Category: Encouragements

Posted in #FGTBJC2019, Bible Journaling, Bible Journaling Camp, decorative travel journal, Encouragements, Journal, Journals, Junk Journals, Miscellaneous, travel journal

Fall Gratitude & Thanksgiving Bible Journaling Camp Has Begun!!!

Posted on by JosephinesDesigns.com

Hey Dear Friends,

#FGTBJC2019 has begun on JosephinesDesigns.com YouTube as begun!!

It has already been such a blessing!! We have had amazing contributors as well as all our amazing campers!!!

See below the Welcome to #FGTBJC2019 letter as well as the key Bible verses being used in our camp.

Hugs and prayers,

k 🙂

Welcome Campers Email:

Hello Sweet Friend,

I am so thankful each of you are a part of the Fall Gratitude and Thanksgiving Bible Journaling Camp….or #FGTBJC!!! This is a time of our opportunity to love and thank the Lord!! We also get to give Him our gratitude as well!! Aren’t we blessed my Dear Sweet Friend!!!

My Prayer for each of you:

I pray you are encouraged in your walk with the Lord.

I pray you are blessed.

I pray you grow in the Word and your daily walk with Jesus.

I pray that you will hear Him speak to your heart…as He so wants you to know His will for you and know His voice.

I pray Dear Sweet Friend that as you embark on this journey in seeking and knowing the Word that not only will you grow in your gratitude and thanksgiving to the Lord…but that you will grow in your creativity that our Creator has blessed you.

We also give thanks to the Lord for these lovely and generous contributors to our class.

You are prayed for and feel free to reach out any time during the class….I am here. JosephinesDesigns.com@gmail.com

Hugs and prayers…Kris “k” 😊

CONTRIBUTORS:

Allie Scraps on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AllieScrapsShop

Move the Mountains on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MovetheMountains

By the Well 4 God on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ByTheWell4God

Sara Borgstede at https://theholymess.com/

Hot Minute Customs email: HotMinuteCustoms@outlook.com

Our Sweet Friend and fellow camper that wishes to remain anonymous for her beautiful bagged contribution in each kit.

My Sweet Husband for all his endless printing.

My Sweet Youngest One for her “Girl Friday” endless help.

Scripture from BibleGateway.org

And most importantly, to our Sweet Jesus for His incredible love, endless grace and His unbelievable sacrifice for our sins so that we could have each a one on one relationship with him.

Our key Bible verses and key words:

Scripture: BibleGateway.org

Amplified Bible (AMP)

A Psalm of David.

138 I will give You thanks with all my heart;
I sing praises to You before the [pagan] gods.
2 
I will bow down [in worship] toward Your holy temple
And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
For You have magnified Your word together with Your name.
3 
On the day I called, You answered me;
And You made me bold and confident with [renewed] strength in my life.

4 
All the kings of the land will give thanks and praise You, O Lord,
When they have heard of the promises of Your mouth [which were fulfilled].
5 
Yes, they will sing of the ways of the Lord [joyfully celebrating His wonderful acts],
For great is the glory and majesty of the Lord.
6 
Though the Lord is exalted,
He regards the lowly [and invites them into His fellowship];
But the proud and haughty He knows from a distance.

7 
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
And Your right hand will save me.
8 
The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me;
Your [unwavering] lovingkindness, O Lord, endures forever—
Do not abandon the works of Your own hands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hebrews 12:28

28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, and offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship with reverence and awe

 

Genesis 12:8

Then he moved on from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord [in worship through prayer, praise, and thanksgiving]

 

Leviticus 7:12

If one offers it as a sacrificial meal of thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he shall offer unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers spread with oil, and cakes of fine flour mixed with oil.

 

Leviticus 7:13

With the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving, he shall present his offering with cakes of leavened bread.

 

1 Samuel 2:1

[ Hannah’s Song of Thanksgiving ] Hannah prayed and said, “My heart rejoices and triumphs in the Lord; My horn (strength) is lifted up in the Lord, My mouth has opened wide [to speak boldly] against my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.

 

1 Chronicles 16:8

[ Psalm of Thanksgiving ] O give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; Make His deeds known among the peoples.

