The Joy of Jesus (Church Online)

Friday, August 23, 2013

Gratitude - Friday, August 23, 2013 | Daily Word

I PRAISE AND GIVE THANKS FOR ALL MY BLESSINGS.

The more I focus on the fullness of my life, the more grateful and satisfied I am. I am grateful that my basic needs have always been met. I am grateful for my relationships—my family, friends, and community members—who fill my life with laughter, inspiration, and companionship. I am grateful that I am one with Spirit, which provides me with the divine foundation for a life of purpose and meaning.

I gratefully acknowledge my abundant blessings. I praise and give thanks for the wellspring of Spirit in me and in all people. We are heirs to the kingdom of God and all good that lies therein. My gratitude for life is immense.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly … with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.—Colossians 3:16

Thursday, August 22, 2013

The Mystery Revealed, Part 2

Attraction - Thursday, August 22, 2013 | Daily Word

Attraction

I ATTRACT MY HIGHEST GOOD!

When embroiled in an unhappy circumstance, I don’t give up or give in. I am not a hapless, limited being. I have the power to change the direction of my life. I have a conquering spirit that can neither be daunted nor defeated!

My valiant spirit is an attracting agent for good, magnetically drawing to me enriching experiences. The power of attraction is always at work. If I have previously allowed misperceptions about faults or flaws to define me, I release these thoughts now. Through the power of my life-affirming words, I attract greater good to me and through me. Summoning the power of attraction, I assertively draw into existence the good I deserve.

I looked, and there was a white horse! Its rider had a bow; a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering and to conquer.—Revelation 6:2

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Protected - Wednesday, August 21, 2013 | Daily Word

RESTING IN THE AWARENESS OF GOD’S INFINITE PRESENCE, I KNOW TRUE SAFETY.

I want to know that my loved ones and I are always safe and secure. At times, however, I may become so eager to establish safety that my actions create turmoil. For instance, while trying to protect others from mistakes, I might become overbearing or interfering. To protect myself from emotional hurt, I might erect walls that cut me off from receiving love.

To let go of the urge to control, I enter the Silence. I remember that divine love and wisdom are within me, and in every person and circumstance. The people I care about are safe and protected because God—as boundless love and perfect wisdom—is with them and within them at all times. In this knowing, I feel safe and secure.

The beloved of the Lord rests in safety—the High God surrounds him.—Deuteronomy 33:12

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Faith - Tuesday, August 20, 2013 | Daily Word

I HAVE ABSOLUTE FAITH IN THE LOVE OF GOD WITHIN ME.

The love of God within me is the source of my unwavering faith. No matter what is happening in my life, the love of God enables me to see past appearances to the potential for transformation—within myself, within those around me, and within every situation.

Faith in the power of divine love changes my heart and mind at depth. As I express God’s love, I begin to see something new unfolding. A new pattern is emerging to bless and support me and my loved ones.

As I progress on my spiritual path, I realize nothing is more powerful than the love of God in the human heart. Through my faith in this love, I am whole, prosperous, wise, and at peace.

For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you.—Psalm 26:3

Monday, August 19, 2013

Serenity - Monday, August 19, 2013 | Daily Word

NOTHING CAN DISTURB THE CALM PEACE OF MY SOUL.

Like the eye of a storm, the center of my being is a place of peace and quiet. I turn to this inner sanctuary any time I need to go apart from the world. In this sacred space, nothing can disturb the calm peace of my soul.

In moments of prayer and meditation, I focus on the light within me. By gently turning within, I can achieve serenity anywhere, at any time.

I am filled with the love of God. I feel the strength, wisdom, and light of God enfold me and prepare me for what’s ahead. I center myself with a simple inhale and exhale, and I rest in the awareness that God and I are one.

God is my assurance that all is well. I am at peace.

Live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.—2 Corinthians 13:11

Serenity - Monday, August 19, 2013 | Daily Word

NOTHING CAN DISTURB THE CALM PEACE OF MY SOUL.

In moments of prayer and meditation, I focus on the light within me. By gently turning within, I can achieve serenity anywhere, at any time.

God is my assurance that all is well. I am at peace.

Live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.—2 Corinthians 13:11

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Welcome - Sunday, August 18, 2013 | Daily Word

I GREET THIS DAY BY PRAYING, “GOOD MORNING, GOD!”

