The Joy of Jesus (Church Online): August 2014

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Adjust - Sunday, August 31, 2014 | Daily Word

I ALIGN MY ATTITUDE AND ACTIONSWITH THE TRUTH OF MY BEING.

Spiritual Truth does not change, but I must sometimes change my thinking and my actions to align with it. In the same way that a child learns to crawl, then adjusts to walk and run, I continually adjust and adapt to the Truth as I grow in understanding.

The Truth is that I am a divine being and my life is infused with the Power and Presence of God. As this awareness grows in me, I learn to trust it. Nothing can ever separate me from this Presence. I am immersed in the flow of abundance, wholeness, wisdom, and peace. As I move through each day, I align my attitude and actions with my Truth. I live the Truth I know.

Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.—Matthew 18:3

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Insight - Saturday, August 30, 2014 | Daily Word

I AM BLESSED WITH SPIRITUAL INSIGHT.

The first telescopes and microscopes enabled people to clearly see worlds they had never seen before. Similarly, I gain new insight by looking at life from a different perspective.

If I choose to see a circumstance from another’s point of view, my understanding deepens and my attitude changes. While the condition may remain the same, I see it with greater clarity.

To develop spiritual insight, I study spiritual writings, and I pray. I meditate on the presence and power of God within me, and my understanding grows. I begin to see my oneness with God in a new and deeper way. As I broaden my spiritual awareness, I am blessed with insight.

Jesus said to them privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see!”–Luke 10:23

Friday, August 29, 2014

Comfort - Friday, August 29, 2014 | Daily Word

Comfort

I FIND COMFORT AND HOPE IN GOD’S INFINITE GOOD.

We may feel saddened or bewildered by a turn of events. Yet even when our spirits are low, we need only look to the Christ within us to feel strengthened, comforted, and renewed in faith and courage.

Through the power of our inner Christ Spirit, we have the strength to meet any challenge. We have divine wisdom and understanding. Peace and well-being are ours. There is no pain in the world that the indwelling Spirit cannot reach and heal.

Within our souls, we find enduring comfort and hope in God’s infinite good. We feel a resurgence of faith and courage, as we are filled with love for life and the will to go on.

The God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.—1 Peter 5:10

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Be Still - Thursday, August 28, 2014 | Daily Word

Be Still

PEACEFUL STILLNESS IS MY NATURAL STATE.

On a quiet morning, when the wind is calm, a mountain lake is still and serene. Calm is the natural state of the waters just as peaceful stillness is my natural state of being.

If I feel agitated by conditions in the outer world, I remember that beyond the waves of anxiety or doubt, there is a reservoir of peace.

I may not be able to quiet the activity of others, but I can quiet my own. I slow down and take a meditative pause. I inhale and exhale with the intention of soothing my state of mind. I don’t deny difficulty, but I aim to address it with calm serenity.

I return to my natural state of inner stillness. True peace is found within me. I allow that peace to guide my words and actions.

He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.—Psalm 107:29

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

One Power - Wednesday, August 27, 2014 | Daily Word

THERE IS ONLY ONE POWER IN MY LIFE AND IN THE UNIVERSE, GOD THE GOOD.

I begin my day by affirming, “There is only one power in my life and in the universe, God the good.” This affirmation helps me keep my focus on God and see God active in my life.

There may be times when people or conditions seem to have a certain power over me. But I remind myself that things only have the power I give them. Releasing any belief in the power of anyone or anything to take away my good, I return to my morning affirmation. There is only ONE power in my life and in those around me—and that power is God.

Centered in divine power, I am at peace. If there is an action I am to take to help restore my health, prosperity, or harmony, I am receptive to the guidance and wisdom of the One Power, God the good.

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

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Forgive - Tuesday, August 26, 2014 | Daily Word

Forgive

AS I FORGIVE, I FEEL THE HEALING POWER OF LOVE.

I may harbor resentment against someone who said or did something that hurt me. Yet judgment and blame will not bring me peace or healing. In my heart, I know the truth—only forgiveness will ease my suffering.

A great weight is lifted from my shoulders when I forgive. I no longer blame another for my unhappiness or misfortune. I may acknowledge, without condemnation, that mistakes have been made, but I let go of resentment and allow my experience to be transformed by love and compassion. As I forgive, I release myself from negative energy. Within me, there is now space for creativity, prosperity, and joy. As I forgive another and myself, I feel the healing power of Love.

Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.—Luke 6:37

Monday, August 25, 2014

Awaken - Monday, August 25, 2014 | Daily Word

I AM ON FIRE WITH A PASSION TO SERVE!

When I’m attuned to Spirit, the desire to serve others is awakened in me. I am eager to express God through my thoughts, words, and deeds. As I wake up to Spirit’s voice within me, I feel my heart expand in gratitude. I realize I am a vehicle through which God is revealed in the world.

