Day 80 - Counting Your Blessings

Blessings crown the head of the righteous ...

PROVERBS 10:6 NIV

"Because we have been so richly blessed, we should make thanksgiving a habit, a regular part of your daily routines.  But sometimes, amid the stresses and obligations of everyday life, we may allow interruptions and distractions to interfere with the time we spend with God.

Have you counted your blessings today?  And have you thanked God for them? Hopefully so.  After all, God's gifts include your family, your friends, your talents, your opportunities, your possessions, ant the priceless gift of eternal life.  How glorious are these gifts ...and God is responsible for everyday life, pause and give thanks to the Creator.  He deserves your praise, and you deserve the experience of praising Him."p162

"God's kindness is not like the sunset - brilliant in its intensity, but dying every second.  God's [kindness and] generosity keeps coming and coming and coming." - BILL HYBELS p162

"When you and I are related to Jesus Christ, our strength and wisdom and peace and joy and love and hope may run out, but His life rushes in to keep us filled to the brim.  We are showered with blessings, not because of anything we have or have not done, but simply because of Him." - ANNE GRAHAM LOTZ p162

"Do we not continually pass by blessing innumerable without notice, and instead fix our eyes on what we feel to be our trials and our losses, and think and talk about these until our whole horizon is filled with them, and we almost begin to think we have no blessings at all?" - HANNAH WHITHALL SMITH p162

"God is more anxious to bestow His blessings on us than we are to receive them." - ST. AUGUSTINE

TODAY'S PRAYER

Lord, I have more blessings than I can count, and I praise You for gifts.  Let me use my talents and my possessions for You glory ...and for Your Son.  Amen

Day 79 - The Power of Patience

We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the faith hearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:14 NASB

"Life demands patience ...and lots of it!  We live in an imperfect world inhabited by imperfect people.  Sometimes, we inherit troubles from others, and sometimes we create trouble for ourselves,  In either case, what's required is patience.

Lamentations 3:25-26 reminds us that, "The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him and seek Him.  So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord" (NIV).  But, for most of us, waiting quietly for God is difficult,  Why?  Because we are fallible human beings, sometimes quick to anger and sometimes slow to forgive.

The next time you find your patience tested to the limit, remember that the world unfolds according to God's timetable, not ours.  Sometimes, we must wait patiently, and that's as it should be.  After all, think how patient God has been with us." P160

"Two signposts of faith: "Slow Down" and " Wait Here." - CHARLES STANLEY p160

"Our challenge is to wait in faith for the day of God's favour and salvation." - JIM CYMBALA p161

"God never hurries.  There are no deadlines against which He must work.  To know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves." - A. W. TOZER p161

"As we wait on God, He helps us to use the adversity to soar above our problems.  As the Bible says, "Those who wait on the LORD ...shall mount up with wings like eagles." - BILLY GRAHAM p161

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, let me live according to Your plan and according to Your timetable.  When I am hurried, Lord, slow me down.  When I become impatient with others, give me empathy. Today, Lord, let me be a patient Christian, and let me trust in You and in Your master plan.  Amen

Day 78 - Genuine Contentment

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his with peace.

PSALM 29:11 NIV

"Everywhere we turn, or so it seems, the world promises us contentment and happiness.  But the contentment that the world offers is fleeting and incomplete.  Thankfully, the contentment that God offers is all encompassing and everlasting.

Happiness depends less upon our circumstances than upon our thoughts.  When we turn our thoughts to God, to His gifts, and to His glorious creation, we experience the joy that God intends for His children. But, when we focus on the negative aspects of life - or when we disobey God's commandments -  we cause ourselves needless suffering.