 

1 Chronicles 16:29

Ascribe to the Lord the glory and honor due His name; Bring an offering [of thanksgiving], and come before Him; Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.

 

 

Nehemiah 12:46

For in the days of David and Asaph, in ancient times, there were leaders of singers, songs of praise and hymns of thanksgiving to God.

 

Psalm 100:4 [Full Chapter]

Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name.

 

Genesis 4:26

To Seth, also, a son was born, whom he named Enosh (mortal man, mankind). At that [same] time men began to call on the name of the Lord [in worship through prayer, praise, and thanksgiving].

 

Genesis 12:8

Then he moved on from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord [in worship through prayer, praise, and thanksgiving].

 

Leviticus 7:12

If one offers it as a sacrificial meal of thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he shall offer unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers spread with oil, and cakes of fine flour mixed with oil.

 

Leviticus 7:13

With the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving, he shall present his offering with cakes of leavened bread.

 

Leviticus 7:15

‘The meat of the sacrifice of thanksgiving presented as a peace offering shall be eaten on the day that it is offered; none of it shall be left until morning.

 

Leviticus 22:29

When you sacrifice an offering of thanksgiving to the Lord, you shall sacrifice it so that you may be accepted.

 

 

1 Samuel 2:1

[ Hannah’s Song of Thanksgiving ] Hannah prayed and said, “My heart rejoices and triumphs in the Lord; My horn (strength) is lifted up in the Lord, My mouth has opened wide [to speak boldly] against my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.

 

2 Samuel 15:8

For your servant made a vow while I lived at Geshur in Aram (Syria), ‘If the Lord will in fact bring me back to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord [by offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving].’”

 

1 Chronicles 16:8

[ Psalm of Thanksgiving ] O give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; Make His deeds known among the peoples.

 

1 Chronicles 16:29

Ascribe to the Lord the glory and honor due His name; Bring an offering [of thanksgiving], and come before Him; Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.

 

 

1 Chronicles 25:3

Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the lyre in thanksgiving and praise to the Lord.

 

Nehemiah 11:17

Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the leader to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, second among his brothers; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

 

Nehemiah 12:8

The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah who was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving and praise, he and his brothers.

 

 

Nehemiah 12:27

[ Dedication of the Wall ] Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites from all their places in order to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with hymns of thanksgiving, and with songs to the accompaniment of cymbals, harps, and lyres.

 

Nehemiah 12:31

[ Procedures for the Temple ] Then I had the leaders of Judah come up on the wall, and I appointed two large thanksgiving choirs, the first one proceeding to the right on top of the wall toward the Refuse Gate.

 

Nehemiah 12:46

For in the days of David and Asaph, in ancient times, there were leaders of singers, songs of praise and hymns of thanksgiving to God.

 

Psalm 9:1

[ A Psalm of Thanksgiving for God’s Justice. ] [ To the Chief Musician; on Muth-labben. A Psalm of David. ] I will give thanks and praise the Lord, with all my heart; I will tell aloud all Your wonders and marvelous deeds.

 

Psalm 26:7

That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving And declare all Your wonders.

 

Psalm 30:1

[ Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Death. ] [ A Psalm; a Song at the Dedication of the House (Temple). A Psalm of David. ] I will extol and praise You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up, And have not let my enemies rejoice over me.

 

Psalm 50:14

“Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving And pay your vows to the Most High;

 

 

 

 

Psalm 50:23

“He who offers a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way rightly [who follows the way that I show him], I shall show the salvation of God.”

 

Psalm 69:30

I will praise the name of God with song And magnify Him with thanksgiving.

 

Psalm 95:2

Let us come before His presence with a song of thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with songs.

 

Psalm 100:1

[ All Men Exhorted to Praise God. ] [ A Psalm of Thanksgiving. ] Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.

 

Key Words:

 

THANKSGIVING 

 

THANKFUL

 

THANK YOU, LORD 

 

THANK YOU, JESUS

 

GRATITUDE

 

HEART OF PRAISE

 

PRAISING THE LORD

 

PRAISING HIS NAME

 

PRAISE

 

GRATEFUL

 

GRATEFULNESS

 

LOVE

 

HONOR

 

ADORE

 

ADORATION

 

WORSHIP

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Encouragements, Journal, Journals, memories, Miscellaneous, Paper crafting, YouTube Videos

The Weekly Prayer Project…

Posted on by JosephinesDesigns.com

The Weekly Prayer Project: A Challenge to Journal, Pray, Reflect, and Connect with God

Sweet Friends,

As mentioned in my chat video on YouTube Sunday, we had packed my Weekly Prayer Project book. It was found…PTL!!!

