Any Given Day: 24

True Love

The word love gets thrown around a lot. We love to sleep in, we love a new song, we love the neighbors' new car, we love football, food, and fun! When it comes to loving others, it gets tricky.

Love is an action verb. Many people feel it is an abstract feeling of warm fuzzies, however that may be the end result, but it is not love itself. Love is not something you say, it is something you do! You show love, you make love, you provide love. Talking about it is icing on the cake.

A person who says they love someone, but turns around and says and does hurtful things, isn't loving anyone, particularly themselves. God is very clear on what love is and is not. Jesus loved us enough to die for us. Men and women in the military love their country enough to put their lives on the line. We give money to those who have less because we love people.

Sacrifice without compromising ourselves is Love.

Giving without thought of reward is Love.

Everything else is like at best, and manipulation at worst.

God, help me to show love today. Help me to see who truly loves me, and who just needs to have the upper hand. Keep me focused on goodness and light, and sharing it with those that I care about. Thank You for loving me so much that You sent Your Son to die. AMEN

1 Corinthians 4:7

Any Given Day: 23

Persecution

Why is it that we feel the need to persecute others? When someone's way of thinking is different from ours, we immediately assume they are wrong and we are right. We base our judgement on our own reality. We scoff at their ideas, their beliefs, and their convictions. The news media perpetuates this phenomenon and it polarizes our society. Go figure...

I think we tread in dangerous territory when we start dismissing other people's beliefs and opinions because they do not match our own. Especially when it results in intolerance and a hostile attitude. Persecution is always based in fear. The more vigorously someone is pushing their opinions on others and chopping down someone else's views, the more it indicates that person's own insecurities and need for attention.

It is one thing to stand firm in your belief. It is another to persecute someone else for theirs. We need to educate ourselves and listen to the other side carefully. If we don't, it will ultimately kill the relationship. God never asks us to agree with each other on everything. There are fundamental truths to His laws, yes. The rest are details in a very big picture.

Every religion has been persecuted at various times in history. Every politician and public figure is at risk of being persecuted. Writers, poets, musicians, artists, comedians, and the like get persecuted in the public eye. They may not get stoned to death, but public humiliation and a damaged reputation are the end result.

Let's take a little time to listen to the other side. Empathize and try to understand. If you are going to state your position, double check your facts. Then if you still don't agree with what others have to say, or you are being persecuted for your thoughts, pray this prayer:

Heavenly Father, Your truths are written. Our truths are a combination of fear and misinformation when we do not submit to Your authority. Help me to teach others without preaching and stay silent when my views will not be well received. Strike my false judgment when someone does not agree with me, and teach me to be tolerant and respectful of those whose opinions differ from mine. Jesus was persecuted enough for all of us! AMEN

Matthew 5:1-12

Any Given Day: 22

Beauty.

Our definition of beauty is shaped by many things. By the age of 5, we have our definitions in place. We look around and see beauty in different places for different reasons. We may stop for a moment and marvel at a sunrise. A sweet melody can elicit a wonderful memory. A new friendship can be a beautiful thing. Physical attractiveness in another person, or a horse running across a green pasture can stop us in our tracks. Cars and houses can be considered things of beauty.

What we define as beautiful isn't as important as the appreciation of it. Taking the time to appreciate beauty is something that God asks us to do. Recognizing His handy work and giving credit to Him can play a big part in how we perceive both beauty and ugliness.

We all know people who are beautiful on the outside and ugly on the inside. After a few encounters, the individual no longer looks quite as attractive and eventually their company is not pleasurable. Of course we are all attracted to physically beautiful things, however, we must stop to take into consideration what that beauty represents. ( Satan loves to use beautiful things to keep us apart from God.) Our desire to own and control beautiful possessions can overthrow common sense and perspective. We place too much importance on the wrong things...

We spend large amounts time and money trying to improve our own physical appearance, when really, our self worth has nothing to do with what we look like. God created us in His image, therefore we are beautiful. It really is that simple! Jesus was the most beautiful person ever created. Crowds were drawn to Him everywhere He went, and no doubt He radiated light and goodness. He was dirty from walking for hours at a time, and there is no evidence that he stopped to comb his hair before speaking, yet He was attractive.

