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