Do you sincerely want to be a contented Christian?  Then set your mind to be your mind and heart upon God's love and His grace ...and let Him take care of the rest." p158

"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him" - JOHN PIPER p158

"The secret of contentment in the midst of change is found in having roots in the changeless Christ - the same yesterday, today and forever." - ED YOUNG p159

"Contentment is something we learn by adhering to the basics - cultivating a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, living daily, and knowing that Christ strengthens us for every challenge." - CHARLES STANLEY p159

"Contentment is not escape from battle, but rather an abiding peace and confidence in the midst of battle." - WARREN WIERSBE p159

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, You offer me containment and peace; let me accept Your peace.  Help me trust a Your Word, to follow Your commandments, and to welcome the peace of Jesus into my hearty, today and forever.  Amen

Day 77 - Beyond Guilt

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

ROMANS 8:1 NKJV

All of us have sinned.  Sometimes our sins result from our own stubborn rebellion against God's commandments.  And sometimes, we are swept up in events that are beyond our abilities to control.  Under either set of circumstances, we may experience intense feelings of guilt.  But God has an answer for the guilt that we feel.  That answer, of course, is His forgiveness.  When we confess our wrongdoings and repent from them, we are forgiven by the One who created us.

Are you troubled by the feelings of guilt or regret? If so, you must repent from your misdeeds, and you must ask your Heavenly Father for His forgiveness.  When you do so, He will forgive you completely and without reservation.  Then, you must forgive yourself just as God has forgiven you; thoroughly and unconditionally." p156

"If God has forgiven you, why can't you forgive yourself? - MARIE T. FREEMAN p157

"Spiritual life without guilt would be like physical life without pain.  Guilt is a defence mechanism, it's like an alarm that goes off to lead you to confess when you sin." - JOHN MACARTHUR p157

"You never lose the love of God.  Guilt is the warning that temporarily you are out of touch." JACK DOMINIAN p157

"One of satan's most effective ploys is to make us believe that we are small, insignificant, and worthless." - SUSAN LENZKES p157

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank You for the guilt that I feel when I disobey You.  Help me confess my wrongdoings, help me accept Your forgiveness, and help me renew my passion to serve You.  Amen

Day 76 - Praise Him

Praise the LORD.  Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.

PSALM 106:1 NIV

"Sometimes, in our rush to get things done, we simply don't stop long enough to pause and thank our Creator for the countless blessings He has bestowed upon us.  After all, we're busy people with many demands upon our time ...and we have so much to do.  But when we slow long enough to express our gratitude to the One who made us, we enrich our own lives and the lives of those around us.

Thanksgiving should become a habit, a regular part of our daily routines.  After all, God has blessed us beyond measure, and we owe Him everything, including our constant praise.

So today, pause and count your blessings.  Then, give thanks to the Giver.  God's love for you is never ending; your praise for Him should be never-ending, too." p154

"Be not afraid of saying too much in the praise of God; all the danger is saying too little." p154

"Stand up and bless the Lord, ye people of His choice; stand up and bless the Lord your God with heart and soul and voice." - JAMES MONTGOMERY p155

"Nothing we do is more powerful or more life-changing than praising God." - STORMIE OMARTIAN p155

"Our God is the sovereign Creator of the universe! He loves us as His own children and has provided every good thing we have; He is worthy of our praise every moment." - SHIRLEY DOBSON

Heavenly Father, today and everyday I will praise You. I will praise You with my thoughts, my prayers, my words and my deeds ...now and forever.  Amen  

Day 75 - A Series Of Choices

The things you should want most is God's Kingdom and doing what God wants.  Then all these other things you need will be given to you.

MATTHEW 6:33 NCV

"Your life is a series of choices.  From the instant you wake up in the morning until the moment you nod off to sleep at night, you make countless decisions - decisions about the things you do, decisions about the words you speak, and decisions about the way you choose to direct your thoughts.

As a believer who has been transformed by the love of Jesus, you have every reason to make wise choices.  But sometimes, when the stress of the daily grind threaten to grind you up and spit you out, you may make choices that are displeasing to God.  When you do, you'll pay a price because you'll forfeit the happiness and the peace that might otherwise have been yours.

So, as you pause to consider the kind of Christian you are - and the kind of Christian that you want to become - ask yourself whether you're sitting on the fence or standing in the light.  The choice is yours ...and so are the consequences." p152

"The greatest choice any man makes is to let God choose for him." - VANCE HAVNER p153

"Every step of your life's journey is a choice ...and the quality of those choices determines the quality of the journey." 

- CRISWELL FREEMAN p153

"Life is pretty much like a cafeteria line - it offers us many choices, both good and bad.  The Christian must have a spiritual radar that detects the difference not only between bad and good but also among good, better, and best." 

