Amen

Day 38 - Getting Enough Rest

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yolk upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yolk is easy and my burden is light.

MATTHEW 11:28-30 NIV

"We live in a world that temps us to stay up late - very late. But too much late-night TV, combined with too little sleep, is a prescription for exhaustion" p78

"Jesus promised us that when we come to Him, He will give us rest- but we too, must do our part. We must take the necessary steps to insure that we have sufficient rest and that we take care of our bodies in other ways, too." p78

"...physical health is a choice: it is the result of hundreds of small decisions that we make every day of our lives. If we make decisions that promote good health, our bodies respond. But if we fall into bad habits and undisciplined lifestyles, we suffer tragic consequences." p79

"Are your physical and spiritual batteries running low?...Are your emotions frayed? If so, it's time to turn your thoughts and your prayers to God's Son. And when you're finished, it's probably time to turn off the lights and go to bed!" p79

"Taking care of yourself physically really helps emotionally. People who get a lot of sleep, and who do the things that relieve stress, can withstand more stress" - LAURA BUSH p79

"Satan does some of his worst work on exhausted Christian when nerves are frayed and their minds are faint."  -VANCE HAVNER p79

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, when I'm tired, give me the wisdom to do the smart thing: give me the wisdom to put my head on my pillow and rest! Amen

Wise Words From Mary Kay No. 1 - Programming Yourself

I'm currently reading several books on the go, including May Kay's, You Can Have It All. I really like this book because it offers me positive things to think about as I progress through my life, but mainly  through my life in "faith". As I have been reading this book, I have noted quotes that I've found positive and useful to me and others around me. 

As well as stating quotes from "100 DAYS OF OF SERENITY: PEACEFUL LIVING THROUGH TURBULENT TIMES", I will now also be adding quotes that I find of use to me from Mary Kay's book as well, - as it's all helpful!

I would like to start with a section of the book, under the heading: Programming Yourself, in which Mary Kay discuss' how, even if we don't think we are, we are all programmed to do something, even each animal......

We are not just here to be idle!

PROGRAMMING YOURSELF

"The Human mind is incredible. And, for that matter so are the minds of all living creatures, large and small. God programmed a tiny spider, for instance, to weave a web. And, if you have ever looked closely at a spiderweb, you know it's a complicated design. He programmed a salmon to swim thousands of miles upstream to the exact location where it was hatched.

One of my favourites of God's trillions of miracles is the swallows that arrives in San Jose Capistrano, California, on March 19. What's so amazing is that the swallow arrive every year on the same date ...after flying six thousand miles across the ocean from Argentina. Then, every October, they make the return trip. For years, bird watchers wondered how little birds that can't swim can fly such a long distance nonstop. Then they discovered that every time the little swallows start their long flight, each one picks up a tiny twig to carry over the ocean. Now that's a heavy burden for a swallow! But the twig is quite necessary. Placing the twig on the surface of the water, where it floats, the swallow rests upon it. Following the break, each swallow picks up its twig and flies off again.

If the brains of spiders, salmon, and swallows can be programmed to perform such feats, imagine the capacity of a human brain.  Our brain is sometimes compared to a computer. Using this analogy, the human brain is by far the most intricate computer on the face of the earth, far superior to any man-made computer.

As everybody knows, a computer must be properly programmed in order to operate at maximum capacity. We, too, must programme ourselves to achieve our maximum potential." - MARY KAY p62-3

Day 37 - Perspective For Today

Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. 

PROVERBS 4:6 NLT

In this life "what is needed is a fresh perspective, a restored sense of balance...and God" p76

"Negative thoughts are habit-forming; thankfully, so are positive ones. With practice you can form the habit of focusing on God's priorities and your possibilities." p76

"When you call upon the Lord and prayerfully seek His will, He will give you wisdom and perspective. When you make God's priorities your priorities, He will direct your steps and calm your fears. So today and everyday hereafter: pray for a sense of balance and perspective. And remember: your thoughts are intensely powerful things, so handle them with care." p76

"Earthly fears are no fears at all. Answer the big question of eternity, and the little questions of life fall into perspective." MAX LUCADO p76

"When we look at the individual parts of our lives, some things appear unfair and unpleasant. When we take them out of the context of the big picture, we easily drift into the attitude that we deserve better, and the tumble down into the pit of pride begins" - SUSAN HUNT p77

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow" - MELODY BEATTIE

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, when the pace of my life becomes frantic, slow me down and give me perspective. Give me the wisdom to realise that the problems of today are only temporary but that Your love is eternal. When I become discouraged, keep me steady and sure, so that I might do Your will here on earth and then live with You forever in Heaven. Amen

Day 36 - Controlling Your Emotions

Don't abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you; love her, and she will guard you.