Today, when your mind gets full of judgements about physical appearance, pray this prayer:

Lord, You created me with a beautiful person in mind! Allow the Holy Spirit to work within me, and refresh my inner loveliness so that others may see it. Help me to dismiss my earthly ideas of what my appearance should be like so that I may focus on serving you to the best of my ability. I know that is what ultimately makes a person beautiful, just like Jesus! AMEN

Proverbs 19:22

Any Given Day: 21

Hypocrisy

Anyone who calls another person a hypocrite immediately becomes one. Those who throw stones usually are the ones who live in the glass houses. They are eager to point fingers and dwell on the flaws of others, rarely stopping long enough to examine their own behavior. Even with the best of intentions, many of us spend our time and energy doling out advice and telling people what they should do, how they should think, and who they should be.

We are all hypocrites to a certain degree. Our time and energy is better spend working on becoming more Christlike, rather than telling others how to. Of course, some of us are lead by God to discuss His truths. The difference is that when people seek our council, buy our publications, and tune into our shows in order to better themselves, they are asking for guidance. It is voluntary collection of information.

The best bet is not to offer advice unless it is asked for. This is something that takes practice. (Particularly for us codependent types who are compelled to solve other people problems for them.) Regardless, the most important thing to remember is that we are all sinners, and we will all be judged by God. Only Jesus was perfect, and it's ok to get tripped up. Just be careful about pointing out someone else's failures!

Dear God, help me to recognize where my soul needs work. Remind me that it is not my job to fix other people, but to love and support them. I trust You to do the work in them. Thank you for loving me and helping me grow, even if it is painful sometimes. Help me to love others as You do. In Jesus' name, AMEN

Isaiah 29:13-14

Any Given Day: 20

Forgiveness

This is a tough one. Some people are more open to forgiveness than others. Sometimes it takes a long time. Some never forgive and harbor anger and resentment the rest of their days. They walk around, head down, bitter and beaten.

We all get to a point in our lives where we have been hurt by another person so bad, and our grief is so painful, even the most mundane tasks seem impossible. We try to process what has been done, only to come up empty. Thoughts twirl and swirl in our head, we feel lost and hopeless... then we get angry. Shoving the anger down and pretending it isn't there isn't a viable solution. It will surface eventually. Many times with no warning! Then it gets ugly.

As a vital part of the healing process, anger is a defense mechanism that provides us with energy and momentum for a while. The problem is that if we hang on to it too long, it turns on us like a rabid animal. Our anger doesn't hurt the people that we are angry at, it hurts us! Jesus is very clear about forgiveness of others. When asked about how many times we should forgive the same person, his reply was "Seventy times seven." Pretty sure that wasn't the answer Peter wanted to hear.

Forgiveness requires giving up control of the situation. We think we will be viewed as weak. However the opposite is true. It takes great strength to forgive the people who hurt us. As Jesus was hanging on the cross, He asked God to forgive the people who were mocking him. We need to remember that God forgives us for everything we ask, and we in turn must forgive others. Even the Lord's prayer that many of us recited daily as kids addresses this issue.

You can not heal and grow as a person until forgiveness is possible. Be patient and pray this simple prayer:

Lord, forgive me for my anger and hostility today. I am in pain because of the actions of someone else. Free me from my addiction to control of this situation. Allow me to forgive and move on. Remind me to stay focused on the present and not the past. Thank you for sending Jesus, so that we will all be forgiven. AMEN

Matthew 18:21-35

Any Given Day: 19

Guilt

Overwhelmed with guilt? Sometimes it feels like it is coming from all sides! It is a destructive emotion that can eat away at our sense of self worth and we lose our self respect. Our fear dictates guilt. Fear of losing people we love because of our actions. Fear of not being able to change present circumstances, and fear that we will never measure up!

There are two types of guilt. True guilt is an objective fact based on real circumstance. Perceived guilt is the feeling of the pain of rejection. Both can be powerful motivators for change, but they can not build and encourage and inspire.