- DENNIS SWANBERG p153

"Every day, I find countless opportunities to decide whether I will obey God and demonstrate my love for Him or try to please myself or the world system.  God is waiting for my choices." - BILL BRIGHT p153

TODAY'S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I have many choices to make.  Help me choose wisely as I follow in the footsteps of Your only begotten Son.  Amen

Day 74 - When People Behave Badly

Bad temper is contagious - don't get infected.

PROVERBS 22: 25 MSG

"Sometimes people can behave badly ...very badly.  When other people are unkind to you, you may be tempted to strike back, either verbally or in some other way.  Don't do it!  Instead, remember that God corrects other people's behaviours in His own way, and He doesn't need your help (even if you're totally convinced that He does).

So, when other people behave cruelly, foolishly, or impulsively - as they will from time to time - don't be hotheaded.  Instead, speak up for yourself as politely as you can, and leave the rest up to God." p150

"We are fallen creatures and all very hard to live with." - C. S. LEWIS p150

"A keen sense of humour helps us to overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, tolerate the unpleasant, overcome the unexpected, and outlast the unbearable." - BILLY GRAHAM p151

"Bear with the faults of others as you would have them bear with yours" - PHILLIPS BROOKS p151

"From what does such contrariness  arise in habitually angry people, but from a secret cause of too high an opinion of themselves so that it pierces their hearts when they see any man esteem them lass than they esteem themselves?  An inflated estimation of ourselves is more than half the weight of our wrath." - ST. THOMAS MORE p151

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, sometimes people behave badly.  When other people upset me, help me to calm myself down, and help me forgive them as quickly as I can. Amen

Day 73 - When Your Plans Don't Work Out

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

JOSHUA 1:9 NIV

"Some of our most important dreams are the ones we abandon. Some of our most important goals are the ones we don't attain.  Sometimes, our most important journeys are the ones that we take to the winding conclusion of what seem to be dead-end streets.  Thankfully, with God there are no dead-ends; there are only opportunities to learn, to yield, to trust, to serve, and to grow.

The next time you experience one of life's inevitable disappointments, don't despair and don't be afraid to try "Plan B."  Consider every setback an opportunity to choose a different, more appropriate path.  Have faith that God may indeed be leading you in an entirely different direction, a direction of His choosing.  And as you take your next step, remember that what looks like a dead-end to you may, in fact be the fast lane according to God." p148

"The difference between winning and losing is how we choose to react to disappointment." - BARBARA JOHNSON p149

" Every achievement worth remembering is stained with the blood of diligence and scarred by the wounds of disappointment." CHARLES SWINDOLL p149

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, when I face the inevitable disappointments of life, remind me that You are in control. You are the Giver of all good things, Father, and You will bless me today, tomorrow and forever.  Amen

Day 72 - Cheerfulness 101

Every day is hard for those who suffer, but a happy heart is like a continual feast.

PROVERBS 15:15 NCV

"Cheerfulness is a wonderful antidote to stress.  And, as believers who have been saved by a risen Christ, why shouldn't we be cheerful?  The answer, of course, is that we have every reason to honour our Saviour with joy in our hearts, smiles on our faces, and words of celebration on our lips.

Christ promises us lives of abundance and joy if we accept His love and His grace.  Yet sometimes, even the most righteous among us are beset by fits of ill temper and frustration.  During these moments, we may not feel like turning our thoughts and prayers to Christ, but that's precisely what we should do. When we do so, we simply can't stay grumpy for long." p146

"Cheerfulness prepares a glorious mind for all the noblest acts of religion - love, adoration, praise, and every union with our God." - ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON, p146

"It is not fitting, when one is in God's service, to have a gloomy face or a chilling look." - ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI p147

"God is good, and heaven is forever.  And if those two facts don't cheer you up, nothing will." MARIE T. FREEMAN p147

" Be assured, my friend, that it is no joy to God in seeing you with a dreary countenance." - C. H. SPURGEON p147

"When we bring sunshine into the lives of others, we're warmed by it ourselves.  When we spill a little happiness, it splashes on us." - BARBARA JOHNSON p147

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, You have given me so many reasons to be happy, and I want to be a cheerful Christian.  Today and every day, I will do my best to share my happiness with my family and friends. Amen

Day 71 - A Book Unlike Any Other

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God's power for salvation to everyone who believes.

