Endings - Friday, October 31, 2014 | Daily Word

Endings - Friday, October 31, 2014 | Daily Word

I MOVE FORWARD INTO GREATER GOOD.

When we stand at the end of one life experience—the conclusion of a job or relationship, moving away from home, graduating from school, or retiring from a career—we remember that every ending is also a beginning. Saying goodbye to what has been, we welcome what will be.

We may be tempted to keep looking back, but once we turn our eyes to the path ahead, we find new opportunities awaiting us. We are beginning a new phase of life, a new way of fulfilling our purpose, a new way of serving God and the world.

In truth, we don’t leave anything behind; we carry it with us. As we bless our past, we build on all we have learned and continue on our life’s unfolding journey.

Forgetting what lies behind … I press on toward the goal.—Philippians 3:13-14

World Peace - Thursday, October 30, 2014 | Daily Word

World Peace - Thursday, October 30, 2014 | Daily Word

I AM A PEACEMAKER IN THE WORLD.

One of the most vital messages Jesus shared was a simple invitation to be a peacemaker: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Every person is created of God with the potential to be a peacemaker. We have spiritual power and through our peaceful thoughts, words, and actions, we can create a peaceful world.

Whatever may be occurring—near to me or across the globe—I maintain an awareness of peace. The peace of God can be known and recognized in all situations and is brought into expression as serenity, trust, goodwill, and friendship. Through prayer, I strengthen my practice of peace. I think peace, speak peace, and act in ways that foster peace. I am a peacemaker.

Blessed are the peacemakers.—Matthew 5:9

Open the Door - Wednesday, October 29, 2014 | Daily Word

Open the Door - Wednesday, October 29, 2014 | Daily Word

Open the Door

MY GRATITUDE OPENS THE DOOR TO BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS.

Praise and thanksgiving have the power to increase our experience of good. Charles Fillmore once wrote that travelers quickly learn that “praise and thanks melt the hardest heart and often open the door to amazing hospitality.” The prophets knew the power of thanksgiving, as “Praise the Lord” is frequently repeated in the Psalms.

On my journey through life, I recognize the power of appreciation. I praise every part of my body, and I am energized with greater health and vitality. I pay my bills with gratitude in the divine flow of giving and receiving. As I bless others, I unlock the door to greater love and harmony in my relationships. Through gratitude, I open wide the door to Spirit’s infinite bounty.

Celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you.—Deuteronomy 26:11

Faith - Tuesday, October 28, 2014 | Daily Word

Faith - Tuesday, October 28, 2014 | Daily Word

I DEMONSTRATE MY FAITH IN EVERY THOUGHT, WORD, AND ACTION.

I am firmly rooted in the knowledge that God is my source. Faith is my foundation. Nothing can shake my steadfast faith.

If any condition seems to have power over me, I return to the one Truth: God and I are one. If God cannot be moved, I cannot be moved. I cannot fail, because I am one with God, the Perfect, the Infallible, the Creator.

I demonstrate my faith in every thought, word, and action. I use positive language and stand strong in the face of adversity.

Because my foundation of faith is solid, nothing can knock me off center. Just as a great redwood stands tall and strong, I root myself deeply in my faith. I am strong. I am invincible. I am faith-filled.

Continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith.—Colossians 2:6-7

Desire - Monday, October 27, 2014 | Daily Word

Desire - Monday, October 27, 2014 | Daily Word

Desire

MY DEEPEST DESIRE IS TO KNOW GOD.

Anew pair of shoes, a new job, or even a passionate relationship may capture my attention for a time. I may consider these the objects of my desire for a while and even revel in them, but there is a longing within me that cannot be satisfied by anything in the outer world.

My deepest desire is to know God. I experience God in meditation, in nature, and in the loving embrace of others. God’s presence is found in the fluidity of the present moment. When I focus on the experience of God, I am one with everything—other ­people, nature, the sun and stars. I am as ancient as the Universe and as new as the dawn. My desire to know God leads me to oneness, and I am at peace.