I spent today in medical appointments. So tomorrow, I pray to get all prepared and video up no later than Thursday.

I am always amazed at all the Lord provides!!

Hugs and prayers…..k 🙂

 

 

Posted in Encouragements, Miscellaneous, YouTube Videos

Internet/Phone Struggles Live On…

Posted on by JosephinesDesigns.com

Hello Sweet Friends,

I was able to upload the SABJC video of the day but not our Weekly Prayer Project. My apologies!! And today’s Weekly Prayer Project is GREAT!!! The Names of God!! 

I will keep trying. And if all fails, I will wake early hopefully before the network gets busy. Our internet phones are linked and after 6 weeks…still absolutely no resolution…and sadly it is honestly worse. Please pray we can get this resolved. Friday we made over 12 calls in for 2 hours and 20 minutes. Truly a lesson in patience!! 😉

Please keep praying,

k 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Cardmaking, Creative Memories, Encouragements, Journal, Junk Journals, KwithJDesigns Etsy Shop, memories, stamping, travel journal

5 Easy Ways to Encourage a Friend

Posted on by JosephinesDesigns.com

Hi Sweet Friends,

As a cardmaker…I LOVE this article and I love encouraging others.

I pray each of you are encouraged!!

Hugs and prayers….k 🙂

Mar 24, 2019 by Jordan W.

In a word of quick text messages and the instant gratification of technology, let’s be a light of inspiration and encouragement to those around us. I love holding onto cards and notes from sweet friends as a tangible reminder of the love and encouragement the people in my life bring me, and it’s also a great reminder to do that same thing for others in my life! Below are five different formats that make it simple and easy to send love and encouragement to your people!

1. Encouragement Postcards

A postcard is one of the easiest ways to quickly send a note of encouragement to a friend or loved one from a distance. These cards already have an encouraging message and beautiful design on the front, so all you have to do is jot down a quick note on the back, put a stamp on it, and send it out! The convenience doesn’t take away from the sentiment – you’re making that relationship a priority just by putting a simple card in the mail.

2. Scripture Shareables

These compact cards are full of encouraging words straight from the Word of God, and they make it so easy to share God’s Word anytime, anywhere. They’re small enough to carry around in your purse or wallet so you have them whenever you need them. Put one on a coworker’s desk when you know they need some encouragement, leave one with your tip at your favorite coffee shop, or give one to a friend who shared their heart with you and just needs a little extra from God’s Word today. These little cards are small but powerful.

3. Prayers to Share

Similar to the Scripture Shareables, Prayers to Share are an easy format to hand out at a moment’s notice whenever you feel led. Each sheet has a scripture, a prayer, and an inspirational quote on it, so they can be universally inspirational, or more specific to a person’s situation. I keep a stack of them on my desk so I can write a note on the back and share with coworkers whenever I feel led. You can also tuck them inside a greeting card or even leave them on someone’s windshield for a little extra happy in their day.

4. Sticky Prayers

Sticky prayers are a fun way to encourage those around you. They’re small, customizable sticky notes, so they make it easy to share a prayer or encouraging message anytime. The blank space allows you to write your own message or prayer, and then you can literally stick them anywhere – the possibilities are endless!

5. Greeting Cards

Greeting cards are probably my favorite way to encourage friends. I just choose a card that’s made for the appropriate occasion, whether it be Thank You, Happy Birthday, Thinking of You, etc., and then choose a style with a beautiful design and message. I usually add in my own little note on the inside, and then I send it out! It’s simple, thoughtful, and takes no time at all, but the sentiment goes far with my loved ones.

I know how much I love to receive an encouraging note every now and then, so I’ve tried to make a conscious effort to be more intentional in that department. Stock up on your favorite cards or Prayers to Share so that you always have something encouraging on hand to share when the opportunity presents itself!