ROMANS 1:16 HCSB

"The Bible can be a powerful tool for defeating stress. George Muller observed, " The vigour of our spiritual lives will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our lives and in our thoughts." As Christians, we are called upon to study God's Holy Word and then apply it to our lives. When we do, we are blessed.

The Bible is a priceless gift, a tool for Christians to use as they share the Good News of their Saviour, Christ Jesus.  Too many Christians, however, keep their spiritual tool kits tightly closed and out of sight.  Jonathan Edwards advised, " Be assiduous in reading the Holy Scriptures.  This is the fountain whence all knowledge in divinity must be deprived.  Therefore let not this treasure lie by you neglected."  God's Holy Word is, indeed, a priceless, one-of-a-kind treasure.  Handle it with care, but, more importantly, handle it it every day." p144

"God gives us a compass and a Book of promises and principles - The Bible - and lets us make our decisions day by day as we sense the leading of His Spirit.  This is how we grow. - WARREN WIERSBE p144

" I am certain that the Bible is the Word of God. Either it is or it isn't, and either all of it is Word of God, or we never can be sure of any of it.  It is either absolute or obsolete.  If we have to start changing this verse, toning down that, apologise for this and making allowances for that, we might as well give up, so we must take it as it is or leave it alone." - VANCE HAVNER , p145

"The instrument of our sanctification is the Word of God.  The Spirit of God brings to our minds the precepts and doctrines of truth, and applies them with power. The truth is our sanctifier.  If we do not hear or read it, we will not grow in sanctification." - C. H. SPURGEON p145

"The Bible is the one Book to which any thoughtful man may go with any honest question of life or destiny and find the answer of God by honest searching." - JOHN RUSKIN p145

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, the Bible is Your gift to me. Let me use, let me trust it and let me obey it, today and every day that I live. Amen

Day 70 - Helping Others Manage Turbulent Times

From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. 

PROVERBS 16:23 NLT

If you want to help your family and friends overcome stress, then you must use your words carefully.  And that's exactly what God wants you to do.  God's Word reminds us that "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18 NIV).

Today, make this promise to yourself: vow to be an honest, effective, encouraging communicator at work, at home, and everyplace in between.  Speak wisely, not impulsively.  Use words of kindness and praise, not words of anger or derision.  Learn how to be truthful without being cruel.  Remember that you have the power to heal others or to injure them, to lift others up or to hold them back.  And when you learn how to lift them up, you'll soon discover that you've lifted yourself up, too."p142

"Attitude and the spirit in which we communicate are as important as the words we say." 

- CHARLES STANLEY, 142

"Part of good communication is listening with the eyes as well as with the ears." 

- JOSH McDOWELL, p143

We should ask ourselves three things before we speak: Is it true? Is it kind? Does it glorify God? 

- BILLY GRAHAM, p143

"To be loved, a word of affection is a morsel, but to the love-starved, a word of affection can be a feast." MAX LUCADO p143

TODAY'S PRAYER

Lord, You have warned me that I will be judged by the words I speak.  Keep me mindful, Lord, that I have influence on many people; make me an influence for good.  And, may the words that I speak today be worthy of the One who has saved me forever.  Amen

Day 69 - Neighbours In Need

Each of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves,  "How can I help?" That's exactly what Jesus did.

ROMANS 15:2-3 MSG

Sometimes, it's not you, but instead your neighbours, who are experiencing stress. And, of course, we know that we're instructed to love our neighbours, and yet there's so little time ...and we're so busy. No matter. As Christians, we are commanded by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to love our neighbours just as we love ourselves. Period.