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you.—Psalm 73:25

Flexible - Sunday, October 26, 2014 | Daily Word

Flexible - Sunday, October 26, 2014 | Daily Word

I AM FLEXIBLE AND YOUNG IN SPIRIT.

The spirit of God is at the very core of my being. It is my Source of eternal youth and life. I recognize this flowing force that keeps me alive, breath by breath and heartbeat by heartbeat.

I do not limit my capacity to express the life of Spirit by being inflexible or stuck. I refuse to become crystallized in old thoughts or ways of being. I affirm my true nature in Spirit—I am an ever-flowing, ever-renewing expression of Infinite Life.

I live this truth by expressing openness and resiliency. I am flexible in mind and body. I am conscious of my life, energy, and strength. I express the vitality and youthfulness of Spirit within.

For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song.—Isaiah 55:12

Comfort - Saturday, October 25, 2014 | Daily Word

Comfort - Saturday, October 25, 2014 | Daily Word

Comfort

GOD IS MY ABIDING COMFORT.

The psalmists often refer to God as the source of refuge and comfort. In troubled times, I also turn to Spirit. God is my refuge and comfort. Like an unfailing friend, God is with me always.

I know without doubt that God is with me in gladness and in tears, and I feel at peace. In the midst of adversity, I am never alone nor separate from the unconditional love of the Divine.

If at any time I feel restless, anxious, or unsure, I connect to my Source of life and love through prayer. I speak words of gratitude for my next breath and the miracle of my heartbeat. The comforting Presence permeates my being. I open to the love of God, my abiding comfort.

You will increase my honor, and comfort me once again.—Psalm 71:21

Nature - Friday, October 24, 2014 | Daily Word

Nature - Friday, October 24, 2014 | Daily Word

Nature

COMMUNING WITH NATURE, I FIND ONENESS.

What a gift it is to be in nature and to behold its glory! Whether I am hiking in the deep woods or strolling through a city park, I have the opportunity to connect with the natural world.

My time in nature sharpens my awareness. I walk among the leaves dancing in the breeze, while flowers of lively colors greet me cheerfully. A bird’s call invites me to watch its antics and marvel at its flight.

Communing with nature reminds me I am one with all of life. I behold the sacredness of living things great and small. I am richly blessed to be part of the natural world. In gratitude, I cherish and care for it.

I went down to the nut orchard, to look at the blossoms of the valley, to see whether the vines had budded, whether the pomegranates were in bloom.–Song of Solomon 6:11

Guidance - Thursday, October 23, 2014 | Daily Word

Guidance - Thursday, October 23, 2014 | Daily Word

GOD GUIDES MY WAY IN EVERY SITUATION.

A guide is one who shows the way, who leads and directs. Sherpa mountaineers guide climbers on their mountain trek, quietly leading the way, providing support and direction to ensure that climbers safely reach the top.

God is my guide along life’s path. God leads me in right ways, directs my thoughts and actions, and inspires me when I need energy and confidence.

I need never feel lost or alone when meeting a challenge, for I have a loving guide with me at all times to lead me through the twists and turns of life. Knowing this, I relax, let go, and enjoy the journey. I trust God, my Guide, to lead me to my good.

O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.—Psalm 43:3

Shift - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 | Daily Word

Shift - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 | Daily Word

I SHIFT TO A HIGHER SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVE.

A car with a manual transmission cannot move if it is not in gear. If I find myself pressing my foot on the gas pedal and spinning my wheels, shifting the gears will propel me forward.

Likewise, holding on to an attitude of insistence or resistance in my life will keep me stuck. Through prayer, I access the wisdom and clarity to know how to shift gears and change.

To rise from blame, upset, or frustration, I adjust my attitude. I let go and forgive. I use my energy in positive ways—uplifting, encouraging, and looking for the best in myself and others. These shifts help me gain a higher spiritual perspective and move me steadily forward.

Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.—Zechariah 4:6

Inner Peace - Tuesday, October 21, 2014 | Daily Word

Inner Peace - Tuesday, October 21, 2014 | Daily

Inner Peace

AT THE CORE OF MY BEING, I FIND PEACE.

We are told that Jesus didn’t fret about the storms in his life. He remained confident and denied them any power. In the same way, I say, Peace, be still, to any storms in my life. I deny them any power over me.

In the midst of a tumultuous situation, I turn within, close my eyes, and observe my emotions. I notice any restlessness in me and whisper to it: Peace, be still. I focus on my breathing and feel the storm dissipate. By tapping in to the peace at the core of my being, I find the calm strength necessary to meet challenges and overcome difficulties as Jesus did.

Right and perfect solutions come, and all things work together for good. Even in stormy times, I am at peace, and all is well.

He woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm.—Luke 8:24

Labor of Love - Monday, October 20, 2014 | Daily Word

Labor of Love - Monday, October 20, 2014 | Daily Word

MY DAY IS RICH WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL EXPANSION AND SERVICE.

Any type of work can be constructive and worthwhile. Any activity is satisfying when it is a labor of love. As I keep a spiritual perspective and mindful awareness in all that I do, my workday is rich with opportunities for personal connection and spiritual expansion.

Martin Luther King Jr. said, “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance.” With spiritual awareness, any type of work can be done in a way that expands one’s consciousness and uplifts others.

At the beginning of the workday, I pray to express God in all I do and to exhibit qualities of clarity, love, appreciation, and excellence. I am grateful at the end of each day to have engaged in a labor of love.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do with your might.—Ecclesiastes 9:10

Being - Sunday, October 19, 2014 | Daily Word

Being - Sunday, October 19, 2014 | Daily Word

Being

GOD IS THE LIFE OF MY BODY, THE INTELLIGENCE OF MY MIND, AND THE FULFILLMENT OF MY HEART.

To sense the presence of God in my mind, body, and heart is not always easy. I may view God as a vast and powerful force in the universe, but God is also close and near. God lives within me.

As I observe the intricacies of the human body and its miraculous healing power, I see the life of God expressing. As I witness the intelligence of the human mind, I am in awe of Divine Mind. As I experience the capacity of the human heart to love and understand, I am uplifted by the goodness of God.

We are made of the very substance of God. We can meet any challenge as we connect with the power of God within. God is the life of our bodies, the intelligence of our minds, and the fulfillment of our hearts.

In him we live and move and have our being.—Acts 17:28

Joy - Saturday, October 18, 2014 | Daily Word

Joy - Saturday, October 18, 2014 | Daily Word

Joy

LIFE’S SIMPLE GIFTS BRING ME GREAT JOY.

There is only One Presence and One Power in the universe, God the Good. If I lose sight of this truth, I bring to mind God’s goodness and celebrate the simple joys of life.

Fall leaves create a brilliant tapestry of color. A cool glass of water quenches my thirst. Children’s riotous laughter dances in the breeze. The smell of flowers or the sounds of birds singing connect me with my inner joy. Through awareness of the blessings that surround me, I realize God is in everything.

Joy is my natural state, and I celebrate having eyes to see and ears to hear. The pleasures of God’s presence fill my days with gratitude, and I am joyful.

You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.—Psalm 16:11

My Dream - Friday, October 17, 2014 | Daily Word

My Dream - Friday, October 17, 2014 | Daily Word

My Dream

I ASK FOR WHAT MY HEART DESIRES AND PREPARE TO RECEIVE GOD’S GOOD.

What do I truly want for my life? This is an important question. At times I may find myself waiting for God to deliver my good, yet I haven’t even considered what I really want. What is my heart’s greatest desire?

My heart’s longing originates in God. When I reflect on what I want to do, who I want to be, and where I want to go, my heart’s desire is revealed. It may unfold in an instant or slowly over time. The key is to ask, seek, and then patiently wait for clarity.

Today I ask myself, What do I truly want? In the stirring of my heart, God speaks to me and leads me to my right path. I listen for answers with eager anticipation.

