The Joy of Jesus (Church Online)

Monday, January 27, 2014

Comfort - Monday, January 27, 2014 | Daily Word

Comfort

IN THE PRESENCE OF LOVE, I AM COMFORTED.

The light of God still shines even in the darkest night of loss or despair. I am strengthened by the loving presence of God and thankful for the faith and love of those who hold me in prayer.

I empower my faith by focusing only on God, the good. I trust that in God I have the capacity to overcome any difficult situation. Divine comfort enfolds me like warm spring sunshine after a long, cold winter. I breathe deeply and my heart grows lighter.

God’s steadfast love uplifts me, and I rise to a new day of light and life. With the promise of eternal comfort, my hope is restored and I know that all is well.

May our Lord … who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.—2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Grace - Sunday, January 26, 2014 | Daily Word

Grace

I ACCEPT GRACE WITH A GRATEFUL HEART.

Grace is woven into the very fabric of my being. It is the goodness of God at work in my life. I accept grace as the redeeming, uplifting, and transforming power of God working in and through me now.

Grace is an expression of God’s love, and I receive it every day with a grateful heart. I experience grace as a nudge to pay attention … as a second chance … as unexpected good or a better-than-expected outcome. When I allow room for God’s grace, good blossoms in my consciousness. Forgiveness, generosity, and love come naturally, and I am blessed.

Life is easier when I am open to God’s grace. Following Spirit’s lead, I no longer paddle against the current, but flow with the stream of divine life.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.–Philippians 4:23

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Transformation - Saturday, January 25, 2014 | Daily Word

Transformation

TRANSFORMATION IS ONLY A THOUGHT AWAY.

How do I respond to change? Am I quick to resist it or does acceptance come naturally to me? Self-awareness and acceptance are spiritual tools I can use to shift my reaction when change occurs.

As I meditate, I become aware of the sensations in my body. Tightness or pain may be a sign of resistance. I acknowledge any feelings and allow myself to feel them fully. I am gentle and accepting of whatever comes.

With self-awareness comes personal choice. I realize that I choose how to respond to events and changes. I am not powerless. Seeing the situation from a higher perspective, I learn to accept what is with awareness and peace.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts … and lead me in the way everlasting.—Psalm 139:23-24

Friday, January 24, 2014

Faith - Friday, January 24, 2014 | Daily Word

Faith

I STEP OUT WITH FAITH AND ACHIEVE MY HIGHEST POTENTIAL.

In order to live life to its fullest, I must be willing to occasionally embrace the unknown. This requires courage, pressing on even when fearful. Yet I have more than just courage; I have faith. Faith is steady, grounded, and filled with assurance.

I cultivate my faith in the fertile soil of Spirit. Infinite Substance is the source of all creation. Thoughts of faith fill my mind, and I use the creative power of words and actions to manifest my good.

I may not foresee the precise form in which new circumstances will be birthed. Yet I am assured that my highest good will be established. In faith, I step forward with joyful expectation into the next phase of my unfolding life.

Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.—1 Corinthians 16:13

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Hidden Treasures - Thursday, January 23, 2014 | Daily Word

Hidden Treasures

I EXCAVATE TREASURES EVERY DAY.

Hidden in experiences of illness or disappointment are jewels of wisdom waiting to be excavated. Regardless of how these gems disguise themselves, I discover them, like diamonds in the rough. I recognize the pearls of insight inherent in every challenge.

I no longer attempt to solve my problems with limited thinking. Instead, I turn within to discern how to unearth my golden opportunities, my divine inheritance. I receive guidance and know what is mine to do.

I use powerful affirmations as a tool to extract my treasures, and I trust my life will be beautifully enriched. I affirm: I am worthy of all the treasures awaiting my discovery every moment of this day.

I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places.—Isaiah 45:3

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Gentleness - Wednesday, January 22, 2014 | Daily Word

Gentleness

I AM KIND AND GENTLE WITH OTHERS.

Jesus demonstrated true gentleness of spirit in his interactions with others. He recognized the spark of divinity within all people and treated them with dignity and respect.

Inspired by this gentle treatment, I am kind, sensitive, and unhurried with others. I listen attentively and allow them to express themselves in their own unique ways. As I let go of judgment or impatience, I act peacefully and respectfully. Calm and at ease, I appreciate the importance of bringing gentleness into the world.

I treat others as I would like to be treated. I follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who exhibited a gentleness of Spirit in every way.

Let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight.—1 Peter 3:4

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Wait - Tuesday, January 21, 2014 | Daily Word

ONE WITH GOD, I WAIT, BREATHING INTO THE UNKNOWN.

In Hebrew, one translation of the word wait, or Qavah, is to bind together. As I wait for news about a certain outcome or grapple for answers to a troubling issue, I imagine myself intertwined with God like sturdy strands of cord, bound together as one. Holding this image relieves any anxiety I may be feeling.

One with God, I relax, breathe into the unknown, and wait. Rather than trying to force a particular outcome, I rest in God and trust in divine wisdom.

I see this interlude as a respite for my soul. As I exercise patience, I cultivate my spiritual mettle. When the pause is over, I am renewed and ready to act from God-given insight.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.—Psalm 130:5