This very day, you will encounter someone who needs a word of encouragement, a pat on the back, a helping hand, or a heartfelt prayer. And, if you don't reach out to your friend, who will? If you don't take the time to understand the needs of your neighbours, who will? If you don't love your brothers and sisters, who will? So, today, look for a neighbour in need ...and then do something to help. Father's orders." p140

"The truest help we can render and afflicted man is not to take his burden from him, but to call out his best energy, that he may be able to bear the burden himself."- PHILLIPS BROOKS p140

"Make it a rule, and pray to God to help you to keep it, never, if possible, to lie down at night without being able to say: "I have made one human being at least a little wiser, or a little happier, or at least a little better this day." - CHARLES KINGSLEY p141

"Encouraging others means helping people, looking for the best in them, and trying to bring out their positive qualities." - JOHN MAXWELL p141

"Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can." - JOHN WESLEY

TODAY'S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, help me be a Good Samaritan to the people You place along my path, today and every day. Amen

Day 68 - Doers Of The Word

But prove yourself doers of the Word, and not merely hearers.

JAMES 1:2 NASB

"It's stressful to believe in one thing but do something else. And as Christians, we must beware: Our actions should always give credence to the changes that Jesus can make in the lives of those who walk with Him.

God calls upon each of us to act in accordance with His will and with respect for His commandments. If we are to be responsible believers, we must realise that it is never enough simply to hear the instructions of God; we must also live by them. And it is never enough to wait idly by while others do God's work here on earth; we too, must act. Doing God's work is a responsibility that each of us must bear, and when we do, our loving Heavenly Father rewards our efforts with bountiful harvest." p138

"Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility." DIETRICH BONHOEFFER p138

"Slowly I have realised that I do not have to be qualified to do what I am asked to do, That I just have to go ahead and do it, even if I can't do it as well as I think it ought to be done. This is one of the most liberating lessons of my life." 

- MADELEINE L'ENGLE p139

"In times of stress and adversity, it's always best to keep busy, to plough your anger and your energy into something quite positive." 

- LEE LACOCCA p139

"The Church needs people who are doers of the Word and not just hearers." 

- WARREN WIERSBE p139

TODAYS' PRAYER

Dear Lord, I have heard Your Word, and I have felt Your presence in my heart; let me act accordingly. Let my words and deeds serve as a testimony to the changes You have made in my life. Let me praise You, Father, by following in the footsteps of Your Son, and let others see Him through me. Amen

Day 67 - Anxious?

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

PHILIPPIANS 4:6 NKJV

"We live in a fast-paced, stress-inducing, anxiety-filled world that oftentimes seems to shift beneath our feet. Sometimes, trusting God is difficult, especially when we become caught up in the incessant demands of an anxious world.

When feel stressed to the breaking point - and you will - return your thought to God's love and God's promises. And as you confront the challenges of everyday living, turn all your concerns over to your Heavenly Father.

The same God who created the universe will comfort and guide you if you ask Him ...so ask Him. Then watch in amazement as you melt into the warmth of His loving hands." p136

"Worry and anxiety are sand in the machinery of life; faith is the oil." - E. STANLEY JONES p136

"We must lay our questions, frustration, anxieties, and importance at the feet of God and wait for His answer. And then receiving it, we must live by faith." - KAY ARTHUR p137

"So often we pray and then fret anxiously, waiting for God to hurry up and do something. All the while God is waiting for us to calm down, so He can do something through us." - CORRIE TEN BOOM p137

"The fierce grip of panic need not immobilise you. God knows no limitation when it comes to deliverance. Admit your fear. Commit it to Him. Dump the pressure on Him. He can handle it." - CHARLES SWINDOLL p137

TODAY'S PRAYER

Lord, sometimes this world is a difficult place, and, as a frail human being, I am fearful. When I am worried, restore my faith. When I am anxious, turn my thoughts to You. When I grieve, touch my heart with Your enduring love. And, keep me mindful, Lord, that nothing, absolutely nothing, will happen this day that You and I cannot handle together. Amen

Day 66 - The Simple life

Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom.

MATTHEW 18:4 MSG

"Simplify your life." p134

"Your Heavenly Father understands the joy of living simply, and so should you." p134

"Keep your life as simple as simple as possible. Simplicity is, indeed, genius. By simplifying your life, you are destined to improve it." p134

"Simplicity reaches out after God; purity discovers and enjoys Him." - THOMAS A KEMPIS p134

"It is the simple things of life that make living worthwhile, the sweet fundamental things such as love and duty, work and rest, and living close to nature." - LAURA INGALLS WILDER p135

"It is part of satan's program to make our faith complicated and involved. Now and then, we need a rediscovery of the simplicity that is in Christ and in our faith in Him." -VANCE HAVNER p135

"The most powerful life is the most simple life. The most powerful life is the life that knows where it's going, that knows where the source of strength is; it is the life that stays free of clutter and happenstance and hurriedness." - MAX LUCADO p135

TODAY'S PRAYER

Lord, help me keep it simple. When I complicate my life, give me the wisdom to simplify. The world values complexity, Father, but You do not. Today, I will strive to keep my thoughts focused intently on Your Word, on Your love, and on Your son. Amen. 

