Our Daily Bread is The Joy of Jesus Today

Our Daily Bread

Our Prayer; God’s Will

November 30, 2012

Our Daily Bread is hosted by Les Lamborn

READ: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

I pleaded with the Lord three times that [a thorn in the flesh] might depart from me. —2 Corinthians 12:8

The handwritten prayer request was heartbreaking in its seeming impossibility: “Please pray—I have multiple sclerosis, weak muscles, trouble swallowing, increased pain, diminishing sight.” The woman’s body was breaking down, and I could sense despair in her plea for intercession.

But then came the hope—the strength that trumps the physical damage and degradation: “I know our blessed Savior is in full control. His will is of utmost importance to me.”

This person may have needed my prayers, but I needed something she had: unabated confidence in God. She seemed to present a perfect portrait of the truth God taught Paul when he asked for relief from his difficulty—what he called his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7). His quest for relief turned out to be not just a seeming impossibility; his request was turned down flat by his heavenly Father. Paul’s continual struggle, which was clearly God’s will, was a valuable lesson: Through his weakness, God’s grace could be displayed and God’s strength was “made perfect” (v.9).

As we pour out our hearts to God, let’s be even more concerned with seeking His will than we are with receiving the answer we want. That’s where the grace and the strength come from. —Dave Branon

Dear heavenly Father, I bring to You my petitions,
but I give to You my heart. While I plead for You to
answer my prayers, I also submit to Your will so that
my heart may be strengthened and Your work be done.

We pray not to obtain our will in heaven, but to effect God’s will on earth.

Clarity - Friday, November 30, 2012 | Daily Word

Clarity - Friday, November 30, 2012 | Daily Word

Clarity

THE MIND OF GOD LIVES IN ME—CLEAR AND FULL OF STRENGTH AND WISDOM.

When I look too closely at a problem, I can lose perspective. Caught up in the details, I cannot see the whole picture. Just as one must look past the trees to see the forest, I must look past minor setbacks to appreciate the full picture of my potential.

Centering myself in God, I step back from the situation and trust the spirit of God within me to provide understanding and direction. From this perspective, I see more clearly and respond more confidently.

The mind of God lives in me. It is clear and full of strength and wisdom. With faith in the infinite intelligence of God within, I move forward with clarity and assurance.

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. —Psalm 32:8

Comfort - Thursday, November 29, 2012 | Daily Word

Comfort - Thursday, November 29, 2012 | Daily Word

Comfort

THE ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE IS MY COMFORT.

When I am feeling distressed, I rest in the assurance of God’s love and I am comforted.

God’s love is constant. It cannot be diminished by anything I have or haven’t done. It cannot be withheld by others or dampened by physical or emotional pain. God’s love is my ready source of comfort.

Releasing outward appearances, I breathe deeply to quiet any concerns. I then move my attention into my heart space. My gentle breathing reveals God’s love radiating from the very center of my being, spreading throughout my body. I pause, relaxing in the assurance of God’s love. I am always and forever God’s beloved child. Comforted, I face whatever challenges are before me.

Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant.—Psalm 119:76

Listen - Wednesday, November 28, 2012 | Daily Word

Listen - Wednesday, November 28, 2012 | Daily Word

Listen

I AM LISTENING.

In seeking divine guidance, I turn within and consciously listen to the Christ presence within me. Whenever opportunities or challenges occur, I pause … ask … listen … and receive a calm assurance. Although my answers come in various ways, I recognize the still small voice of God. I am aware of growing feelings and intuitive nudges calling for my attention.

When I have the chance to help someone in need, I seek to be an instrument of peace and caring support. Often the greatest gift I can give someone is listening from my heart. I wish to be a channel through which God works, and I open myself to be a loving presence. Prayerfully, I ask and listen for guidance on what to say or do.

All the people would get up early in the morning to listen to him in the temple.—Luke 21:38

Progress - Tuesday, November 27, 2012 | Daily Word

Progress - Tuesday, November 27, 2012 | Daily Word

Progress

PRACTICE MAKES PROGRESS.

Chipping away at an unfinished project or striving to adopt a positive new habit may at times leave me feeling disheartened. I may even want to throw in the towel. To stay encouraged, I remind myself: Practice makes perfect. Or, better yet: Practice makes progress!

Rather than trying to be perfect, I practice to keep moving in the right direction. Every bit of progress is good, even if it falls short of perfection. The affirmation, Practice makes progress, keeps me motivated and gives me the energy boost to keep going.

I continue taking small yet significant steps without stress or discouragement, and I feel a growing sense of accomplishment. Practice really does make great progress!

Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.—1 Timothy 4:15

Let Go, Let God - Monday, November 26, 2012 | Daily Word

Let Go, Let God - Monday, November 26, 2012 | Daily Word

Let Go, Let God

I LET GO AND LET DIVINE LIFE FULFILL ITSELF IN AND THROUGH ME.

The phrase “let go and let God” is more than an effective affirmation. It is a way of life. When problems or challenges arise, I make a conscious decision to see myself in unity with Divine Life, to let go of my attachment to a problem and yield to a spiritual solution. This is when I am truly letting go and letting God.

God lives in me and flows freely through me. God in me is my path to freedom, abundance, peace and harmony. If I become mired in fear, doubt and frustration, I block the flow of God-life. Letting go opens me to the power of inspiration, insight, wisdom and love.

I let go and let God manifest in my life as new adventure, unexpected pleasures and unlimited potential. I live in unity with God.

Let the Lord your God show us where we should go and what we should do.—Jeremiah 42:3

Healing - Sunday, November 25, 2012 | Daily Word

Healing - Sunday, November 25, 2012 | Daily Word

Healing

THE SPIRIT OF GOD RENEWS ME.

Whether I am awake or asleep, my body performs millions of vital functions without my conscious involvement. I may take this for granted until I pause to think how blessed I am to be a creation of God; then I cannot help but be in awe of the Master Creator. God is life, and I am the projection of that life into visibility. The spirit of God enlivens and renews me.

I praise God through my feelings, thoughts and words of gratitude. My whole being—mind, body and spirit—responds positively to praise. Whether I speak silently or aloud, in words or in songs, I bless my entire being with life and vitality through the power of praise and gratitude.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.—Psalm 139:14