 

Article Credit: Dayspring.com

Posted in Encouragements, memories, Miscellaneous

4 Words for Parents of Teens

Posted on by JosephinesDesigns.com

Hey Dear Friends,

I thought this was a great article to share. Whether you are a Mom with young ones, teenager, us…almost empter nesters  and even empty nesters…there is some great insight here.

Hugs and prayers,

k 🙂

In November, my two teen daughters and I attended Girls of Grace, an event put on by speakers and musicians who have a heart for teen girls. I’ve worn the title of mommy, mama, mom — it differs depending on the child who speaks it and the mood they’re in — for twenty-seven years, and as much as my girls needed a good word spoken, I needed support and encouragement in this work of motherhood, too.

We’ve raised newborns, toddlers, terrible two-year-olds, preschoolers, school-aged kids, and pre-teens in our family — and those were challenging years (aren’t they all?) — but I’ll take the physical demands of a colicky newborn, sleep deprivation, and childproofing a house/house-proofing a child over the emotionally demanding work of parenting a teen.

Some children demand more attention than others, but they all need it. The saying, “Still waters run deep,” is true; don’t neglect the ones that don’t seem to need you as much. And although there are times when one requires more of your energy, my mother always reminded me I can’t devote all my time to one child.

During the afternoon breakout session at Girls of Grace, the moms met separately with the ladies from the group Point of Grace, who hosted the conference, and Trudy Cathy White, daughter of Truett Cathy. They shared wisdom from their own experiences and conversations they’d had with a group of at-risk teen girls.

Here’s what those girls shared:

Listen when we talk.

Just as a mother learns the importance of establishing eye contact with a young child when she instructs him, looking your child in the eye shows that you are listening attentively.

Ask the hard questions.

Some answers are difficult to hear, but our children need us to ask. Then, we can help.

Ask the hard questions again — we may not tell the truth the first time.

Truth is painful to divulge sometimes. Fear of causing disappointment, being judged, or punishment may cause a teen to be less than truthful. Ask again and have tough conversations in person.

Some of the most powerful words I heard that day were “pray that your children get caught when they do wrong.” It’s hard to watch our children pay for their mistakes, but bad habits unchecked not only wound your child and others but they multiply.

I’ve made mistakes where I was caught and ones where I wasn’t, and for me, the shame and pain of sins uncovered served as a powerful deterrent. You probably remember examples from your own life.

Show and tell your faith.

Live your faith, but be sure to speak it, too. Your children may not understand your heart as clearly as you think. This might be difficult for you if faith wasn’t spoken of openly in your home as a child, but it’s important.

We are our children’s prayer warriors. I’ve prayed prayers that would never have been uttered if I didn’t believe God loves my children even more than I do:

Lord, build a hedge around him.

Lord, don’t break him but hinder him when he does wrong.

Lord, let her feel the weight of her words and how deeply they cut others.

Lord, let him grow to hate his sin.

We cannot protect them from everything, but we can pray to a God who loves them and who will guide them in truth.

Our culture wants our daughters to believe that looks determine their value. Age-appropriate behavior and clothing have become hopelessly skewed. Tell them they’re loved by you and by God and that their worth is in Him as daughters of the King. They’re not only their daddy’s princess, they’re God’s, too.

For our sons, society wants them to believe that males and females are alike and behaving like a gentleman is offensive. Once my boys were old enough, I gave them opportunities to open doors for me and thanked them when they did. I’m affectionate with them, too. Tough and tender can go hand in hand.

Just this evening, while I was working on the computer, my twelve-year-old son stopped what he was doing and fixed my tea when he heard the timer go off, brought me a bowl of peanut M&Ms to snack on, and warmed a heating pad for my shoulders. I pray he’ll treat females with respect and make a considerate husband one day.

Your teen daughters might resist gentlemanly behavior from your sons and other males — our culture preaches a different message — but they’ll grow to appreciate it. Remember the ideas you had at that age? I do. They changed with time.

Mamas, don’t be afraid to raise your children counter-culturally. We need a rising generation whose faith and principles are strong. Truth is powerful.

If God is for us, who can be against us?
Roman 8:31 (NIV)

What are your greatest parenting challenges, and what have you
learned on the journey?