PROVERBS 4:6 HCSB

"...control your emotions before they control you" p74

"...learn to live by faith, not by the ups and downs of our own emotional roller coasters."p74

"Sometime during this day, you will probably be gripped by a strong negative feeling. Distrust it. Reign it in. Test it. And turn it over to God. Your emotions will inevitably change; God will not. So trust Him completely as you watch those negative feelings slowly evaporate into thin air - which, of course, they will" p74

"If you are going to be a person who is committed to the Word of God, you will have to learn to be led by the spirit and not by your emotions" p75 - JOYCE MEYER

TODAY'S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, You are my strength and my refuge. As I journey through this day, I will encounter events that cause me emotional distress. Lord when I am troubled, let me turn to You. Keep me steady, Lord and in those difficult moments, renew a right spirit inside my heart. Amen

Day 35 - The Right Priorities

We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourself in Christ, and be up and about!

ROMANS 13:13-14 MSG

"When you make God's priorities your priorities, you will receive God's abundance and His peace. When you make God a full partner in every aspect of your life, He will lead you along the proper path: His path. When you allow God to reign over your heart, He will honour you with spiritual blessings that are simply too numerous to count. So, as you plan for the day ahead, make God's will your ultimate priority. When you do, every other priority will have a tendency to fall neatly into place." p72

" There were endless demands on Jesus' time. Still He was able to make that amazing claim of "completing the work you gave me to do." (John 17:4 NIV) - ELISABETH ELLIOT p73

"Have you prayed about your resources lately? Find out how God wants you to use your time and your money. No matter what it costs, forsake all that is not of God" - KAY ARTHUR p73

"Forgetting your mission leads, inevitably, to getting tangled up in details-details that can take you completely off your path"  - LAURIE BETH JONES p73

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, make me a person of unwavering commitment to You. Guide me away from the temptations and distractions of this world, so that I might honour You with my thoughts, my actions, and my prayers. Amen 

Day 34 - The Morning Watch

Every morning He wakes me. He teaches me to listen like a student. The Lord God helps me to learn....

ISAIAH 50:4-5 NCV

"Every new day is a gift from God, and if you are wise, you will spend a few quiet moments each morning thanking the Giver" p70

"When you begin each new day with your head bowed and your heart lifted, you are reminded of God's love..... Then you can align your priorities for the coming day with the teachings and commandments that God has placed upon your heart" p70

"...if you've acquired the habit of trying to "squeeze" God into the corners of your life, it's time to reshuffle the items on your to-do list by placing God first." p70

"How motivating it has been for me to view my early morning devotions as time of retreat alone with Jesus, who desires that I "come with Him by myself to a quiet place" in order to pray, read His Word, listen for His voice, and be renews in my spirit." - ANNE GRAHAM  LOTZ p71

"I suggest you discipline yourself to spend time daily in a systematic reading of God's Word, Make this "quiet time" a priority that nobody can change" - WARREN WIERSBE p71

TODAY'S PRAYER

Lord, help me to hear Your direction for my life in the quiet moments when I study Your Holy Word. And as I go about my daily activities, let everything that I say and do be pleasing to You. Amen

Day 33- Beating Stress One Day At A Time

This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

PSALM 118:24 NKJV

"You live in a world that is brimming with demands, distraction, and deadlines..." p68

"...this day, like every other day, is a gift from the Father... Will you celebrate it use it for His purpose?... You'll discover that when you turn things over to Him - when you allow God to rule over every part of your life - He will calm your fears and guide your steps." p68

"No challenge is too great for Him"

"Prescription for a happier and healthier life: resolve to slow down your pace; learn to say no gracefully; resist temptation to chase after more pleasure, more hobbies, and more social entanglements" - JAMES DOBSON, p69

TODAY'S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, You never leave or forsake me. Even when I am troubled by the demands of the day, You are always with me, protecting me and encouraging me. Whatever today may bring, I thank You for Your love and Your strength. Let me lean upon You, Father, this day and forever. Amen

Day 32 - The Struggle Against Worldliness

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

ROMANS 12:2 NASB

"We live in the world, but we should not worship it- yet at every turn, or so it seems, we are tempted to do otherwise. As Warren Wiesbe correctly observed, "Because the world is deceptive, it is dangerous."

The 21st-Century world we live in is a noisy, stressed-filled, distracting place, a place that offers countless temptations and dangers. The world seems to cry, "Worship me with your time, your money, your energy, your thoughts, and your life!" but if we are wise, we won't fall prey to that temptation.

