Friday, August 9, 2013

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glory to God