 

Reposted from Dayspring.com

Posted in Encouragements, memories, Miscellaneous

A Prayer For Your Week

Posted on by JosephinesDesigns.com

This week, we will look at how God created us to be loved, appreciated and one of a kind. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He also knows that trusting Him is a brave thing for us to do. Sometimes He uses challenges and brokenness to grow courage in us. And sometimes He seems to fall silent no matter how many hours we spend in prayer. It is during these difficult seasons that we learn what trusting God truly means. And it is only through these experiences that we become more and more prepared to shine His light to others.

Let’s pray for the week ahead:

Dear Father, thank you for loving us. We ask, Lord, that you stay close to us this week as we study Your Word. Open our hearts to hear exactly what you have for us. Teach us, as only You can, to place our trust, confidence and hope in You alone. Amen.

Lord, you have examined me and know all about me. You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts before I think them.  PSALM 139:1-2

Article Credit: Dayspring.com

Posted in Encouragements, Miscellaneous, organization

Post Holiday Fatigue? 4 Scriptures to Help Restore & Renew

Posted on by JosephinesDesigns.com

After weeks of whirlwind shopping, family gathering and party planning, the holiday season has come to an end. Anyone else feeling less-than-energized? If so, you’re in good company! When post-holiday exhaustion hits, it can be difficult to find motivation. Care to join us for some much-needed rest and rejuvenation?

Here are 4 Scriptures on rest and restoration to help guide us in the coming days:

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 NIV

Whatever holiday transition looks like for you—boxes of half-put-away ornaments, counters full of dishes, or maybe just a neglected to-do list—there’s likely something crying for your attention. Try giving yourself a little mannequin challenge every once in a while: stop right in the midst of whatever you’re doing—stand, sit, or lie still—and just breathe in God’s peace. Recall His Word in Psalm 46:10. Remind yourself that whatever’s making life feel hectic today, it will get done—eventually. It’ll work out. It’ll be ok. And best of all, it’s not in your hands (even if you’d like to think so!). Let go, and let God work through the rhythm of your life to accomplish what’s needed in His time.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 NIV

The post-holiday season can be a challenging time to keep the “heavenly peace” going in our homes (and hearts!). It’s likely the kids have had way more sugar than they’re used to, we’re all running on little sleep after some late nights, and we’re thrust back into our weekly school and work routines. We may be more likely to snap at one another or say things we don’t mean in moments of frustration. Why not introduce a new post-holiday theme this year called Space & Grace? Hang a sign, tack it up on the fridge, or remind one another during daily prayer. We all need some healthy personal space and extra grace for one another as the season winds down. Sure, it doesn’t thwart every post-holiday argument, but it does bring us a little more peace as we settle back into daily life.

Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV

We often wrap up the season with a New Year’s resolution or two focused on trying harder, doing more, or being better at something. What about a different kind of commitment this year? Once a day (or week, or whatever feels realistic) commit to setting aside a few moments for some holy imagination. Find a little time—maybe after the morning rush or as you’re drifting off to sleep at night—to close your eyes and envision a real connection with Jesus. What does it look like for you to receive the love and peace He longs to give you? Envision this beautiful place, laying your head on His shoulder, just being held without words or expectations. Maybe create a sketch or capture a photo that communicates Matthew 11:28 to your heart. Place it somewhere and remind yourself often to respond to His invitation of rest.

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 ESV

For some of us, the after-Christmas blues can be hard to shake. We may be exhausted or disappointed that the holiday “break” is over. We may be dealing with the aftermath of far-from-perfect family gatherings; difficult relationships can often take their toll.

Whatever it is, we can rest assured that God always has a Word for our hearts. As Christmas decorations come down, why not consider a few new ways to surround yourself with His words of encouragement? There may not be an “official” season to celebrate for a while, but there’s always a reason to rejoice. Check out our Scripture-filled home decor and desktop/office supplies; they can be simple reminders throughout the day of God’s presence with you. Whether it’s a holiday or any day, we can celebrate the beautiful truth of John 1:14 NIV: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”

At DaySpring, it is our goal to give you all the tools and resources you need to Live Your Faith year round (not just during the holiday season). We are looking forward to walking alongside you in the new year in your post-holiday fatigue, through the winter blues, into spring, summer, and beyond. Whatever life might bring with it this year, be sure to lean into God’s Word and join us as we continue to come up with new, fresh, inspiring ways to experience and express the life-changing message of God’s love.

