Friday, November 1, 2013

Our Daily Bread

Loved To Love

November 1, 2013 — by Julie Ackerman Link

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn

What does the Lord your God require of you, but . . . to walk in all His ways and to love Him. —Deuteronomy 10:12

Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 24-26; Titus 2

“A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.” I saw this quotation, attributed to the Wizard of Oz, on a wall plaque in a gift shop.

The Wizard of Oz may be a good story, but it’s not a reliable source of spiritual information. God said something quite different. According to Him, the greatest commandment is to love—to love Him first and then others (Mark 12:29-31). Scripture says nothing about expecting to be loved in return. In fact, Jesus stated the opposite in His most famous sermon: “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven” (Matt. 5:11-12).

When it comes to love, the important thing we need to know is this: All love starts with God (1 John 4:19). As Moses told the Israelites, God delighted in them to love them (Deut. 10:15), and because of that they were to love others, even strangers (v.19). God’s intent is that the people who receive His love will become the conduit of His love to others.

Apart from God—who Himself is love—none of us could truly love or be loved (1 John 4:7-8).

“Love seeketh not her own,” and so

He did not stay as God above,

But chose a manger and a cross

To show that He was Love. —Wilmshurst

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. —1 John 4:8

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Protection - Thursday, October 31, 2013 | Daily Word

I AM SAFE AND SECURE IN THE LIGHT OF GOD.

When we were children, we may have turned to the adults in our lives for safety and assurance. Trusted parents, grandparents, or teachers who loved and supported us were there to keep us safe and free from harm.

As a child of God, I know I can turn to God for that same assurance. As I walk the path of life, I am never alone. God is with me and within me as my guiding light—a light that never dims or fades.

If ever I feel anxious or worried, I turn within to the light of God and know that I am divinely guided and protected. I move forward in the assurance that the light of God illumines my path and keeps me safe and secure.

Do not fear, greatly beloved, you are safe. Be strong and courageous!—Daniel 10:19

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Responsibility - Wednesday, October 30, 2013 | Daily Word

Responsibility

I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GOOD IN MY LIFE.

I have a responsibility to myself and others to be true to who I am. I am love. I am light. I am generosity. I am power. I am all things good because I am one with God.

At times, I may feel inadequate or burdened by regret. If so, I take responsibility to live from the truth of my birthright. I am made of the love of God. Nothing can prevent me from being true to the presence and power of God in me. I move forward undaunted, with courage and faith.

I set an example for others, as I am upright and sincere in my words and actions. As I let my inner light shine, as I act in love, I show the world my truth and demonstrate the power of accepting responsibility for myself.

The steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting … to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.—Psalm 103:17, 18

Monday, October 28, 2013

Change - Monday, October 28, 2013 | Daily Word

Change

I MOVE THROUGH CHANGE WITH EASE AND GRACE.

Life is alive and in motion. Nothing is stationary. Life is like a river: It may appear glossy and still on the surface, while the undercurrents are in constant motion. Moving with the divine flow of life, I focus on being wholly aware in each experience.

Change sometimes happens gently, like a ripple. At other times, I am navigating my way over a waterfall! Yet when I live my life with God in charge, I am able to adjust to shifting waters with ease and grace.

Through the power of God within me, I have an infinite ability to adapt to the changes in my life. I go with the flow and easily allow God to express through me. I am able to thrive through every kind of change.

I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous.—Joshua 1:5-6

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Garden of Prayer - Sunday, October 27, 2013 | Daily Word

Garden of Prayer

EVERY PRAYER CONNECTS ME TO THE DIVINE WITHIN.

Gardens can be as unruly as a field of wildflowers or as ordered as a bed of neatly planted flowers and shrubs. Prayer, like a garden, can be loose and free, or formal and structured. Some prayers are shouts of joy, while others are cries for comfort. We sometimes dance when we pray; other times we simply breathe and enter the Silence.

There is no wrong way to pray. Like the fragrance of a rose, every prayer awakens me to God’s good. Every prayer opens my heart.

Entering my prayer garden, I affirm the indwelling presence of Spirit and the divine qualities God has established in me. I am joy. I am love. I am at one with the One, and for this, I offer a prayer of thanksgiving.

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.—Colossians 4:2

Saturday, October 26, 2013

God - Saturday, October 26, 2013 | Daily Word

God

THERE IS ONLY ONE PRESENCE AND ONE POWER IN THE UNIVERSE—GOD THE GOOD.

I am comforted knowing that God—Creative Energy—is everywhere present as love, peace, joy, and wholeness. Most of all, I am grateful that God is my help in every need. No matter what I am experiencing, or how troubled I may be feeling, God is with me—not only available to me but is my very being.

God loves, protects, and guides me in every moment. I need only turn within to ask and be willing to receive. The simple awareness of God’s presence opens the way for God’s unfolding good in my life.

Thank you, God, for creating and sustaining me, for being the presence of love and light in the world and in me.

So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.—1 John 4:16

Friday, October 25, 2013

Communication - Friday, October 25, 2013 | Daily Word

Communication

I COMMUNICATE WITH LOVE AND CLARITY.

I can communicate with others in many different ways: through my words and gestures or by writing, texting, or speaking. Communication connects us.

I ask myself: When I communicate, am I open and friendly? Or am I harsh or brash? Am I clear or vague? Do I make eye contact or look away? Am I positive and agreeable or critical and hurried? I consider how I communicate and mindfully direct my attitude.

Every interaction with another is an opportunity for a blessing. I choose to communicate from the love of God in my heart. I choose to be friendly and cooperative, open to others’ ideas, and share my own ideas with love and clarity. I am welcoming and warm as I express the love of God that I am.

My words declare the uprightness of my heart, and what my lips know they speak sincerely.—Job 33:3

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