Messenger of Joy

May they also be in us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.  – Jn 17:21

Reflection.  A native African explained the way his people think of God.  He said, “We don’t have to search for God, He searches for us.  God is like a lion hunting for good.  We are His prey.  Once He charges and seizes us, the chase is over.”

Prayer.  Dear Lord, You are the hunter, and I surrender to You.  

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  – 2 Cor 13:13

Reflection.  If you pray for God to bless you, or anyone else, be assured that He will, because it is His nature to bless everyone who wants His blessing.  However, He likes to hear you ask for His blessing.

Prayer.  Lord God, may I have the favor of Your blessing this day and every day.  

The Lord is near.  Do not worry about anything … Then the peace of God, … will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  – Phil 4:5, 7

Reflection.  Why not put on the will to be peaceful?  You are not in danger.  The peace of God goes beyond all understanding.  He will comfort you.

Prayer.  Holy Lord, Your peace is my strength.  

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  – Gal 5:22-23

Reflection.  Never be discouraged simply because you’re not perfect.  When you examine your conscience look and see all the love and peace and joy and goodness that has come out of your soul over the years, and perk up.

Prayer.  Holy Spirit, I’m far from holy, but by Your grace I have tried to be kind and loving, most of the time.  Thank You for Your presence in my life.  

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish.  – Jn 3:16

Reflection.  That’s the good news.  The bad news is that at times you may not feel like you’re being saved.  Pay no attention to your feelings.  Give yourself to God, and trust in Him.

Prayer.  Father in heaven, bring me home to You.

None of us lives for himself, and none of us dies for himself.  – Rom 14:7

Reflection.  Death comes to everyone sooner or later, and we must be ready; but in the meantime, do not fret needlessly.  When the time comes, God will be with you, and He will put your fears to rest.

Prayer.  Dear Father, comfort me in the hour of my death.  Bring me safely home and give me peace. 

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.  – Ps 121:2

Reflection.  God will not let your foot slip; He will protect you from all evil, and look after your coming in and going out.  Believe this, and you will have a good frame of mind, which in turn will keep you content.

Prayer.  Dear Lord, I rest in the security of Your loving care.  

We are afflicted on all sides but not crushed, bewildered but not sunk in despair.  – 2 Cor 4:8

Reflection.  God knows your feelings.  It pleases Him when you do not let your feelings run away with you.  Be confident.  Feelings are not facts.

Prayer.  God, grant me the strength to face each day with renewed courage.  

Let your minds be filled with whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure.  – Phil 4:8

Reflection.  Whether you are now in a state of sickness, perplexity, imprisonment, or depression, you can still be content within, if you learn to control your thoughts.

Prayer.  Dear Lord, help me to cancel negative thinking and stay positive.  

Come, let us sing the jubilation to the Lord; let us cry out to the Rock of our salvation.  – Ps 95:1

Reflection.  Even when you are discouraged, remember that you owe God a debt of gratitude for all that he has done for you.  Think more about God’s love, and less about your troubles and woes.

Prayer.  Jesus, my heart overflows with joyful praise.  Help me to smile more.