I ask Spirit how I can be of service. My heart is open and I am willing. I listen with a grateful heart and mind and act on the guidance I receive. As I share my gifts with passion, I awaken to all I am and all I have to give. The energy of Spirit within me is ignited. I am on fire with a passion to serve!

They came, everyone whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and brought the Lord’s offering to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service.—Exodus 35:21

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Healing - Sunday, August 24, 2014 | Daily Word

Healing

WHOLENESS IS MY TRUE NATURE.

I am innately whole and healthy. Divine Life is real, abiding, and eternal, and I am Life in expression. To experience the fullness of Life, I first realize that I live, move, and have my being in the universal life flow of God.

I center my feelings, thoughts, and words on Oneness and the perfect Life within me. I feel and know Life is present and available to me in all its fullness. When my mind is focused on the divine idea of wholeness, I am in conscious harmony with the rhythm and flow of Divine Life. I demonstrate wholeness in mind and body.

Wholeness is my true nature and my birthright. I confidently claim it by affirming: Life, sweet Life!

Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness.”—Genesis 1:26

Saturday, August 23, 2014

World Peace - Saturday, August 23, 2014 | Daily Word

I EMANATE PEACE TO ALL THE WORLD.

I begin my day with a moment of gratitude for the peace of Spirit within me. I value peace and see it as a gift I can share. For peace to prevail in our world, I and others who hold this vision must lead the way.

I am willing to be the change I desire to see, so I practice living peacefully and nurture the calm essence of my soul. Daily meditation and prayer help me access peace, even in difficult situations. When I live from the peaceful core of my being, I am able to listen to others with compassion and naturally relate to them with openness and acceptance. My presence brings calm rather than agitation. My peace resonates with others, creating a wave of peace for all.

Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.—2 Corinthians 13:11

Friday, August 22, 2014

Release - Friday, August 22, 2014 | Daily Word

I LET GO AND OPEN TO A NEW EXPERIENCE.

Sometimes we are faced with challenges that seem beyond our capabilities. We may try our best to work them out, but it’s easy to let worry get the best of us. When we worry, we may inadvertently hold on to the problem and block a solution.

To free myself from any situation, I open to a new experience—I release the problem to God. As I turn it over to the Power that always works for my highest good, I experience freedom and clarity.

I have faith in the Divine—I know that with God nothing is impossible. I release what I cannot change, ask what is mine to do, and pray for the courage to act as I am guided. In letting go and letting God, I find my way to right answers.

If we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.—Romans 8:25

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Prosperity - Thursday, August 21, 2014 | Daily Word

Prosperity

I LIVE IN A FIELD OF UNLIMITED POTENTIAL.

Every seed I plant, whether physical or spiritual, has within it the potential for a healthy yield. When the soil is properly prepared and the seedling carefully nourished, the plant flourishes. So it is with my life. A simple yet profound Native American song expresses this idea:

As my eyes search the prairie

I feel the summer in the spring.

I consider my present situation and release any worries. What may seem like an empty field is actually abundant potential, which will soon be ready for harvest. I see beyond appearances and have faith in the forces of Life. I plant affirmations and intentions, and nurture them with faith and action. As I do, a prosperous crop of good comes to fruition.

You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it.—Psalm 65:9

Commitment - Wednesday, August 20, 2014 | Daily Word

Commitment

MY COMMITMENTS ARE SPARKED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD WITHIN ME.

Commitments link me, both mind and heart, to people, aspirations, and goals.

When I give myself wholeheartedly to a relationship, my work, or some plan, I do well. However, when my first commitment is to being God-centered, I bring an even greater measure of love, understanding, and imagination to any commitment.

If I am determined to do my best in a new or long-standing relationship, I make a commitment to be God-centered—mind and heart. I bring love and compassion to every interaction with others.

If I am beginning a new job or class, I make a commitment to be God-centered—mind and heart—in all that is my responsibility to do. My every action and response is filled with understanding and imagination.

Never lag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord.—Romans 12:11

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Freedom - Tuesday, August 19, 2014 | Daily Word

I AM WELL; I AM FREE.

Charles Fillmore, cofounder of Unity, defined freedom as “having a sense of complete well-being.” How sweet life is when I experience this level of freedom!

Through spiritual practice, I seek to know and realize this consciousness of freedom and peace. In my daily meditation, I release all concerns and cares and relax in the Silence and oneness of Spirit. I am free and fulfilled. All is well.

Throughout the day, I recall the feeling of freedom by pausing, taking a deep breath, and revisiting the Silence. This practice helps me open to the freedom of Spirit, to guidance, and to the flow of divine ideas. I release any anxiety and align my thoughts with positive, unlimited possibilities. I am free.