So how do we stop feeling guilty? For true guilt, make amends, fix what damage that we can, and move on. Perceived guilt is a little trickier because it is conditioned in us from an early age. People surround us who are experts at illiciting that feeling in us. We just can't ever seem to do anything right. Somehow we must understand that this is their way of managing their own guilt, by projecting it on to us. Some of us have been a victim of this for so long, we have actually come to believe that we are the guilty ones.

Regardless of what kind of guilt you are feeling today, the prayer is the same:

Lord in Heaven, You created us in Your image. My free will gets me into trouble time and time again. Help me to understand what my feelings of guilt really are! Help me to look at my self worth through Your eyes instead of my own. Guide me in understanding the powerful motivation that Satan has in keeping my guilt front and center. It keeps me from being closer to You and those that I love. Your Son bore the burden of all my sins, God. I am forgiven by You by Your grace and awesome power. It is time for me to forgive myself. It may be the hardest thing I ever have to do. AMEN

Romans 8:1

Any Given Day: 18

Jealousy

The fastest way to turn a beautiful person ugly? Watch that person become jealous. We all have experienced jealousy in our lifetime. Their stuff is better, their body is better, they have more money, more power, more friends...

Our jealousy is a window into our own insecurities. We size ourselves up against others and measure out our self worth. We base our happiness on how we look, what we have, who we are married to, the list goes on!

As we get older, part of the maturing process is to understand that we are all given gifts and talents and abilities that make us unique. Judging ourselves based on anything other than what is God-given is not healthy.

Jealousy turned into actions and words is sour grapes. It becomes obvious, very quickly, that adults who covet other people's earthly things, are struggling with their own self image. They may even fixate on them it to the point of mental instability. A prayer for those who are struggling:

Lord, one of your commandments given to humans early on is to not covet our neighbor. This is so hard to do! Please direct my attention to the beauty and loveliness that is mine. Teach me to cultivate and magnify the gifts you have given me. Strike the harsh words and thoughts from my mind that are perpetuated by the ugliness of jealousy. You alone are the jealous one, and Jesus alone is the one we should strive to be more like! AMEN

James 3:14-16

Any Given Day: 17

ADDICTION

Experts define addiction in any number of ways, usually with a bullet list of things to look for. God has an easier definition:

When we feel the compulsion to put anything in front of Him.

When our relationships with God and people are affected in a negative way by something we think we can control, but we can't.

When we need more and more of something in order to feel good, but it is ruining our health, finances, relationships, our reputation, and we feel worse than ever. We think only a fix will fix it.

Anyone can be addicted to anything. The reward center in the brain is a powerful thing. Some addictions are more physically damaging than others, but the key is to look at our relationships to determine if there is a problem. If there are a lot of people telling us the same thing, perhaps we should listen. They are saying it because they care, not because they want you to feel bad.

There are a million ways to get help. It is all in the asking. Admitting that we are powerless is the first step and bowing down broken in front of God can work wonders! A prayer for those of you who are battling the demons of addiction:

Lord, you are almighty and powerful. My addiction is stronger than me, but it is not stronger than You. Help me to see what everyone else sees so clearly in my life. There is something that is controlling me, I am not controlling it. Provide me with the courage and the strength to seek help and follow through. God, You deserve better from me, my family and those close to me deserve my full attention. I deserve a chance to find happiness in Your Son, rather than in my own addiction of choice. I pray for others who are struggling as well. Thank you, Lord, for loving me through all of this! AMEN

John 1:1-5

Any Given Day: 16

Burdens

Many of us carry a heavy load of responsibility. We bear the weight of the world and pick up things to add to our "to do" list out of a sense of obligation and guilt. We are happy to take them on until it becomes time to actually get things accomplished.

Some of us didn't take it all on voluntarily. We don't have family nearby or our partners and friends are unavailable or unwilling to come to our assistance. We walk around heavy, distracted, and trying our best to keep all of the balls in the air. We get angry at those who have less to do than us. We end up resentful and overwhelmed...we feel guilty if we rest!

God asks us to rest. Jesus would draw away from the crowds to rest. God rested after creation. When we don't rest we aren't as good at what we need to do. It is easier said than done for some of us however!