Every day is a miracle of life unfolding. I begin my day and welcome a fresh opportunity to cocreate with the Divine by saying, “Good morning, God!” Through this simple prayer, I establish my relationship with Infinite Creativity and establish an expectancy of good.

As I meet and interact with others throughout the day, I share my enthusiasm for the sacred experience of life with a welcoming smile, an encouraging word, or a helping hand.

If challenges arise, I remember I am not alone—I welcome the guidance and wisdom of God working through me. When I complete a project or am successful in meeting a goal, I praise the gifts and power of the Divine revealed through me.

You make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy.—Psalm 65:8

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Healing - Saturday, August 17, 2013 | Daily Word

DIVINE LIFE RENEWS EVERY CELL IN MY BODY.

When I have a bruise, I watch it change color as it heals. When I have the flu, I wait for the fever to break as a sign of healing. Healing may not always be visible as it progresses, but I trust Divine Life in me to restore my health.

Anytime I feel less than whole, less than peaceful, or less than joyful, I open myself to God’s healing power. Healing radiates from the wholeness that is my true nature. Centering my thoughts in the perfect life that I am, the perfect peace that I am, and the perfect joy that I am, I call this healing forth. I pray, confident of the outcome, relinquishing any doubt over how or when I will heal. What I know for myself, I also know for others. We are healed.

For you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.—Malachi 4:2

Friday, August 16, 2013

Prayer - Friday, August 16, 2013 | Daily Word

IN PRAYER, I AM ONE WITH DIVINE MIND.

Prayer is a sacred experience; a time of communing with God; a turning within that aligns me with God’s peace and power. I may pray in solitude or with others in a spiritual gathering. My prayer may be a simple “Thank You” or an elaborate ritual. It may be silent or audible. Regardless of how or where it happens, prayer centers me in the presence of God.

I treasure my prayer time. In prayer, I open my mind, exercise my faith, and consciously unite with Divine Mind. Through prayer, my perspective expands. I see beyond current situations or circumstances to the power of God at work in my life. Prayer changes my mind and heart. It lifts me into an experience of oneness with God.

Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.—Psalm 54:2

Thursday, August 15, 2013

The Secret of God

www.gty.org/MediaPlayer/sermons/1912

Comfort - Thursday, August 15, 2013 | Daily Word

WITH FAITH AS MY BEACON, I FIND COMFORT IN HOLY SPIRIT.

When I lose someone dear to me, I may feel overwhelmed or disorientated by the loss. I am soothed in knowing we are all infinitely connected. In the realm of divine Life, there is no separation.

Although my life may never be like it was, I lean on the wisdom and love of Holy Spirit, remembering I am neither alone nor forsaken. I am infilled with the soothing, uplifting energy of Spirit’s divine comfort, gently easing my pain and grief.

One with the Presence, I open to the blessing of now. With faith as my beacon, I have the courage I need to pass through any experience with strength and grace.

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

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

My Gifts - Wednesday, August 14, 2013 | Daily Word

I ALLOW MY NATURAL GIFTS TO FLOURISH.

I am abundantly blessed. Spirit has equipped me with natural talents and abilities that I demonstrate easily and joyfully. I may have the gift of hospitality, working with numbers, or creating art. I may be able to inspire others through imaginative storytelling or designing new technology.

Some gifts may come in disguise. I may need to work hard and practice diligently to discover them. I do my best to develop and polish my natural abilities. Allowing my gifts to flourish is part of my spiritual growth.

I do not compare my abilities to others, but rather seek to express them fully in my own unique way. I give my gifts to make a positive difference in my life and the lives of others.

The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us.—Psalm 67:6

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

▶ "God Can" - Dottie Peoples - YouTube

Let Go, Let God - Tuesday, August 13, 2013 | Daily Word

I SURRENDER TO GOD’S LOVE, AND I BECOME WHOLE.

It takes courage to let go of painful memories or circumstances. I may cling to hurt or disappointment, feeling misunderstood or unloved. But although the memories may linger, God’s unconditional love is here to heal my pain.

If I need help letting go, I pray for understanding and an open heart. A world of possibilities opens when I willingly receive divine love and allow it to heal me. I release my struggle and let universal love heal my wounds. Forgiveness becomes possible. I feel whole again.

When I let the love of God become my guiding principle, I am clear, confident, and at peace. I let go of the past, and I am free.

