Thursday, January 31, 2013

- Thursday, January 31, 2013 | Daily Word

MY ENERGY IS PROPERLY DIRECTED, AND I LIVE A HAPPY LIFE.

Life is energy and the results I see in my life are a reflection of how I am directing my energy. If life seems unsatisfying, perhaps I am not expending my energy in a God-directed way.

Life is meant to be lived fully and intentionally. When my thoughts and conversations are positive and uplifting, I contribute to peace and harmony in my home, at workand in my social group. I have a joyous outlook on life. My thoughts are inspired; my words are strong, kind, loving and effective; my actions are purposeful and definite.

As I allow the spirit of God within to direct my actions and attitudes in constructive ways, I live a happy life.

My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power.—1 Corinthians 2:4

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

The Winans Choose

Spiritual Growth - Wednesday, January 30, 2013 | Daily Word

Spiritual Growth

I MAKE CHOICES THAT HELP ME GROW AS A SPIRITUAL BEING.

Spiritual growth is an ongoing process and a very personal one. I open myself to insights every day and my lessons come in many ways. From the moment I wake to the time I go to sleep, I have opportunities to learn and grow.

An important part of my spiritual development is learning to make wise choices. I can choose to have a positive attitude or a negative one. I can choose to make healthy or unhealthy decisions for my mind and body. I can choose to enhance my relationships, treating others in kind and respectful ways.

Spiritual lessons are always available. I embrace them and rise to a higher level of understanding each day.

Choose this day whom you will serve … but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.—Joshua 24:15

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Prosperity - Tuesday, January 29, 2013 | Daily Word

Prosperity

I AM A PROSPEROUS CHILD OF GOD.

If I find myself envying someone who inherits great wealth, I pause to recall who I am. I am the beloved child of the most generous parent of all—the Divine Creator. I am worthy of good, and my good is never withheld from me.

As I contemplate this Truth, I release any thoughts of lack, limitation or unworthiness. I am not in a faraway country, apart from my Beloved. God is as closeto me as my own breath. Filled with a consciousness of God’s ever-presence, I manifest abundant supply.

I claim the prosperity of my divine inheritance. With my attention on the fullness at hand, I find more blessings to count than stars in the sky. I am the prosperous child of an infinitely abundant Creator.

Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.—Luke 12:32

Monday, January 28, 2013

Comfort - Monday, January 28, 2013 | Daily Word

Comfort

YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF—THEY COMFORT ME.

When I experience a deep loss, I lean on divine understanding to see me through. The psalmist speaks of the comfort of the “rod and staff,” symbolizing God’s unfailing strength. The presence of God within supports and comforts me when I feel unable to stand alone.

I trust in divine infinite love and in the indwelling power of God to heal my heart and restore my peace. I don’t need to know when or how circumstances will change. I simply open my heart to God’s presence here and now. Strengthened and at peace, I move forward with my life … out of the valley of darkness and into the light. I am grateful for the healing comfort of God’s presence.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.—Psalm 23:4

Comfort - Monday, January 28, 2013 | Daily Word

Comfort

YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF—THEY COMFORT ME.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.—Psalm 23:4

Comfort - Monday, January 28, 2013 | Daily Word

Comfort

YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF—THEY COMFORT ME.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.—Psalm 23:4

Comfort - Monday, January 28, 2013 | Daily Word

Comfort

YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF—THEY COMFORT ME.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.—Psalm 23:4

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Our Daily Bread

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The Mark Of Leadership

January 27, 2013 — by David C. McCasland

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn

Read: Mark 10:35-45

Whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. —Mark 10:44

Bible in a Year:
Exodus 16-18; Matthew 18:1-20

While visiting the campus of Purdue University on a frigid winter day, I came upon two young men chipping away thick ice on the sidewalk next to a fraternity house. Thinking they must be underclassmen who had been assigned the tough job by older fraternity brothers, I said, “They didn’t tell you about this when you joined, did they?” One looked up with a smile and said, “Well, we’re both upperclassmen. I’m the fraternity vice-president and my friend here is the president.” I thanked them for their hard work and went on my way having been reminded that serving others is the mark of a true leader.

When two of Jesus’ disciples asked Him for positions of honor in His coming kingdom, the Lord gathered His twelve closest followers and told them, “Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44). If there was any doubt about what Jesus meant, He reminded them that He had not come to be served but to serve others and to give His life to ransom them from the power of sin (v.45).

The mark of true, godly leadership is not power and privilege, but humble service. God gives us strength to follow Jesus’ example and to lead His way.