Day 65 - Focusing on Appearances?

God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart.

1 SAMUEL 16:7 NCV

"It's downright stressful to "keep up appearances." And besides, it's fruitless. After all, the world sees you as you appear to be, but God sees you as you really are - He sees your heart, and He understands your intentions. The opinions of others should be relatively unimportant to you; however, God's view of you-His understanding of your actions, your thoughts, and your motivations - should be vitally important.

Few things in life are more futile than keeping up appearances for the sake of neighbours. What is important, of course, is pleasing your Father in Heaven while you provide support and encouragement to your family members and your closest friends.

Today, do yourself a favour: worry less about physical appearances and more about spiritual realities. It's the wise way - and the peaceful way - to live." p132

"God doesn't use us based on what we look like. He uses us based on the condition of our souls." JUDITH COUCHMAN p132

"If the narrative of the Scriptures teaches us anything, from the serpent in the Garden to the carpenter in Nazareth, it teaches us that things are rarely what they seem, that we shouldn't be fooled by appearances." - JOHN ELDREDGE

"The life of a good religious person ought to abound in every virtue so that he is, on the interior, what to others he appears to be." - THOMAS A KEMPIS p133

"Outside appearances, things like the clothes you wear or the car you drive, are important to other people but are totally unimportant to God. Trust God." - MARIE T. FREEMAN p133

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, the world focuses on my outward appearance, but You see my heart. Today, Father, I will guard my heart as I focus, not upon outward appearances, but upon the real person I am today, and the person I can become tomorrow. Amen

Day 64 - Beyond Failure

For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.

PROVERBS 24:16 NKJV

"The occasional disappointments and failures of life are inevitable. Such setbacks are simply the price that we must occasionally pay for our willingness to take risks as we follow our dreams. But even when we encounter bitter disappointments, we must never lose faith.

The reassuring words of Hebrews 10:36 remind us that when we persevere, we will eventually receive that which God has promised. What's required is perseverance, not perfection.

When we encounter the inevitable difficulties and stresses of life here on earth, God stands ready to protect us. Our responsibility, of course, is to ask Him for protection. When we call upon Him in heartfelt prayer, He will answer - in His own time and according to His own plan - and He will heal us. And, while we are waiting for God's plans to unfold and for His healing touch to restore us, we can be comforted in the knowledge that our Creator can overcome any obstacle, even if we cannot." p130

"So you have failed? You have not failed; you have gained experience. Go forward!" - JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA

"One of the ways God refills us after failure is through the blessing of Christian fellowship. Just experiencing the joy of simple activities shared with other children of God can have a healing effect on us." ANNE GRAHAM LOTZ p131

"Do not be one of those who, rather than risk failure, never attempt anything." THOMAS MERTON p131

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, when I encounter failures and disappointment, keep me mindful that You are in control. Let me persevere - even if my soul is troubled - and let me follow Your Son, Jesus Christ, this day and forever. Amen

Day 63 - The Right Kind Of Fear

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

PROVERBS 1:7 HCSB

"Do you have a healthy, fearful respect  for God's power? If so, you are both wise and obedient. And because you are a thoughtful believer, you also understand that genuine wisdom begins with a profound appreciation for God's limitless power.

