Sat 19 Jul 2014
My soul shall greatly rejoice in the Lord. - Isa 61:10
Reflection. As the earth brings forth her buds, so the Lord God will cause joy to flourish in your soul. Joy is a gift, but it is one you must choose to accept in order to benefit from it.
Prayer. Bless me, Father, with a happy heart.
Fri 18 Jul 2014
The Lord is faithful. He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. - 2 Thes 3:3
Reflection. In times of trouble, it is consoling to know that the Lord will never leave you. If you invite Him to walk with you in this valley of tears, He will always be at your side.
Prayer. Dear Jesus, I know You are there for me; I fear no evil.
Thu 17 Jul 2014
Your hands have created and formed me; grant me understanding so that I may learn Your precepts. - Ps 119:73
Reflection. His will is going to triumph in the end, so you might as well relax and let God lead you. All He asks is that you make a reasonable effort to be good.
Prayer. Lord, in You I find my strength and joy.
Wed 16 Jul 2014
If you wish to be perfect … come, follow Me. - Mt 19:21
Reflection. God has a job for you to do in this world that nobody else can do. Fulfill your spiritual goal, and you will find your joy. God’s Will for you is your destiny.
Prayer. Dear Lord, show me Your plan for my life and help me to follow it.
Tue 15 Jul 2014
Be still and acknowledge that I am God. - Ps 46:11
Reflection. God’s silence fills the universe. You can hear God’s wisdom in the silence of your heart. Be still, and rejoice in the knowledge of God’s silent presence.
Prayer. Lord, help me to know that You are there comforting me.
Mon 14 Jul 2014
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our Spirit that we are children of God. - Rom 8:16
Reflection. Would you be extra nice and polite to that neighbor? Of course you would! Now think of someone you dislike, and consider the fact that he or she is a child of the King of Kings.
Prayer. Dear Father, help me to show respect to all Your children, even the ones I dislike.
Sun 13 Jul 2014
Do not worry about tomorrow … Each day has enough troubles of its own. - Mt 6:34
Reflection. Try not to tackle your whole life at once. Don’t be a control-freak. Spare yourself the needless burden of worrying about something that may never happen. Make this day a happy one.
Prayer. Dear Lord, take all my fears from me; help me to live in the present moment.
Sat 12 Jul 2014
Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for you will not suffer disgrace. - Isa 54:4
Reflection. Some fears are so deep that they come to us all the way from our childhood. We do not understand that these fears still have a certain power over us. But Jesus said, “Fear is useless; what you need is trust” (Lk 8:50). They can be overcome. Focus more on God’s love and less on your fears.
Prayer. Help me, Lord, to live joyfully because of the knowledge of Your love.
Fri 11 Jul 2014
God is light, and there is no darkness at all in Him … Live in the light. - 1 Jn 1:5,7
Reflection. ”We don’t stop playing because we get old; we get old because we stop playing” (another gem from Satchel Paige). There is a kind of playfulness that comes from a grateful heart. Happiness is more attainable when you walk gratefully in the light.
Prayer. Lord, thank You for the gift of life and love. Give me a joyful, grateful heart in all circumstances.
Thu 10 Jul 2014
For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in their midst. - Mt 18:20
Reflection. God’s presence penetrates and pervades every single atom. We are never alone. God permeates all of creation. When two or more come together, He is present among them. Divine power is intensified by your awareness. Call on Him, and know that He will answer you.
Prayer. Dear Holy Spirit, in You we live and breathe. We praise You for Your glory.