Heavenly father I am weary from the responsibility and burdens that I carry. I feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Remind me God, that it is important for me to lay my burdens at Your feet and take some time to rest. Remove the sense of guilt, refresh my body and mind, and provide me with the tools and skills necessary to be productive and valuable to You. Thank you for providing me with the fruits of my labors and allowing me a day of rest. AMEN

Hebrews 4:8-11

Any Given Day: 15

Revenge:

Our first reaction to a perceived wrong against us is to retaliate. We want the person or persons who did this to us to pay. Our urge is to do something to make them feel our pain...and then some! If we act on our initial instinct, we may or not feel better. Depending on where your heart is, you may take great pride in your accomplishment. It may give you a warm fuzzy feeling each time you think about it.

If your heart is with God, however, you let the feeling pass. Sometimes we shove it down, other times we let it go, but the road to healing is understanding that vengeance in the Lord's, not ours. Broken relationships are littered with the actions and words of retaliation. It may make you feel better in the short term, but we are asked by God to love all people, not just the nice ones! Love, of course, is an action, not a feeling. Showing love to those who appear unloveable takes work, patience, and prayers. Here is a prayer for the next time someone does you wrong:

Heavenly Father, my human instinct is to inflict pain on those who inflict pain on me. An eye for an eye seems the only way to make me feel better. Please slow down my reaction to wrong doing long enough for me to see that revenge has no good ending. It is Your desire for us to love one another in Your name. You have forgiven our sins so that we may forgive others. Your Son was wronged more than anyone and He died when He could have retaliated. Give me the heart to turn the other cheek today! AMEN

Matthew 5:43-48

Any Given Day: 14

Loneliness.

At one point or another, we all feel a sense of being lonely. This is very different from being alone. Some people enjoy the quiet that comes with being alone and embrace it...

Many of us, however, feel lonely even in a room full of people. Many times we feel that people just don't understand what we are going through. We may feel that there is no support system or that we have been abandoned by people who said they loved us. We take it personally when people appear too busy to care. We feel there is no where to turn...

The reality is that we are never truly alone. God is always there. Waiting for us to turn to him with our troubles. He already knows our heart and our problems. He is a patient God who will wait for us to ask for help. A prayer for those who are feeling lost and alone:

God, my loneliness and sorrow are overwhelming me. I am seeking companionship in the human form, but what I really need is You. I am desperate to feel Your arms around me. I need to hear you say, "It's going to be OK." I long to hear the words "I love you." Stay beside me today as I go about my business. Remind me of Your Presence and the wonderful gift you have given us in Your Son. AMEN

Matthew 28:20

Any Given Day: 13

The only thing constant in life is change.

Why is it that we are so desperate for things to stay the same? We hang on to predictability for dear life and resist the evolution of time, technology, intelligence, and our hearts. "Somethings never change" we say cynically, but really, life is dynamic and ever changing.

We yearn to change others, however, which is quite ironic. We are frustrated because we want things to stay the same, yet we want people to change. Curious. God created the world in which we live to proceed and grow. He created us with temperaments and personalities and talents and flaws. Each of us unique in our special way.

God expects us to change ourselves for the better over time. He never asks us to change anyone else, just be there for them when they are ready to make them. We chafe when someone wishes to change us, and we feel rejected because they can't seem to love us just the way we are.

Embracing change in life is showing honor to the One who created it. Accepting people for how they are today shows maturity and patience. Loving some one's imperfectness and accepting them as they are is relationship success!

Dear Lord, I am fearful of the changes that are happening in my life. Please help me to accept what I cannot control. Help me to understand that everything is for the betterment of my life. Teach me how to accept others just as they are. Teach me to love them the way You do. Jesus was the only perfect person, He accepted His fate, and embraced the changes that lit up the world! AMEN

Matthew 3:8

Any Given Day: 12

Anger

There is a full spectrum of this emotion. We get angry in the car when someone turns in front of us or takes "our" parking spot. We get angry at the news on TV of the needless death and destruction that is happening in our world. We get angry at our family and friends for not meeting our needs, and we get angry at God because life is so unfair.