C S Lewis said, "Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in; aim at earth and you will get neither."... You're likely to hit what you aim at, so aim high ...aim at Heaven"p66

"The Lord Jesus Christ is still praying for us. He wants us to be in the world but not of it" - CHARLES STANLEY p67

"The more we stuff ourselves with material pleasures, the less we seem to appreciate life" - BARBARA JOHNSON p67

"All those who look to draw their satisfaction from the wells of the world - pleasure, popularity, position, possession, politics, power, prestige, finances, family, fame, fortune, career, children, church, clubs, sports, sex, success, recognition, reputation, religion, education, entertainment, excersise, honours, health, hobbies - will soon be thirsty again!" - ANNE GRAHAM LOTZ p67

TODAY'S PRAYER

 Lord, this world is a crazy place, and I have many opportunities to stray from Your commandments. Help me turn to obey You! Let me keep Christ in my heart, and let me put the devil in his place: far away from me! AMEN

Day 31- A Renewed sense of Purpose

You will show me the path of life; in Your Presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

PSALM 16:11 NKJV

"...even if you don't have a clear plan for the next step in your life's journey, you may rest assured that God does." p64

"God has a plan for the universe, and He has a plan for you. He understands that as thoroughly and completely as He knows you. If you seek God's will earnestly and prayerfully, He will make His plan known to you in His own time and in His own way" p64

"...be patient and keep seeking His will for your life. When you do, you'll be amazed at the marvellous things that an all powerful, all-knowing God can do." p65

"God does not discipline us to subdue us, but to condition us for a life of usefulness and blessedness." - BILLY GRAHAM p65

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, let Your purpose be my purpose. Let Your priorities be my priorities. Let Your will be my will. Let Your Word, be my guide. And let me grow in faith and in wisdom today and every day. Amen

Day 30 - Time For Renewal

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.

Ezekiel 36:26 HCSB

"When we find ourselves tired, discouraged, or worse, there is a source from which we can draw the power needed to recharge our spiritual batteries. That source is God" p62

"God intends that His children lead joyous lives filled with abundance and peace. but sometimes, abundance and peace seem far away. It is then that we must turn to God for renewal, and when we do, He will restore us" p62

"God specialises in things fresh and firsthand. His plans for you this year may outshine those of the past. He's prepared to fill your days with reason to give Him praise" - JONI EARECSON TADA p63

"Repentance removes old sins and wrong attitudes, and it opens the way for the Holy Spirit to restore our spiritual health" - SHIRLEY DOBSON p63

TODAY'S PRAYER

Lord, You are my rock and my strength. When I grow weary, let me turn my thoughts and my prayers to you. When I am discouraged, restore my faith in You. Let me always trust in Your promises, Lord, and let me draw strength from those promises and from Your unending love. Amen

Day 29 - When Times are Tough, Get busy

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.

COLOSSIANS 3:23 NKJV

"It isn't easy to overcome tough times - it takes hard work and lots of it. So if you're facing adversity of any kind, you can be sure that God has important work for you to do" p60

"When times are tough, we must summon the courage and determination to work ourselves out of trouble" p60

"God has created a world in which diligence is rewarded and sloth in not. So whatever you choose to do, do it with commitment, excitement, and vigour. God didn't create you for a life of mediocrity or pain; He created you for far greater things." p60

"Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, but give as the determination to make the right things happen" - PETER MARSHALL p61

"God has lots of folks who intend to work for Him "some day". What God needs is more people who are willing to work for Him this day" - MARIE T. FREEMAN p61

TODAY'S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, when I am fearful, keep me mindful that You are my protector and my salvation. Give me strength, Lord, to face the challenges of this day as I gain my courage from You. Amen

Day 28 - In Turbulent Times, Consider The Possibilities

For nothing will be impossible with God

LUKE 1:37 HCSB

"Ours is a God of infinite possibilities" p58

"...sometimes, because of limited faith and limited understanding, we wrongly assume that God cannot or will not intervene in the affairs of mankind. Such assumptions are simply wrong" p58

"Your challenge, as a believer, is to take God at His word, and to expect the miraculous" p58

"God specialises in things thought impossible" - CATHERINE MARSHALL p59

"If all things are possible with God, then all things are possible to him who believes in Him" - CORRIE TEN BOOM p59

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, give me the courage to dream and the faithfulness to trust in Your perfect plan for my life. When I am worried, give me strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Today, Father, I will trust You and honour You with my thoughts, with my prayers, with my actions, and with my dreams. Amen

Day 27 - Defeating Procrastination

When you make a vow to God, don't delay fulfilling it, because He does not delight in fools. Fulfil what you vow. 

