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   

Day 22 - God's Protection

"Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light."

MICAH 7:8 HCSB

"God's hand uplifts those who turn their hearts and prayers to Him" p46

"Whatever hallway you're in - no matter how long, how dark, or how scary - God is right there with you" - BILL HYBELS p46

"God helps those who help themselves, but there are times when we are quite incapable of helping ourselves. That's when God stoops down and gathers us in His arms like a mother lifts a sick child, and does for us what we cannot do for ourselves." - RUTH BELL GRAHAM, p47

TODAY'S PRAYER

Lord, sometimes life is difficult. Sometimes, I am worried, weary, or heartbroken. And sometimes, I encounter powerful temptations to disobey Your commandments. But, when I lift my eyes to You, Father, You strengthen me. When I am weak, You lift me up. Today, I will turn to You for strength, for hope, for direction, and for deliverance. Amen" p47

Day 21 - Live Courageously

He will not fear bad new; His heart is confident,

trusting in the Lord. His heart is assured; he will not fear.

PSALM 112:7 - 8

"...wherever we find ourselves, whether on the mountaintops of life or in life's darker valleys, we must still offer thanks to God, giving thanks in all circumstances." p44

"God is with you always, listening to your thoughts and prayers, watching over every move. If the demands of everyday life weigh down upon you, you may be tempted to ignore God's presence or - worse yet - to lose faith in His promise." p45

"God is seeking to work in you and through you. He's asking you to live abundantly and courageously ...and He's ready to help." p45

"Faith not only can help you through a crisis, it can help you to approach life after the hard times with a whole new perspective. It can help you adopt an outlook of hope and courage through faith to face reality" - JOHN MAXWELL p45

TODAY'S PRAYER

"Lord, sometimes I face challenges that leave me breathless. When I am fearful, let me lean upon You. Keep me ever mindful, Lord, that You are my God, my strength, and my shield. With You by my side, I have nothing to fear. And, with Your Son Jesus as my Saviour, I have received the priceless gift of eternal life. Help me to be a grateful and courageous servant this day and every day. Amen" p45

Day 20 - In Turbulent Times, Don't Give Up!

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

Proverbs 24:16 NKJV

"The next time you find your courage tested to the limit, remember that God is as near as your next breath, and remember that he offers strength and comfort to His children" p42

"Whatever your challenge, whatever your trouble, God can help you persevere" p42

"Perhaps you're anxious to earn the rewards that you feel you've already earned from life. Perhaps you're drumming your fingers, impatiently waiting for God to act. If so, be forewarned: God operates on His own timetable, not yours." p42

"Whatever your problem, He can handle it. Your job is to Keep persevering until He does." p43

"Just remember, every flower that ever bloomed had to go through a whole lot of dirt to get there!"- BARBARA JOHNSON p43

TODAY'S PRAYER

"Lord, when life is difficult, I am tempted to abandon hope in the future. But You are my God, and I can draw strength from You. Let me trust you, Father, in good times and in bad times. Let me persevere - even if my soul is troubled - and let me follow Your Son, Jesus Christ, this day and forever. Amen" p43