Those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.—Psalm 9:10

Monday, August 12, 2013

Cooperation - Monday, August 12, 2013 | Daily Word

I WORK WITH OTHERS IN HARMONY AND COOPERATION.

Today I am grounded in a spirit of cooperation. Whether at work or at home, I look for ways to be in agreement. In every discussion, I keep an open mind. I may not solve problems or settle questions in the same way as others, but I do not criticize them or take disagreements personally.

If I find myself in the minority of thought, with others preferring an answer or approach different from my own, I open to see the situation in a new light. I release any need to be right or in control. Instead, I focus on harmony and cooperation. I calmly release feelings of resistance and bless the situation and all involved. Life is a give-and-take activity. I am content as I work with others in harmony and cooperation.

How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!—Psalm 133:1

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Guidance - Sunday, August 11, 2013 | Daily Word

SPIRIT LEADS ME, GUIDES ME, AND WALKS BESIDE ME.

Today I carry these words with me as a prayer for guidance. From the hymn “I Am a Child of God,” by Naomi W. Randall: “Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find the way.”

I know the spirit of God is with me, and I watch as the path ahead unfolds—one step, one insight, one turn at a time. Knowing I am never alone in my decisions, I feel adventurous and confident.

What dreams are mine to fulfill? How can I contribute to the greater good? Divinely directed and inspired, I dust off aspirations I might have previously laid aside and ask Spirit to lead and guide me to fulfillment. In every endeavor, I call on the spirit of God to help me find the way.

This is God, our God forever and ever. He will be our guide forever.—Psalm 48:14

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Prosperity - Saturday, August 10, 2013 | Daily Word

INFINITE SPIRIT IS THE SOURCE OF MY GOOD.

At times, I may think the source of my prosperity is a specific job or person. Or, I may consider my greatest asset to be a particular possession. While gratitude for these blessings boosts my sense of prosperity, other people or things are not the source of my good. In fact, nothing in the material world is the source of my supply.

As I enter the Silence, I remember that Infinite Spirit is the one true, unfailing source of my good. A consciousness of Spirit is my limitless, lifetime supply. I give heartfelt thanks for this truth, recognizing that developing my spiritual consciousness is the greatest investment I can make in expanding my spiritual and material prosperity.

If they listen, and serve him, they complete their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasantness.—Job 36:11

Friday, August 9, 2013

Our Daily Bread

READ: John 14:1-11

In my Father’s house are many mansions . . . . I go to prepare a place for you. —John 14:2

My dad was full of stories about his hometown. So you can imagine how excited I was as a child when he took our family there every summer. We fished the St. Joseph River together and visited his boyhood farm where all of his stories came to life. Although that place was never really myhome, whenever I visit that town—now with grown children and grandchildren of my own—it fills me with a nostalgic sense of belonging.

Jesus talked with His disciples about His home in heaven, which He left to come and live among us. What a joy it must have been for Him to tell His disciples, “In my Father’s house are many mansions . . . . I go to prepare a place for you, . . . that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3). No doubt Jesus, “who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2), was looking forward to returning to His heavenly home and taking His Father’s sons and daughters there to be with Him.

The thought of Jesus taking us to His Father’s home fills us with great anticipation and compels us to tell others the good news about the Son who came to rescue us from this fallen place. —Joe Stowell

Now I belong to Jesus;
Jesus belongs to me—
Not for the years of time alone,
But for eternity.
—Norman J. Clayton.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Golden Moments - Thursday, August 08, 2013 | Daily Word

I CHOOSE KINDNESS AND LOVE.

Just as a golden necklace is made from many small links, all perfectly interlocked, my life is formed from days, years, and decades of interconnected moments. Will these moments be forged from fear or crafted by love?

I have the God-given freedom to choose my response to people and circumstances—and I choose love. My relationships are transformed as I choose kindness instead of criticism, forgiveness instead of bitterness. When I offer others understanding instead of judgment, love prevails, and we connect heart to heart.

When I choose love, my life becomes a precious chain of golden moments.

Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts.—Acts 2:46

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

World Peace - Wednesday, August 07, 2013 | Daily Word

MY PERSONAL PEACE IS A GIFT TO THE WORLD.

An ancient sage once said that when there is peace in the person, there is peace in the family, the community, the nation, and the world. The greatest peacemakers began by finding peace within then sharing it in their community.