ECCLESIASTES 5:4 HCSB

"When turbulent times arrive, it's easy (and tempting) to avoid those hard-to-do tasks that you would prefer to avoid altogether. But the habit of procrastination takes a double toll: First , important work goes unfinished, and second, valuable energy is wasted in the process of putting off the things that remain undone." p56

"...stop waiting for the perfect moment and focus, instead, on finding the right moment to do what needs to be done. Then, trust God and get busy. When you do, you'll discover that you and the Father, working together, can accomplish great things ...and that you can accomplish them sooner rather then later."p56

"Not now becomes never" - MARTIN LUTHER KING p57

"Do noble things, do not dream them all day long" - CHARLES KINGSLEY p57

"Do the unpleasant work first and enjoy the rest of the day" - MARIE T.FREEMAN p57

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, when I am confronted with things that need to be done, give me the courage and the wisdom to do them now, not later. Amen

Day 26 - Today Is A New Beginning

You are being renewed in the spirit of your minds; you put on the new man, the one created according to God's likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.

EPHESIANS 4:23-24 HCSB

"Consider this day a new beginning. Consider it a fresh start, and a renewed opportunity to serve your Creator with willing hands and a loving heart. Ask God to renew your sense of purpose as He guides your steps. Today is a glorious opportunity to serve God. Seize that opportunity while you can; tomorrow may indeed be too late" p54

"No man need stay the way he is" 

- HARRY EMERSON FOSDICK p55

"More often than not, when something looks like it's the absolute end, it is really the beginning" 

- CHARLES SWINDON p55

TODAY'S PRAYER

O Lord, my Creater, conform me to Your image. Create in me a clean heart, a new heart that reflects Your love for me. When I need to change, change me, Lord and make me new. Amen

In Case You Would Like To Read This For Yourself

I'm currently reading, 100 Days Of Serenity: Peaceful Living Through Turbulent Times by Steven Arterburn. If you think you would be interested in reading this book too (in its entirety, rather than selected quotes by me), then I'm sure you can order it from the internet. It's a really good little book that can give you some useful insights into how to remember God during these not-so-great days.

Day 25 - Finding Strength in Turbulent Times

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

PHILLIPIANS 4:13 NKJV

"God's love and support never changes. From cradle to the grave, God has promised to give you the strength to meet any challenge." p52

"The same God who empowered Samson, Gideon, and Paul seeks to empower my life and your life, because God hasn't changed." - BILL HYBELS p53

"A divine strength is given to those who yield themselves to the Father and obey what He tells them to do" - WARREN WIERSBE p53

TODAY'S PRAYER

Lord, sometimes life is difficult. Sometimes, I am worried, weary or heartbroken. But, when I lift my eyes to You, Father, You strengthen me. When I am weak, You lift me up. Today, I turn to you, Lord for my strength, for my hope, and for my salvation. Amen

Day 24 - The Need To Forgive

All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgive one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

EPHESIANA 4:31-32 HCSB

"It has been said that life is an exercise in forgiveness. And it should be added that forgiveness is an essential step in overcoming tough times."p50

"Do you invest more time than you should reliving the past? Are you troubled be feelings of anger, bitterness, envy, or regret? Do you harbour ill will against someone whom you simply can't seem to forgive? If so, it's time to finally get serious about forgiveness."p50

"Until you forgive, you are trapped in a prison of your own creation" p51

"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you" - C S LEWIS p51

TODAY'S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, forgiveness is Your commandment, and I know that I should forgive others just as You have forgiven me. But, genuine forgiveness is difficult. Help me to forgive those who have injured me, and deliver me from the traps of anger and bitterness. Forgiveness is Your way, Lord; let it be mine. Amen

Day 23 - Worship Him Every Day

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

JOHN 4:24 HCSB

"God's Word makes it clear: we should offer our Creator the praise and worship He desrves - and we shouldn't wait until Sunday morning to do so. Yet we live in a distraction-filled society that encourages us to make praise and worship a one-day-a-week activity.

If we allow the distractions of everyday living to interfere with the practice of regular worship and praise - or if we yield to the countless temptations of our world - we find ourselves engaged in a struggle between good and evil, a clash between God and satan. Our responses to these struggles have implications that echo throughout our families and throughout our communities.

Do you take time each day to worship your father in Heaven, or do you wait until Sunday morning to praise Him for His blessings? The answer to this question will, in large part, determine the quality and direction of your spiritual life on good times and in turbulent times.

Every day provides opportunities to put God where He belongs: at the centre of our lives. When we do so, we worship Him not only with our words, but also with our deeds, and that's as it should be. For believers, God comes first. Always first."p 48-49

TODAY'S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, let today and every day be a time of worship. Let me worship You, not only with words and deeds, but also with my heart. In the quiet moments of the day let me praise You and thank You for creating me, loving me, guiding me, and saving me.Amen 

p49