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.—Psalm 37:4-5

Fresh Start - Thursday, October 16, 2014 | Daily Word

Fresh Start - Thursday, October 16, 2014 | Daily Word

Fresh Start

EVERY INSIGHT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BEGIN ANEW.

In the past, I may have believed people who told me I wasn’t good enough, smart enough, or deserving of success and happiness. These assertions are untrue and unhelpful.

When I change my beliefs about myself, my life experience changes. Rather than thinking my dreams are beyond my reach, I place my faith and trust in my divine nature. I connect with God in me and affirm:I deserve to fully enjoy and express the blessings of God within me. Spirit is guiding and supporting my journey toward realizing my unlimited potential. Enfolded in divine love, I gratefully acknowledge each new insight as an opportunity for a fresh start.

Put away your former way of life, your old self … clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God.—Ephesians 4:22-24

Decisions - Wednesday, October 15, 2014 | Daily Word

Decisions - Wednesday, October 15, 2014 | Daily Word

EVERY DECISION OFFERS ME A BLESSING.

When making a decision, I relax knowing that every choice offers me a blessing. I do not allow myself to become anxious that one choice will be “wrong” and another “right.” Whether I turn right or left; go or stay; say yes or no, God is with me. I ease my mind by knowing I am never apart from the Divine Creator.

I claim my power to choose and celebrate the wisdom that guides me. Any direction I take is a fresh path to adventure, new experiences, and deeper understanding. I don’t dwell on what might have happened on another path. With God, I cannot make a wrong choice. I embrace my journey! My lessons, gifts, and blessings are right where I am.

The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs … and you shall be … like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.—Isaiah 58:11

God-Essence - Tuesday, October 14, 2014 | Daily Word

God-Essence - Tuesday, October 14, 2014 | Daily Word

God-Essence

GOD FLOWS IN AND THROUGH ME!

I am an expression of God. I am love, peace, power, and life. I am all this and more. I am one with God, and therefore, one with the essence that God is. Guided by an inner Light, I turn within in prayer and seek ways to express the presence of God in my thoughts, words, and actions.

As I listen to God’s gentle guidance, I learn to be kind to myself. As I practice patience, kindness, and love for myself and others, I manifest the essence of God in the world.

When I am centered in God, I behold the Divine in others, and I embrace a life of goodness. I pray to be a conduit through which others experience the essence of God and come to know its fullness.

From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.—John 1:16

Let Go - Monday, October 13, 2014 | Daily Word

Let Go - Monday, October 13, 2014 | Daily Word

I LET GO OF THE PAST AND OPEN THE WAY TO GREATER GOOD.

At times we may find it easier to be kind to others than we are to ourselves. We may criticize ourselves more harshly or obsess over mistakes we have made. Yet we can free ourselves from self-condemnation by acknowledging and releasing our past mistakes. We have grown, and we know better now.

When we find ourselves dwelling on the past, we can affirm: I bless the experience and everyone concerned. I have learned and grown. I am free now to more fully express the qualities of God in me.

As we let go of the past and lay down our burdens and regrets, we open the way to greater good, which we are now ready to receive.

Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask.—1 John 3:21, 22

Prosperity - Sunday, October 12, 2014 | Daily Word

Prosperity - Sunday, October 12, 2014 | Daily Word

Prosperity

I GIVE AND RECEIVE WITH EASE AND GRACE.

When I am in the divine flow of prosperity, I give and receive with ease and grace. Nothing causes me to withhold my gifts, whether they be financial, emotional, or simply helpful. As I feel led to give, I do so freely. I experience the joy of serving others with generosity.

Equally important to the experience of prosperity is receiving graciously. When someone gives me a present, a smile, an offer for help, or a listening ear, I am fully present to receive the gift. I give the giver my full attention and express genuine gratitude for their thoughtfulness.

I practice the prosperity principle of circulation. As I give, I receive; and as I receive, I give. I am blessed.

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above.—James 1:17