The Joy of Jesus (Church Online)

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Self-Care - Tuesday, June 25, 2013 | Daily Word

Self-Care

I LOVINGLY CARE FOR MYSELF.

Self-care is a way of life. Overall well-being is supported by good habits that nurture my spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional health. Caring for myself means making healthy and harmonious choices. When I take care of myself, I eat nutritious foods in appropriate amounts, enjoy restorative sleep, and keep my body and mind active and nimble.

My body is a blessing from God. I listen to its needs and love it unconditionally. I feed my soul through meditation. Throughout the day, I consciously release worry and the urge to manage other people’s lives. I stay focused on maintaining my spiritual and emotional health. Spirit expresses through me perfectly when my life is in balance.

Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light.—Luke 11:34

Monday, June 24, 2013

Convictions - Monday, June 24, 2013 | Daily Word

Convictions

THE WISDOM OF GOD DIRECTS ME FOR MY HIGHEST GOOD.

My beliefs and convictions are the foundation for how I live my life. Therefore, I align them with the Truth that is steadily being revealed to me by Spirit. I remain open to new insights and divine ideas in order to be a channel for good in the world. At times, I may need to think differently, to change convictions that were misguided. I trust the wisdom of God within to lead me in the right direction. I am God’s instrument of divine love and peace.

Faith arises from my relationship with the God of my understanding. While God is the One Power and One Presence, each of us will experience that Power in our own unique way. I respect the beliefs of others and allow God to direct me for my highest good.

The faith that you have, have as your own conviction before God.—Romans 14:22

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Inner Peace - Sunday, June 23, 2013 | Daily Word

Inner Peace

THE PRESENCE OF GOD PERMEATES MY BEING.

The presence of God watches over me. Wherever I am, God is. These lines from the “Prayer for Protection” remind me that I am always in the presence of God—a presence that brings peace.

As I pray, I go within to a sanctuary of peace and quietly commune with the Presence. My mind, body, and spirit are soothed. I let go of worry, fear, and doubt. Throughout the day, I easily return my awareness to the presence of God within, and I immediately become calm. From this place of peace, I reach out to others who are feeling anxious and allow God to express through me as peace, understanding, and empathy. I am always in the presence of God. I am always in the presence of peace.

He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”—Exodus 33:14

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Forgive - Saturday, June 22, 2013 | Daily Word

Forgive

I EXPRESS THE LOVE OF GOD AS FORGIVENESS AND ACCEPTANCE.

I am not being the resourceful, joyful person I was created to be if I am burdened with self-condemnation or if I see myself as a victim of the actions of others. So I choose to free my heart and mind of ill feelings and resentment. Through forgiveness, I claim my freedom now.

I forgive myself for any thought, word, or action that does not reflect my divine identity. I behold myself and others as creations of God. We are made in the image and likeness of God and are capable of understanding and expressing divine love. With love and compassion, I forgive. I move past any self-imposed barriers that have separated me from others. I welcome the opportunity to enjoy life fully and completely.

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.—Matthew 6:12

Friday, June 21, 2013

Summer - Friday, June 21, 2013 | Daily Word

Summer

I AM THANKFUL FOR THE SUNLIGHT OF SUMMER AND THE LIGHT OF GOD IN ME.

For people living in the northern hemisphere, summer begins today, bringing warmer temperatures and longer days. It is a time for planting gardens, spending time outdoors, and enjoying favorite activities of the season.

I am thankful for sunshine no matter what the season. I am nurtured by sunlight, as are crops growing in a farmer’s field. I rejoice in the glory of a blue-sky summer day.

I am also grateful for the divine light that illumines me from within. No matter what time of year, no matter what season of my life, the light of God surrounds me, enfolds me, and illumines me.

Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons … to give light upon the earth.–Genesis 1:14-15

Thursday, June 20, 2013

World Peace - Thursday, June 20, 2013 | Daily Word

World Peace

PEACE ON EARTH BEGINS WITH ME.

Words from a familiar hymn remind me that I play an important role in contributing to world peace: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” My first job is to treat myself with love and compassion. As I forgive myself and release the need to be perfect, I become less judgmental toward others.

As I accept myself and others, I begin to acknowledge and appreciate new perspectives. I appreciate the rich diversity of individual differences. While we may express differently in our appearance, views, likes, and dislikes, we are interconnected. We are one. By opening my heart to acceptance and appreciation, I contribute to world peace.

May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus.—Romans 15:5