When I worry about the lack of peace in the world, I ask myself: Am I at peace within? Am I at peace with others? Do I need to reach out, connect, forgive? Do I make peaceful choices in my daily life? How can I effect peaceful communication and understanding in my home, work, and neighborhood?

In prayer and meditation, I find serenity. I discover ways to express peace in my life. The greatest gift I give to the world is a peaceful heart, which manifests in all I do.

Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ.—2 John 1:3

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Zest - Tuesday, August 06, 2013 | Daily Word

I LIVE A SPIRIT-CENTERED LIFE.

I exude a zest for living—a passion that adds to all my experiences. There is no room for boredom in my day. I welcome life with youthful exuberance, for I am eager to be all I was created to be.

As a one-of-a-kind expression of God, I am unique in who I am and what I contribute. I express imagination, energy, and creativity in all that I do. I exude love, acceptance, and appreciation for my friends, family, and all of creation.

Life is a gift, and I am eager to give back from my Spirit-center. I am energized by enthusiasm for all that is sacred. The more I give from my spiritual nature, the more I have to give.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, … who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.—Psalm 103:2, 5

Monday, August 5, 2013

Grace - Monday, August 05, 2013 | Daily Word

GOD’S GRACE IS MY SUFFICIENCY.

Any time I perceive lack, I have an opportunity to realize a power greater than what I see in the world. If I fear my abilities are limited, God reveals my innate gifts to me. As I open to God’s grace, every weakness is transformed.

To experience the grace of God, I pray. Just as I find physical renewal through sleep, so I find renewal for my heart and mind in the refreshing practice of prayer. In prayer, I find a true clarity of thought. My heart is freed from all tension or fear. I am filled with inner light and directed from a deep inner source of wisdom.

Whenever I perceive any lack or limitation, I pause, pray, and know that God’s grace is sufficient.

My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.—2 Corinthians 12:9

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Worthy - Sunday, August 04, 2013 | Daily Word

I AM WORTHY OF MY GOOD!

Like all people, I want a good life—loving relationships, rewarding work, and abiding peace. Yet these blessings may elude me until I awaken to my inherent worth.

I am created in the image and likeness of God. My worth does not depend on my behaviors. I am intrinsically worthy because I am a living, loving, divine creation.

When doubts arise, I remember the truth of my being. The good I seek is right where I am. The love I desire is the love of God already present. The work I long to do is Spirit’s calling within me. As I stand in my own sacred worth, I feel the blessings of God infill me. I am worthy of my good. I expect the best, and I am ready to receive!

Now, my daughter, do not be afraid, I will do for you all that you ask, for all the assembly of my people know that you are a worthy woman.—Ruth 3:11

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Joy-Filled Spirit - Saturday, August 03, 2013 | Daily Word

I DELIGHT IN THE SIMPLE PLEASURES OF LIFE.

Within me lies a joy-filled inner child who loves to laugh and play. Nothing touches me as deeply as life’s simple pleasures. A carefree walk on a summer’s day fills me with delight. Riding a bike, blowing bubbles, eating an ice cream cone, or cuddling with a beloved pet all spark joy within me.

As I think back on happy times throughout my life, a smile crosses my lips. I remember the many ways my life has been blessed, and joy wells up within me. Life is filled with moments and memories that warm my heart. I am a joy-filled spirit, and I celebrate life’s pleasures, big and small.

You shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.—Isaiah 55:12

Friday, August 2, 2013

Ephesians 2:8-2:10 NKJV - For by grace you have been saved - Bible Gateway

Ephesians 2:8-2:10 NKJV - For by grace you have been saved - Bible Gateway
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Safe Travel - Friday, August 02, 2013 | Daily Word

GOD’S PRESENCE CLEARS THE WAY.I AM SAFE AND PROTECTED.

When taking a trip, I take certain precautions to ensure safety. When traveling by car, I wear a seat belt, fill the gas tank, check the oil, and assure enough air in the tires. When flying, I listen to the flight attendants’ instructions, noting the location of the nearest exits. When biking, I test my lights and wear a helmet and reflective clothing.

Before leaving home, I implement another safety measure—prayer. I affirm God’s power and presence, making clear and safe my way. I imagine myself surrounded by protective light shining from within.

As a spiritual voyager, I am open to divine guidance and I bless all those I meet along the way.

He protected us along all the way that we went.—Joshua 24:17