God praises humility and punishes pride. That's why God's greatest servants will always be those humble men and women who care less for their own glory and more for God's glory. In God's kingdom, the only way to achieve greatness is to shun it. And the only way to be wise is to understand thoses facts: God is great; He is all-knowing; and He is all-powerful. We must respect Him, and we must humbly obey His commandments, or we must accept the consequences of our misplaced pride." p128

"A healthy fear of God will do much to deter us from sin." CHARLES SWINDOLL - p128

"The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else." - OSWALD CHAMBERS p129

"It is an act of the will to allow God to be our refuge. Otherwise, we live outside of His love and protection, wondering why we feel alone and afraid." - MARY MORRISON SUGGS -p129

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, others have expectations of me, and I have hopes and desires for my life. Lord, bring all other expectations in line with Your plans for me. May my only fear be that of displeasing the One who created me. May I obey Your commandments and seek Your will this day and every day. Amen

Day 62 - Beyond Envy

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby."

1 PETER 2:1-2 NKJV

"Because we are frail, imperfect human beings, we are sometimes envious of others. But God's Word warns us that envy is a sin. Thus, we must guard ourselves against the natural tendency to feel resentment and jealousy when other people experience good fortune. As believers, we have absolutely no reason to be envious of any people on earth. After all, as Christians we are already recipients of the greatest gift in all creation: God's only begotten Son, and we must count that gift as our most precious possession.

So here's a simple suggestion that is guaranteed to bring you happiness: fill your heart with God's love, God's promises and God's Son ...and when you do so, leave no room for envy, hatred, bitterness, or regret." p126

Discontent dries up the soul." 

- ELISABETH ELLIOT p126

"What God asks, does, or requires of others is not my business; it is His." - KAY ARTHUR p127

"Too many Christians envy the sinners their pleasures and the saints their joy because they don't have either one." - MARTIN LUTHER

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, when I am envious of others, redirect my thoughts to the blessings I have received from You. Make me a thankful Christian, Father, and deliver me from envy. Amen 

Day 61 - His Promises

As for the Lord, his way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. 

PSALM 18:30 NLT

"Are you willing to trust God completely, or are you living beneath a cloud of doubt and fear? God's Word makes it clear: you should trust Him and His promise, and when you do, you can live courageously." p124

"...every day begins and ends with God's Son and God's promises. When we accept Christ into our hearts, God promises us the opportunity for earthly peace and spiritual abundance. But more importantly, God promises us the priceless gift of eternal life." p124

"...when we find ourselves caught in the inevitable entanglement of life, we fail to trust God completely."p124

"Be comforted and trust the promises that God has made to you... Be confident in God's power... Be courageous and call upon God. He will protect you and then use you according to His purposes."p124

"Listen to the quiet voice of your Heavenly Father. He is not a God of confusion. Talk with Him; trust Him, and trust His promises. He is steadfast, and He is your Protector...forever." p124-5

"Joy is not mere happiness. Nor does joy spring from a life of ease, comfort, or peaceful circumstances. Joy is the soul's buoyant response to God of promise, presence, and power." - SUSAN LENZKES p125

" The meaning of hope isn't just some flimsy wishing. It's a firm confidence on God's promises - that He will ultimately set things right." - SHEILA WALSH p125

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear God, the Bible contains many promises. Let me trust Your promises, and let me live according to Your Holy Word, not just for today, but forever. Amen

Day 60 - He Overcomes

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

"The hope that the world offers is fleeting and imperfect. The hope that God offers is unchanging, unshakable, and unending. It is no wonder, then, that when we seek security from worldly sources, our hopes are often dashed and our stresses are often increased. Thankfully, God has no such record of failure.

Where will you place your hopes today? Will you entrust your future to man or to God? Will you seek solace exclusively from fallible human beings, or will you place your hopes, first and foremost, in the trusting hands of your Creator? The decision is yours, and you must live with the results of the choices you make.

For thoughtful believers, hope begins with God. Period. So today, as you embark upon the next stage of your life's journey, consider the words of the PSALMIST: "You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence" (71:5 NASB). Then, place your trust in the One who cannot be shaken." p122

"When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God." - CHARLES ALLEN p123

"Without the certainly of His resurrection, we would come to the end of this life without hope, with nothing to anticipate except despair and doubt. But because He lives, we rejoice, knowing soon we will meet our Saviour face to face, and the troubles and trials of the world will be behind us." - BILL BRIGHT p123

"Oh, remember this: There is never a time when we may not hope in God. Whatever our necessities, however great our difficulties, and though to all appearance help is impossible, yet our business is to hope in God, and it will be found that it is not in vain." - GEORGE MUELLER p123

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord. Let my hopes always reside in You. If I become discouraged, let me turn to You. If I grow tired, let me find strength in You. You are my Father, and I will place my faith, my trust and my hopes in You. Amen

Day 59 - A Worthy Disciple

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with your God.