God Himself gets angry. He created the emotion. However, His is a righteous anger where ours is a selfish one. Our sense of entitlement and our opinions about what is right and wrong can overrule our conscious thought, and we react in a variety of unhealthy ways. Lashing out and withdrawing emotionally are the usual responses when anger flairs up. Most of the time, what sets us off is not what we are really mad about. It requires quite a bit of introspection to get to the bottom of what is making us so angry. (It isn't the driver in the other car)

Managing anger requires patience and practice. The refinement of the skill takes a lifetime to master. Recognizing when you are angry is the first step. Slowing down and stopping what comes next takes strength and planning. Exercise, prayer, breath control, meditation, and effective communication will all help. If you are angry today, pray the following:

Gracious God, I am angry today! My inner seething hurts as much as physical pain. Please show me the root cause of my anger. Give me the skill set to manage my anger so that it doesn't effect my relationship with others. I am tempted to lash out and say and do hurtful things! Stop me, Lord from doing and saying things I can't take back later. Please, God, show me the way to peace of heart today! With your Son at the center of my decisions, I trust you with my emotional self. May gentleness and kindness prevail. AMEN

Ephesians 4:26,27,31,32

Any Given Day: 11

Our God is a merciful one!

As we contemplate our lives, most of us have regrets. Somewhere along the way we have made poor judgements and bad decisions. If we could go back and change things we would all agree that we would. We "should " on ourselves quite a bit and wish things were different.

We need to remember that we are human and therefore imperfect. How we handle our mistakes is much more important in the long term than the actual error itself. Even though we reap what we sow, and let's face it, sometimes it is really ugly, we can rest assured that it could have been much worse.

God is a merciful God. He doesn't dish out punishment nearly as severe as He could if He wanted to. No, He would much rather spare our lives and grow us with experience and wisdom than strike us down. He loves us, He has blessed us, and it is up to us to see how gentle He has been with us! There were so many times that Jesus could have turned the tide, murdered His accusers, and been the judge and the jury. He chose to die with honor and humility so that we could live...

Lord, when I get tempted to feel sorry for myself because of the results of my bad choices, remind me that you have been gentle and merciful with me in the past. Thank you for kindness and compassion, you have saved me from my reckless behavior more times than I can count. Please continue to be gentle with me, and teach me to be merciful and gentle to others. AMEN

Psalm 89:1-2

Any Given Day: 10

Endurance.

The ability to maintain forward momentum on a chosen path, regardless of circumstance. The ability to endure is tested during hard times, particularly when another path would be so easy. Sometimes we refer to this path as the high road. Discipline and self control are necessary to stay the course. Just as a marathon runner doesn't give up all the hard work and training at the first sign of discomfort, neither should we give up what we know is right at the first sign of difficulty.

God is known for testing us. He wants to grow and become stronger through our perseverance and our pain. It brings us closer to him. When we reach out and ask for help from God and others it increases our chances for success. If we don't give up, and we keep going despite setbacks, disappointment, and hardship, we are richly rewarded both on earth and in heaven.

If you are tempted to give up on something important, pray these words:

Lord God, it would be easy to let go of the rope and give up today. If it is Your will for me to continue, please help me see the way. Light the path clearly, remove the debris in my way, and ease my struggle. You alone know what is best for me and I trust You to guide me in what is right. The road is narrow and difficult at times, but Your help can get me past the tough parts and propel me forward. No one had a tougher road than the one Jesus walked to His death, may that image give me strength and endurance. AMEN

Romans 5:3-5

Any Given Day: 9

Faith

The dictionary definition for Faith is:

1. a firm belief in something for which there is no proof

2. complete trust.

The biblical definition for Faith is:

"It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see." The entire chapter in Hebrews then goes on to recount historical details of people with faith. Example after example of unexplained miracles that transformed history because of faith in God.

We have such a difficult time with this sometimes. "In God We Trust" is written on the US money supply and it was the foundation of discovery and expansion of America. Yet we insist that we control our own destiny and we want to solve our problems that were originally brought about by our lack of faith.