Article credit: Paige from Dayspring.com

 

 

Posted in Encouragements, Miscellaneous, Occasions, organization

Weekly Verses…

Posted on by JosephinesDesigns.com
Monday
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
At many Christian funerals, the preacher emphasizes how Jesus has left to make a place ready for us to join him in heaven. Then he is going to come back for us. But just a few verses later, Jesus adds this promise. He’s telling us that until we can come be with him at his place, he will come live with us here in our hearts. It all hinges on one thing, our willingness to obey him. Not a bad deal, is it. So let’s not let obedience be a forgotten word in our lifestyle!
MY PRAYER…
Holy God, I know Jesus came to earth and obeyed your will. Give me discernment that my obedience will not simply be the obedience of your words, but will also be the obedience of your will. I long to honor you because you have done so much to save me. Thank you. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.
Tuesday
We proclaim him [Jesus], admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we present everyone perfect in Christ.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Our goal as Christians is not to obey some law, to adhere to some set of rules, or even be followers of some discipline. Our goal as Christians is to be conformed to the character and ministry of Jesus. This is the Spirit’s work in us (2 Cor. 3:18) and as Paul makes clear here and in other places (Galatians 4:19) that this is his goal in working with others.
MY PRAYER…
Holy Lord, conform my heart, my words, my life, my ministry, and my actions to those of Jesus. I want him to be my Lord, not just in my words but also in my life. Through him I pray. Amen.
Wednesday
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
We want the Spirit to be at work in us to make us like Jesus. For this to happen, we must open our heart to the will of God. There are no greater words God wants to hear than “teach me to do your will.” That is what it means for him to be God, to have control over our life and our will.
MY PRAYER…
Almighty God, I want you to truly be God in my life. I renounce any attempt on my part to try to manipulate or use your grace and kindness for my benefit. I submit my will to yours. But Holy Father, I confess that I struggle at times with my own selfish and evil desires that lead me astray. Please forgive me when my heart is cold and my ears are deaf to your will. Please, take control of my life today. Through Jesus my Lord, I ask you to assert your will as God in my life. Amen.
Thursday
Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Worthy of respect! What a goal for our lives whether we are men or women! Don’t you want your life to reflect the character of God because our faith expresses itself in a life of self-control. This work of the Spirit in our lives happens only as we dedicate ourselves to being what he is at work trying to accomplish in us.
MY PRAYER…
Father, please strengthen me through your Spirit so that I may gain better control of my passions, my speech, my example, and my habits. Help me put to death the things that would rob me of my spiritual passion and my influence for good to those who do not know Jesus. Through whom I pray. Amen.
Friday
[The Lord says,] “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
God will not forget us when we’re in trouble or when we are old. We may outlive our friends and be forgotten by those who know us, but God will never leave us or forsake us. He will sustain, carry, protect, and rescue us.
MY PRAYER…
Thank you my Father, for promising to never forget me. Because of your faithfulness to your children of old, I know you will never forsake me. I trust that no matter where I am or where I go, you will go with me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Saturday
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Children don’t need to be taught, they need to be trained. Life is not about intellectual lessons, but about integrating truth into the fabric of our daily lives. God calls us to move our children and their training up on the list of our priorities.
MY PRAYER…
Great and Holy Counselor, help me as I seek to know the best thing to do with my children to share my love and your truth with them. I want them to know and love you even better than I do. Give me wisdom and courage to make wise decisions and tenderness to implement them in my family’s life. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.
Sunday
The earth is filled with your love, O Lord; teach me your decrees.
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Sometimes we get so caught up in the wonders of God’s creation and the marvelous blessings of his grace we forget to ask him to teach us his truth.
MY PRAYER…
Holy and Precious Father, teach me your truth, lead me to your will, and guide me in your wisdom that my life may be a reflection of your plan for me when you made me new in my mother’s womb. In Jesus I ask these things. Amen.
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