MICAH 6:8 NIV

When Jesus addressed Hid disciples, He warned them that each one must, "take up his cross and follow Me."  The disciples must have known exactly what the Master meant [because], in Jesus' day, prisoners were forced to carry their own crosses to the location where they would be put to death. Thus, Christ's message was clear: in order to follow Him, Christ's disciples must deny themselves and, instead, trust Him completely. Nothing has changed since then.

If we are to be disciples of Christ, we must trust Him and place Him at the very centre of our beings. Jesus never comes "next."  He is always first.

Do you seek to be a worthy disciple of Christ? Then pick up His Cross today and every day that you live.  When you do, He will bless you now and forever." p120

"Discipleship is a daily discipline: we follow Jesus a step at a time, a day at a time." - WARREN WIERSBE p120

"Discipleship means personal, passionate devotion to a Person, our Lord Jesus Christ" - OSWALD CHAMBERS p121

"Discipleship is a decision to live by what I know about God, not by what I feel about Him or myself or my neighbours." EUGENE PETERSON p121

"Discipleship means allegiance to the suffering Christ, and it is therefore not at all surprising that Christians should be called upon to suffer." - DIETRICH BONHOEFFER p121

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son Jesus, my personal Saviour. Let me be a worthy disciple of Christ, and let me be ever grateful for His love. I will praise You always, Father, as I give thanks for Your Son and for Your everlasting love. Amen

Day 58 - Confidence Restored

I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world. 

JOHN 16:33 MSG

"Are you a confident, faithful believer, or do you live under a cloud of uncertainty and doubt? As a Christian, you have many reasons to be confident. After all, God is in His heaven; Christ has risen; and you are the recipient of God's grace. Despite these blessings, you may, from time to time, find yourself being tormented by stressful, destructive emotions - and you are certainly not alone.

During turbulent times like these, even the most faithful christians are welcome by occasional bouts of fear and doubt. And you are no different. But even when you feel very distant from God, remember that God is never distant from you. When you sincerely seek His presence, He will touch your heart, calm your fears, and restore you confidence." p118

"Bible hope is confidence in the future." - WARREN WIERSBE p118

"Feelings of confidence depend upon the type of thoughts you habitually occupy. Think defeat, and you are bound to be defeated." - NORMAN VINCENT PEALE p119

TODAY'S PRAYER

Lord, You are my Saviour and my Sustainer. I will be safe with You in heaven, and I am safe with You here on earth. Today, I will trust in Your promises, and I will be a confident, obedient, purposeful servant to Your Son. Amen

Day 57 - God Guides Us Through Turbulent Times

The steps of the Godly are directed by God. He delights in every detail of their lives. 

PSALM 37:22 NLT

"Sometimes you'll be tempted to go along with the crowd; other times, you'll be tempted to do things your way, not god's way. When you feel these temptations, resist them." p116

"What will you allow to guide you through the coming day: your own desires (or for that matter, the desires of your friends)? Or will you allow God to lead the way? The answer should be obvious. You should let God be your guide. When you entrust your life to him completely and without reservation, God will give you the strength to meet any challenge, the courage to face any trial, and the wisdom to live in His righteousness. So trust Him today and seek His guidance. When you do, your next step will be the right one." p116

"Are you serious about wanting God's guidance to become a personal reality in your life? The first step is to tell God that you know you can't manage your own life; that you need His help" - CATHERINE MARSHALL, p117

"I believe that the Creator of this universe takes delight in turning the terrors and tragedies that come with living in this old, fallen domain of the devil and transforming them into something that strengthens our hope, tests our faith, and shows forth His Glory" - AL GREEN, p117

"God will prove to you how good and acceptable and prefect His will is when He's got His hands on the steering wheel of your life." - STUART & JILL BRISCOE

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, You always stand ready to guide me. Let me accept Your guidance, today and every day of my life. Lead me, Father, so that my life can be a tribute to Your grace, to Your mercy, to your love, and to Your Son. Amen