The paths of leadership are trod

By those who humbly walk with God,

Their gracious spirit holds a sway

That makes you want to go their way. —D. DeHaan

A qualified leader is one who has learned to serve.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Harmony - Saturday, January 26, 2013 | Daily Word

Harmony

MY HEART IS AT PEACE, AND I AM IN HARMONY WITH MY WORLD.

Achieving harmony takes practice. A group of singers must practice to harmonize their voices, musicians must rehearse to find the right sound, and athletes on a team must train to work together. I, too, need to practice living in harmony.

Harmony is a state of mind in which I feel peaceful and calm while being a beneficial presence in the world. To enter into this consciousness, I become still in prayer. I relax, let go and trust God to guide me in harmony and love.

Prayer prepares me to interact with others in a peaceful way, to greet others with openness, to serve with love and joy, and to act with kindness and compassion. When my heart is at peace, I am in harmony with the world.

Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have.—1 Samuel 25:6

Friday, January 25, 2013

Home - Friday, January 25, 2013 | Daily Word

Home

MY SOUL IS AT HOME IN GOD.

Home is a place where all the pieces fit together. I may feel at home at the ocean’s sandy shore or in the heart of the city. I may unexpectedly feel at home in a new place where I immediately fit right in. Familiar places and faces, smells and sounds, can stir up feelings of home in me.

Home can also be an awareness—as when my heart opens into the pure love of Spirit. Just as a key clicks into place to open a lock, my true self emerges as I align my thoughts with Divine Mind. There is a sweet rush of peace and my soul is at home in God.

Wherever I am living, under whatever conditions, I know that I am at home in God. Safe and secure, I rest in God’s presence.

For God alone my soul waits in silence … On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.—Psalm 62:5, 7

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Inner Peace - Thursday, January 24, 2013 | Daily Word

Inner Peace

GOD’S PEACE IS WITHIN ME.

I cannot control the weather or the words and actions of others. Sometimes I may feel as though I can’t even control myself. When life seems unmanageable, I look for ways to restore peace within.

I affirm the words Jesus spoke to the stormy sea, “Peace! Be still!” My words invoke the activity of the Holy Spirit. Peace arises to soothe my frazzled emotions and calm my troubled thoughts. With a cleansing breath, I recenter in God’s peace. It is always available to me.

In peace, I have nothing to fear. Resentment and worry dissolve into nothingness. Each situation will resolve and every concern is temporary. God’s peace is established in me.

Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”—John 20:19

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

"God So Loved The World" Vanessa Bell Armstrong

Grace - Wednesday, January 23, 2013 | Daily Word

Grace - Wednesday, January 23, 2013 | Daily

Grace

I OPEN MY WHOLE BEING TO DIVINE GRACE.

The classic Unity book The Quest, says, “Grace is God’s goodness given to you in greater proportion than you give of yourself to God.” I picture myself rowing a canoe downstream with the current. As the flow carries me faster than merely the result of my efforts, I experience the extra speed and motion as unearned “gifts.”

Grace is this kind of gift. It is the activity of Spirit at my back. I am in the flow of divine grace as I go about the activities of this day and grow in spiritual understanding throughout my life. Grace is always flowing, and in its flow, I am carried forward. Divine love and goodness bless my life.

I open myself to divine grace and accept the gift of unconditional love.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.–Titus 2:11

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Free - Tuesday, January 22, 2013 | Daily Word

Free

I AM FREE AND FILLED WITH THE POWER AND ENERGY OF SPIRIT.

Allowing myself to wallow in worry, doubt, fear or indecision drains my energy and leaves me feeling helpless. But I am not helpless; I am powerful and free as I step into the freedom that Spirit offers.

Freedom lies within me. It is mine to claim. With energy, courage and divine support, I freely move forward to achieve my goals. Freedom is a choice. It means choosing to set my intention and attention on the power of God within. It means turning away from any negative influences that would hold me back.

I choose the power of liberation and the exhilaration of knowing I can do all things through the freedom of Spirit in me. I dwell in the spirit of God. I am free!

I run the way of your commandments, for you enlarge my understanding.—Psalm 119:32

Monday, January 21, 2013

Beyonce Sings the National Anthem at the 2013 Inauguration of Barack Obama

Inspiration - Monday, January 21, 2013 | Daily Word

Inspiration

I AM INSPIRED!

I am thankful for the inspiration that lifts my heart and encourages me to live each day with purpose and meaning. Inspiration comes to me through many channels when I open myself to receive. I am inspired when someone believes in my dreams and capabilities. I am inspired by beauty, nature, the arts and the human spirit. I am inspired by acts of service and generosity.

Knowing how much encouragement means to me, I look for opportunities to inspire others. I help those in need and offer heartfelt support to build their confidence. I reinforce the powerful qualities they inherit as children of God. I pray for others and envision each person guided to follow their right path in their own way.

Encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.–1 Thessalonians 5:11

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Transformation - Sunday, January 20, 2013 | Daily Word

Transformation

I AM TRANSFORMED WHEN I LIVE FROM MY HIGHEST SELF.

At the core of my being is a powerful, abiding essence. As I focus my thoughts on the love, life, light, peace and joy of God, I align with that essence. God is not separate from me and I am not separate from God. I recognize the strength and power of my being. When I claim the truth of my divine nature, my life is transformed.

I create my life according to my beliefs. If I believe that others should determine how I live my life, I may feel powerless. If I take responsibility for making my own choices, I feel empowered. I see and claim my infinite potential. Transformation is gradual but dramatic as I fully realize that I am eternally one with God.

But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.—Ephesians 4:15

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Charles Jenkins - Awesome

Stillness - Saturday, January 19, 2013 | Daily Word

Stillness

IN STILLNESS, I FIND CONTENTMENT.

The beloved 23rd Psalm is a source of comfort to many in need or sorrow. It can also be the focus of meditation when remembered as a series of powerful affirmative statements. One such affirmation is: I am led beside still waters.

A wise shepherd leads his sheep away from rapid torrents to cross the stream where waters are calm. Otherwise, the weight of the wet sheep’s wool would cause the animal to drown in the rushing waters.

God as universal law also leads me to still waters—a place of inner stillness. In this calm space, thoughts that threaten to rush in and overwhelm me dissipate. As I breathe in, I feel the safety of resting beside still waters. As I breathe out, my soul is restored.

He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.—Psalm 23:2

Friday, January 18, 2013

Protected - Friday, January 18, 2013 | Daily Word

Protected

I AM PROTECTED AND ASSURED OF CONTINUAL WELL-BEING.

If ever I feel lost in the wilderness of life, the love of God is my internal compass, pointing the way home. I am assured by the power of God’s steadfast love. It works through me to solve problems, heal disease, and overcome hate.

When my consciousness is full of love, it has no room for fear. Through the power of God’s love, I am protected from doubt and negativity. I am God’s beloved child. I feel God’s presence in my heart and mind. Divine love is my protection.

Confidently, I become an open channel through which God’s love flows. As divine love enfolds me and delivers me from fear, I am protected and assured of continual well-being.

Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name.—Psalm 91:14

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Divine Order - Thursday, January 17, 2013 | Daily Word

Divine Order

I MOVE THROUGH CHANGE WITH EASE.

It is easy to affirm divine order when all is going smoothly, but it can be more difficult when I experience a loss. Divine order is a continual process. I know that when the sun sets on one side of the world, it is rising on the other.

When I consider my life in this way, I see my own sunsets from a new perspective. I accept and honor the transitions in my life. I allow what was once part of my experience to pass, and I wait patiently for what is next.

As I move through change, I am not alone. The love of God is my assurance and support. With God, I gain a deeper understanding of my life. I know that after every sunset, I will experience a grand sunrise.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes … for the first things have passed away. … See, I am making all things new.—Revelation 21:4, 5

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Second Chance - Wednesday, January 16, 2013 | Daily Word

Second Chance - Wednesday, January 16, 2013 | Daily

Second Chance

THE POWER OF GOD WITHIN BRINGS MY TRUE SELF INTO EXPRESSION.

Sometimes we may feel as though we are our own worst enemy. We may think, If I could just get myself out of the way, everything would be all right. This is a state of inner turmoil, but through the power of God, we can find peace.

Instead of self-condemnation or despair, we can remember that even though we feel we have fallen short, we always have a second chance to do our best. The self that seems to misstep or flounder is not our true self. Our true self—made in the image and likeness of God—cannot fail.

We relax and know that the power of God within us brings our true self into expression. As we unify our thoughts, emotions and desires to the spirit of God within, we are blessed with a new day.

No one can serve two masters.—Matthew 6:24

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Joy - Tuesday, January 15, 2013 | Daily Word

Joy

I CREATE A LIFE OF JOY.

Many people have a standard response to the greeting, “Hello. How are you?” For some it might be, “Fine. Thanks.” But what if my response was, “Joyful!” Would it change my thoughts? Would it change the way I view myself and my life?

I choose to live every day in the joy of Spirit. To help me, I can create a “joy chest” of happy memories—pictures, poems and stories that make me smile and inspire me, clippings of things I have done or want to do. I choose items that delight and excite me.

If I am not feeling joyful, I tap into my “joy chest” and remember everything that brings me happiness. As I string together day after joyful day, I create a wonderful and blessed life.

You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall go well.—Psalm 128:2