The Joy of Jesus (Church Online)

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Meditation - Sunday, November 02, 2014 | Daily Word

I AM OPEN TO A GREATER AWARENESS OF GOD WITHIN.

Meditation restores my soul and re-energizes me. As I turn to the quiet within, I breathe deeply and relax.

I clear my mind of all conscious thoughts. Each one is like a leaf gently floating downstream. I may focus on a word or phrase as a mantra of peace. As I become still, my mind and heart open to a greater awareness of God.

In the stillness, peace and love surround me. I transcend the external world and enter a light-filled space of tranquility and understanding, where I receive the blessings of God.

As I close my time in meditation, I gently pull myself back from the solitude of the Silence. I gradually become aware of sounds around me. Revitalized, centered, and peaceful, I return to the activities of the day.

The meditation of my heart shall be understanding.—Psalm 49:3

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Courage - Saturday, November 01, 2014 | Daily Word

Courage

I AM STRONG OF HEART, COURAGEOUS,AND TRIUMPHANT.

I may possess great physical strength, mental capacity, or both. However, neither of these is the source of my true power. Only the presence of God in my heart brings the steadfast courage and fortitude to overcome any challenge.

I find my inner strength when I connect with God in the Silence. Spirit within encourages me to be loving, authentic, and brave. I live fearlessly in each moment as God inspires me to move forward with confidence and zeal. I welcome each new challenge as an adventure, with a sense of gratitude and joy.

Heartened by Spirit, I accomplish all that is mine to do with deep assurance. I do not merely survive and endure difficulties, I thrive! Through Spirit within, I live triumphantly!

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.—Psalm 31:24

Friday, October 31, 2014

Endings - Friday, October 31, 2014 | Daily Word

I MOVE FORWARD INTO GREATER GOOD.

When we stand at the end of one life experience—the conclusion of a job or relationship, moving away from home, graduating from school, or retiring from a career—we remember that every ending is also a beginning. Saying goodbye to what has been, we welcome what will be.

We may be tempted to keep looking back, but once we turn our eyes to the path ahead, we find new opportunities awaiting us. We are beginning a new phase of life, a new way of fulfilling our purpose, a new way of serving God and the world.

In truth, we don’t leave anything behind; we carry it with us. As we bless our past, we build on all we have learned and continue on our life’s unfolding journey.

Forgetting what lies behind … I press on toward the goal.—Philippians 3:13-14

Thursday, October 30, 2014

World Peace - Thursday, October 30, 2014 | Daily Word

I AM A PEACEMAKER IN THE WORLD.

One of the most vital messages Jesus shared was a simple invitation to be a peacemaker: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Every person is created of God with the potential to be a peacemaker. We have spiritual power and through our peaceful thoughts, words, and actions, we can create a peaceful world.

Whatever may be occurring—near to me or across the globe—I maintain an awareness of peace. The peace of God can be known and recognized in all situations and is brought into expression as serenity, trust, goodwill, and friendship. Through prayer, I strengthen my practice of peace. I think peace, speak peace, and act in ways that foster peace. I am a peacemaker.

Blessed are the peacemakers.—Matthew 5:9

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Open the Door - Wednesday, October 29, 2014 | Daily Word

Open the Door

MY GRATITUDE OPENS THE DOOR TO BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS.

Praise and thanksgiving have the power to increase our experience of good. Charles Fillmore once wrote that travelers quickly learn that “praise and thanks melt the hardest heart and often open the door to amazing hospitality.” The prophets knew the power of thanksgiving, as “Praise the Lord” is frequently repeated in the Psalms.

On my journey through life, I recognize the power of appreciation. I praise every part of my body, and I am energized with greater health and vitality. I pay my bills with gratitude in the divine flow of giving and receiving. As I bless others, I unlock the door to greater love and harmony in my relationships. Through gratitude, I open wide the door to Spirit’s infinite bounty.

Celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you.—Deuteronomy 26:11

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Faith - Tuesday, October 28, 2014 | Daily Word

I DEMONSTRATE MY FAITH IN EVERY THOUGHT, WORD, AND ACTION.

I am firmly rooted in the knowledge that God is my source. Faith is my foundation. Nothing can shake my steadfast faith.

If any condition seems to have power over me, I return to the one Truth: God and I are one. If God cannot be moved, I cannot be moved. I cannot fail, because I am one with God, the Perfect, the Infallible, the Creator.

I demonstrate my faith in every thought, word, and action. I use positive language and stand strong in the face of adversity.

Because my foundation of faith is solid, nothing can knock me off center. Just as a great redwood stands tall and strong, I root myself deeply in my faith. I am strong. I am invincible. I am faith-filled.

Continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith.—Colossians 2:6-7

Monday, October 27, 2014

Desire - Monday, October 27, 2014 | Daily Word

Desire

MY DEEPEST DESIRE IS TO KNOW GOD.

Anew pair of shoes, a new job, or even a passionate relationship may capture my attention for a time. I may consider these the objects of my desire for a while and even revel in them, but there is a longing within me that cannot be satisfied by anything in the outer world.

My deepest desire is to know God. I experience God in meditation, in nature, and in the loving embrace of others. God’s presence is found in the fluidity of the present moment. When I focus on the experience of God, I am one with everything—other people, nature, the sun and stars. I am as ancient as the Universe and as new as the dawn. My desire to know God leads me to oneness, and I am at peace.

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you.—Psalm 73:25