Today, if you find yourself trying to do life without the guidance and support of the One who loves you most, don't waste time looking around for proof of His existence. Look around KNOWING his existence in all you see. Just because life is not going the way you would prefer it to, doesn't mean He isn't at work.

Heavenly Father, show me how to walk in faith today. Help me to know that You are beside me and you have my best interests at heart. May I hold my head up high and go about my business without needing proof that You exist, and believing that Jesus was who He said He was. Allow me to share my faith with others without fear of human retaliation. You are first, last, and always. AMEN

Hebrews 11:1-40

Any Given Day: 8

Worried about something? Someone once said that worry was negative meditation. Fixating on a problem without taking action is wasted energy, and affects your outlook and behavior. Fixating on stuff you can't control makes you miserable. We walk around heavy and it keeps us from being our best!

There is always something you can do, however!

Pray about it. God asks us to come to Him in times of trouble. The bible is full of stories of historical figures, both important and insignificant, who come to God with their troubles and are granted answers, comforted, or issues are resolved. Solutions may not come immediately, or in the form we would like them to, but crying out in faith can work miracles! God has his reasons for things. Trusting that He not only heard you, but cares about you, is key. He knows your heart, He already knows your desires and needs. He is waiting to hear from you so you can grow in you faith in Him and His Son.

Lord, my troubles are wearing me down. I am worried and upset. I have little control over the burdens I carry. Please take them from me today. Give me the ability to walk in faith knowing that you have my best interests at heart. I trust in You and Your son, AMEN

2 Phillipians 6-7

Any Given Day: 7

The words we say can not be taken back. We know how it feels to be on the receiving end of harsh words. Sometimes the words are intended to hurt in a purposeful and ugly way. Other times, the words are meant to assist us in seeing what we are missing.

Regardless, the truth hurts and the lies hurt more. We take it personally, and retaliate or withdraw, depending on our tempermant and situation. This is universal. It takes many years of practice (and a whole lot of Godliness) to master the art of verbal self control or subsequent reaction to someone else's hurtfulness.

We have all said things we wish we could take back, and we have all heard things that ring in our ears...sometimes for years. Only God can assist us in moving forward in our ability to control our words and our reactions to others.

God, we all need verbal self-control. Whether our intentions are good or bad, stop the words before they come out. Guide us on the appropriate way to communicate. Help us to let go of the anger that is creating hostility. Quiet the voices in our head that repeat what has been said to us. The ones satan wants us to remember. May we hear only Your loving kindness, may we share that with others. In Jesus Name, AMEN

Proverbs 15:1 and 4

Any Given Day: 6

Sorrow.

We have all experienced the emotion of sadness. It seems to just hang there, ever present, sometimes. You may feel it due to a situation you can not control, a loss of a person or a relationship, and sometimes for no particular reason at all. It is always accompanied by it's evil twin, the sense of hopelessness. You can see it in another person's body language and in their eyes.

Today, God wants you to know that it is ok to be sad. In fact He created the emotion and He Himself feels it. How could He not?

Accepting sorrow is difficult, especially for those of us whose job it is to be cheerful. It can and should be embraced and recognized, but it should not have the power to paralyze you...

If today you are sad, or you know someone who is, pray this:

Heavenly Father, sorrow is a dark and lonely place. Help me to understand the emotion and accept it as something that is felt, not something that defines the person. For those struggling with profound sadness, for any reason, may they feel Your comforting arms around them. I pray for peace in our hearts today. Please allow the gift of time, and Your Love, to pull me through the darkest days and closer to You. Jesus wept, and it is ok for us to as well...AMEN

2 Corinthians 8:10

Any Given Day: 5

Obedience. Seems like a bad word. When you are a child, you are expected to be obedient. Obedient to your parents, your teachers, and whomever else is in charge. Some of us were more obedient than others...many of us rebel at some point along the way to adulthood.

As you grow older, you begin to realize that you can make a conscious decision whether to be obedient, and who or what to be obedient to. We tend to make our own decisions based on what feels good without thought to what God wants for us. We experience pain, suffering, humiliation, defeat, broken relationships, addictions, and all kinds of trouble.

