The Joy of Jesus (Church Online)

Friday, May 10, 2013

World Peace - Friday, May 10, 2013 | Daily Word

World Peace

I ENVISION PEACE, HARMONY, AND LOVE FOR ALL PEOPLE.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said, “Let us come together and be one; let us be people of peace; let us be people of harmony.” These words are a gentle reminder of the importance of working together for peace.

We are all members of the global community, united on this glorious planet. As part of the world community, I have a responsibility to be a person of peace. In my daily life, I listen, learn, and share with honesty and kindness. I allow peace and love to express through me as the thoughts I hold, the questions I ponder, the words I use, and the actions I take.

I am an ambassador of peace in the world, affirming peace and harmony for all people.

Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.—Romans 14:19

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Forgive - Thursday, May 09, 2013 | Daily Word

Forgive

MY HEART OPENS AS I FORGIVE.

In my prayer time, I realize I cannot forgive with a hardened heart. Whatever wrong I perceive has hurt me, I know forgiveness is the path to healing. Divine Love is the great solvent. It softens all hardened conditions of mind and heart. I open myself to divine love and allow it to heal me.

I begin by visualizing each of us entering the world as an innocent babe. Beneath any hurt, fear, or judgment, we are still that pure Essence of Being. Opening my heart, I connect my pure Essence to that of others. I speak a simple prayer, “May you be blessed.” I release each wound to the forgiving, healing power of Divine Love. With a softened heart, I welcome my good—the peace of forgiveness.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.—Matthew 5:8

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread -- “Don’t Worry, Dad!”

May 9, 2013


Our Daily Bread is hosted by Les Lamborn

READ: Exodus 14:19-25

The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. —Isaiah 58:8

Last summer, my husband and I hosted a concert and fundraiser for childhood cancer research. We planned to have the event in our backyard, but weather forecasts were dismal. A few hours before the event, we began calling our 100+ guests to inform them of a change in venue. As our friends and family began feverishly toting food, decorations, and equipment from our house to our church gym, our daughter Rosie took a moment to give her dad a hug and remind him on behalf of the kids and grandkids that they were there for him: “Don’t worry, Dad! We’ve got your back.”

Hearing that expression is comforting because it reminds us that we’re not on our own. Someone is saying, “I’m here. I’ll take care of whatever you might miss. I’ll be a second set of eyes and hands for you.”

As the Israelites were escaping a life of slavery, Pharaoh sent his army of chariots and horsemen to give chase (Ex. 14:17). But “the Angel of God . . . and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them” (v.19). In this way, God hid and protected them throughout the night. The next day, He parted the Red Sea so they could safely cross over.

God tells us “Don’t worry” as well. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31). —Cindy Hess Kasper

God’s hand that holds the ocean’s depths
Can hold my small affairs;
His hand that guides the universe
Can carry all my cares. —Anon.

Our work is to cast care; God’s work is to take care!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

FaithWriters.com-Christian Christian Living - Living in The Joy of Jesus

Inner Peace - Wednesday, May 08, 2013 | Daily Word

Inner Peace

I AM AT PEACE.

I am at peace. These words quiet my thoughts and soothe my mind. I speak them softly to myself, feeling their gentle vibration move through my body. Tension melts away. I am still; I am at peace.

I draw on the peace of the Christ Presence by focusing inward. The true source of inner peace is always within me. Consciously attuned to this center of peace, I release any concerns about the outer world. I let go of fear, pain, and expectations of others. I drop any worry about my responsibilities, knowing I will return to them refreshed and re-energized.

I willingly and gratefully accept the peace of the indwelling Christ and carry it with me throughout this day.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.—John 14:27

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

FaithWriters.com-Christian Christian Living - Living in The Joy of Jesus

Let Go, Let God - Tuesday, May 07, 2013 | Daily Word

Let Go, Let God

ALL I NEED IS FULFILLED IN GOD.

I may not always know where my path leads, but I can be sure that God is with me. I release my need to know every turn my route will take. I trust the indwelling spirit of God to lead me.

If I am concerned about family or friends, I let it go. Worry is unnecessary. God is in every life circumstance as peace, love, wisdom, and understanding. I don’t need to comprehend every detail. I trust that hearts and minds are open to divine ideas and God’s grace.

My role is to pray and have faith in right outcomes for myself and others. All we need is fulfilled in God. In prayer, I let go and let God.

I will lead the blind by a road they do not know, by paths they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground.—Isaiah 42:16