I want you to be free from anxieties.–1 Corinthians 7:32

Monday, August 18, 2014

Approval - Monday, August 18, 2014 | Daily Word

Approval

I AM WHOLE AND COMPLETE JUST AS I AM.

We all want to be appreciated and loved by others, but a need for approval can be a stumbling block. On my spiritual path, I learn that my priority is to be true to myself. I am an expression of God—in this form, body, and mind. I am all I need to be. By being true to myself, I may or may not garner the admiration or approval of others, but ultimately I will gain much more.

I pray to fully love myself as I am, to accept the love of God, to appreciate my gifts and the unique desires of my heart. I am here to live the life I have been given. As I learn to love myself more, my need for admiration and outside approval diminishes. I am whole and complete, just as I am.

Am I now seeking human approval, or God’s approval? … If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ.—Galatians 1:10

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Total Praise - Richard Smallwood

Fulfillment - Sunday, August 17, 2014 | Daily Word

I OPEN TO DIVINE MIND, AND I LIVE A FULFILLING LIFE.

Divine Mind is the field of infinite potential. It is All-Good, everywhere present. It is the Source of all that is. Divine Mind is God, and God lives in me. Through the power of Divine Mind, I find the fulfillment of every need—health in mind and body, prosperity to live with ease and comfort, the love of family and friends, peace in my relationships with others, and harmony in my community.

Today I open my heart and mind to greater understanding. All I need to know is that there is a place within my soul where I can consciously meet God as Divine Mind and receive a flood of new life, love, and power. God is the fulfillment of every need. As I grow in understanding, I am fulfilled.

May he grant your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your plans.—Psalm 20:4

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Breathe - Saturday, August 16, 2014 | Daily Word

Breathe

I BREATHE AND RECOGNIZE THE PRESENCE.

If I am feeling anxious and uncertain, if my mind won’t settle down, I close my eyes and breathe deeply. With each inhalation, I feel the cleansing renewal of fresh air. As I exhale, I release tension. My body relaxes, and my mind quiets.

As unproductive and stressful thoughts fade away, my awareness expands. I feel spaciousness inside me. My calm mind notices the divine Presence I had formerly overlooked.

The life breath of Spirit cleanses and renews my soul just as cleaning renews my home. I feel satisfied as I survey the uncluttered spaciousness within me. With a relaxed body and a quiet mind, I open to experience the presence of Spirit.

Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.—Ezekiel 37:9

Friday, August 15, 2014

Pray for Others - Friday, August 15, 2014 | Daily Word

Pray for Others

I PRAY FOR YOUR HIGHEST GOOD.

I hold you in prayer today and envision you as vibrant, whole, joyful, peaceful, and fulfilled. My mind is at peace for I know in my heart that the light of God surrounds you, the love that God is enfolds you, and the power and presence of God are with you always.

Whether we are near or far, my thoughts, prayers, and love are with you. Our oneness of spirit connects us, just as we are one with our Creator.

With praise and thanksgiving for the activity of Spirit within you, I entrust you to the care of the Divine. I pray for your highest good in all ways and see you freely expressing the beautiful soul you are.

I pray that … Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.—Ephesians 3:16-17

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Oneness - Thursday, August 14, 2014 | Daily Word

Oneness

I AM ONE WITH GOD AND MY SUPPLY IS ABUNDANTLY PROVIDED.

Jesus taught unity with God: “As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us.” Many enlightened teachers have said that separation is an illusion. We are one with God, the Source of All.

In meditation, I become aware of my oneness with the unlimited Source. I gain a deeper understanding: As I am one with my Source, I have access to unlimited health, abundance, protection, and love. Unity teacher Emilie Cady wrote: “There is really no reason for jealousy or envy, for all persons are one and the same Spirit.”

I let go of thoughts of separation. Good flows to me and through me at all times. I experience God’s good in my life and my needs are abundantly met.

The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one.—John 17:22

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Perfect Life - Wednesday, August 13, 2014 | Daily Word

Perfect Life

MY BODY TEMPLE

EXPRESSES THE PERFECTION OF GOD.

The life of God, which is the source of all life, flows in and through my body temple. I rejoice to know this truth.

Today I see the perfection of God expressed in and through me. Every cell is alive and functioning in accordance with its individual pattern. Every organ is operating smoothly and harmoniously as it performs its unique task. Every muscle expands and contracts so that I move with grace and ease.

I stand straight and tall. I walk with confidence and strength. I ask God’s blessing on all that I eat and my body is wisely nourished. The perfect rhythm of God helps me to balance activity with rest and work with recreation. I sleep soundly and awake refreshed.

My body temple expresses the perfection of God’s life.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him.—Genesis 1:27