When we turn back to God, he heals us over time. If we continue to be obedient, He rewards us with peace in our heart. To the outside world we may not seem very successful, and many will doubt our faith... but if we obey God to the best of our ability, we can put worry, shame, and selfishness away. Stop rebelling because you think you know what is best for you and listen to what God has to say! Today, ask him to lead the way and then follow!

Dear Lord, humans have been rebellious since the dawn of mankind and I am no different. Forgive me for my past mistakes and my personal rebellion. You know, better than I, what is best for me. Please provide the guidance and the discipline necessary to stay close to Your plan for me! Jesus walked to His death with obedience and without complaint. Give me the strength and the character that comes from You and You alone today. Amen

Romans 6:16

Any Given Day: 4

Judging others...we all do it. We all know what it feels like to be judged. When you are judged unfairly, it hurts and we take it to heart. We immediately get defensive.

Judgement is always based in fear. Judgement is usually made without proper information. Human judgement comes from Satan.

There is only one Judge. He is divine and He alone will do all the judging. He wants you to know that you can stop trying to do His job now. He also wants you to stop taking other people's judgements personally. They aren't really judging you as much as they are deflecting their own lack of self-worth and projecting that forward on to whomever is available.

Jesus walked among the lepers and ate dinner with the sinners, then He was judged, and died a horrible death because of human fear.

The day will come when we are all judged by the One who is most qualified. Until that time, let us live a life He will be proud of. Today, let's catch ourselves as we point fingers and make assumptions that are not productive. Today, let's turn out energy toward making ourselves better instead of tearing someone else down.

Dear Lord, strike the harsh judgments against others from my thoughts today. Guide my actions so that I may show unconditional love for my fellow man. Help me to live righteously without the righteous attitude! In Jesus name, Amen.

1 Corinthians 4:5

Any Given Day: 3

Some days you wake up already feeling beaten. The day hasn't started yet, and you already want to go back to bed. Nobody promised that each day was going to be fun or easy, but God does promise to be there and never turn His back. Our most powerful strength comes from Him and Him alone. If we learn to let go of the things we can't control and rely on Him for our needs, we can believe that this valley we feel stuck in is only temporary.

God has your best interests at heart, He loves you, and it is painful for Him to watch you suffer. He wants to help. Ask Him for assistance today!

Heavenly Father, I can not undo the things that have been done. I do not control the future, and I can not control other people. I will leave it to You today. Walk me through this day with your arms around me, lead me in my thoughts, words, and deeds. Take my burdens and carry them, just as Jesus carried that cross, so that I may have the energy to do what needs to be done. AMEN

Psalm 121

Any Given Day: 2

Graciousness does not come easily to most of us during hard times. The ability to maintain composure in the midst of controversy and chaos requires perspective and self control. Treating others with kindness and respect when things aren't going well is a skill that few of us can master without some Divine assistance.

Using manners in the heat of an argument is almost impossible, but it is important that we try, particularly with people that we Love.

Love is an action verb, not an adjective or an abstract feeling. It is tangible. Acting in a hateful and hurtful manner creates more ugliness and never solves the problem. In fact, it creates more of a mess to clean up.

Today, as our ability to be gracious is tested, let us pray...

Dear God, may Your light show me the way to Grace today. I pray that I can hold my head up, smile, and be generous, kind, and loving to friends and foes alike. Thank you for sending Jesus to be our example of what it means to love unconditionally. Amen

Matthew 5:22

Any Given Day: 1

He is a Loving God.

That's what He wants you to know today. You are His creation and you are most loved! You are made in His image with the same emotions and frustrations He has. Not only did He not kill off our species that He so lovingly created, He sent His Son to die for us!

He isn't mad at you. He wants you to turn to Him. He thinks you are beautiful! You were created for His Glory, not man's. His kindness and graciousness surround you if you know what to look for. Today, turn to Him and say these words...

"Dear Lord, You are my creator, the creator of Heavens and the Earth. Thank you for loving me enough to send your Son. I am worthy of love even in the most difficult and confusing of circumstances. Cover me in your gracious love today! AMEN

John 3:16